Young Investigators Programme in Biotechnology

Description
The programme “Young Investigator’s Programme in Biotechnology YIPB ” is a research support programme that aims to provide quick research support to young researchers to pursue their ideas in newly emerging and front-line areas of research in Biotechnology. The scheme is implemented by Kerala Biotechnology Commission, KSCSTE to provide quick research support to young scientists to pursue their bright ideas in newly emerging and front-line areas of research in Biotechnology. Proposals can be submitted in any branch of biotechnology related to medical, agriculture, veterinary, environment, marine, industrial or bio-resources. Post-doctoral students/Research Associates not having permanent positions can also be Principal Investigator provided a senior faculty/scientist holding permanent positions shall associate as Co-Principal Investigator. A maximum research grant of ₹30 lakh will be provided to the selected projects for a maximum duration of 3 years. Grants will be paid for specific projects to cover expenditure on manpower, equipment, consumables, contingencies and travel.

Benefits
• Young Scientists without fellowship/salary are eligible for a fellowship of ₹45,000/- plus 10% HRA per month, in addition to the support for travel, contingency, consumables, and minor equipment.
• A Principal Investigator having a regular position can seek manpower.
• Maximum support up to ₹30 lakhs (excluding overhead charges @ 10% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of ₹ 1.0 lakh) for a period not exceeding three years.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should possess a Ph.D. in any branch of Life Sciences.
2. The applicant should possess three years of post-doctoral experience in Biotechnology.
3. The applicant should be less than 40 years of age.
4. **Note:** Five years of relaxation in age would be available to scientists belonging to SC/ST/OBC, Women, and Physically Handicapped categories.

Required Documents
• Identity proof of applicant
• Passport size photographs
• Educational certificates
• Community Certificate for SC/ST/OBC applicants (If applicable)
• Disability certificate (If applicable)
• Experience certificate (If applicable)
• [Endorsement Form](https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/YIPB_endorsement_22.pdf)
• Any other document, as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Young Investigator’s Programme in Biotechnology”?
A: The programme "Young Investigator's Programme in Biotechnology (YIPB)" is a research support programme that aims to provide quick research support to young researchers to pursue their ideas in newly emerging and front-line areas of research in Biotechnology.

Q: Which is the implementing agency of this programme?
A: Kerala Biotechnology Commission, KSCSTE.

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the programme?
A: The applicant having a Ph.D. in any branch of Life Sciences with three years of post-doctoral experience in Biotechnology is eligible to apply under the programme.

Q: What is the age criterion to apply under the programme?
A: The applicant should be less than 40 years of age.

Q: Is there any relaxation in the age for the reserved category?
A: Yes, five years of relaxation in age would be available to scientists belonging to SC/ST/OBC, Women, and Physically Handicapped categories.

Q: What is the monthly remuneration given to young scientists?
A: Young Scientists without fellowship/salary are eligible for a fellowship of [?]45,000/- plus 10% HRA per month, in addition to the support for travel, contingency, consumables, and minor equipment.

Q: How much will the maximum support be given under the programme?
A: Maximum support up to [?]30 lakhs (excluding overhead charges @ 10% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of [?] 1.0 lakh) for a period not exceeding three years.

Q: In which branch of biotechnology proposal can be submitted?
A: Proposals can be submitted in any branch of biotechnology related to medical, agriculture, veterinary, environment, marine, industrial or bio-resources.

Q: How can an applicant apply for the programme?
A: Applications are invited through advertisement or notification on the website of the Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC) and KSCSTE once a year. The Proposals can be submitted online only on the notification and during the active time.

Q: Can I submit the proposal offline mode also?
A: No, the proposals submitted in offline mode will not be considered and summarily rejected.

Q: Where can I contact regarding the programme?
A: The applicant may contact at following address:
The Scientist-in-charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE),
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004
Telephone: (0471) 2548254, 2548406
E-mail: [email protected]