ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund

Scientific Projects supported and implemented by ASEAN

• R&D projects on Thermal Sprayed Ceramic-Based Coatings
• R&D project on the Transfer of Alien Invasive Organisms in South East Asia Region
• Training Course for members of ASEAN countries on "Analysis of Chemicals and Biological Contaminants in Raw and Processed Products"
• R&D project entitled "The Indian Ocean Dipole Mode, El Nino Southern Oscillation" (ENSO) and Monsoon Interactions and their Socio-Economic Impacts on India-ASEAN Nations
• ASEAN-India Science and Technology Digital Library
• Training program on "Quality System in Manufacturing"
• Participation of ASEAN school children in India's National Children Science Congress (NCSC)
• Thematic technology mission on functional food, renewable energy, marine biotechnology, ASEAN food conference are organised

Fellowship Areas Available for R&D

The following areas shall be priority areas for AISTDF

• Agricultural Sciences
• Biological and Medical Sciences
• Chemical Sciences and Engineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics
• Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Engineering Sciences
• Materials, Minerals and Metallurgy
• Technology Transfer and Commercialisation
• Science Technology and Innovation

Conditions to Avail the Grant

• The project should cover only on the areas allotted by ASEAN
• The applicant shall process the project through the Evaluation committee approved  by the AISTDF
• Funds required for the project should be mentioned in INR as the funds will be released by India
• The funds shall be released to support the mobility of researchers. However, funds shall also be released for scientific human resources, chemicals, consumables and Indian lead project investigator
• The fund will support mobility facilities such as international airfare at a lower economy rate, visa fees, overseas medical insurance, domestic travel for projects
• The applicant can claim up to 3 international travel expenses and living costs, travelled to ASEAN countries
• The travel visit days can be extended from 21 to 60 days
• One participant shall be allowed for one visit per year

Financial Assistance

AISTDF shall provide Rs.0.5 Million for accessories and minor components AISTDF shall provide Rs.0.3 Million for chemicals and consumables AISTDF shall provide Rs.50,000 per months for allowances and AISTDF shall provide Rs.40,000 per month for research expenses For living expenses in other countries, the following grant shall be released

S. No.	Applicable to	Designation Required	Amount Allotted
1	Senior Researcher	PhD degree holders Should hold regular positions at respective Institute or University	Rs.6000 (per day)
2	Junior Researcher	PhD and Post Doctorate	Rs.5000 (per day)

Project Duration

The project duration can be 24-36 months. Projects can be extended up to 3 years on prior approval. However, the fund shall be provided if the project extends beyond three years.

Application Deadline for Project Proposals

For proposing the projects, the Department of Science and Technology has not set any deadlines. The applications can be submitted during any time of the year. But for technical evaluation and processing the project, the process begins on 1st of January, April, July and October.

Evaluation

• ASEAN and India shall evaluate the project proposals
• Outcome of the proposed project based on scientific and technological merit and proposed exchanged activities
• Feasibility for outcomes and release of funds for the proposed approach
• Expertise and quality of the research in two corresponding laboratories or institutes
• Qualifications and experience of applicants for the proposed project
• Potential benefits through the proposed activities or projects for establishing research partnerships and institutional links between ASEAN MS and India
• Creating opportunities for follow-on collaborative activities

The results shall be notified by the Department of Science and Technology to the participants applied through India. The results shall be announced after four months after the submission of the project proposal.

Eligibility

• The applicant should be a citizen of any ASEAN countries
• Should have a Masters Degree in Natural Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Medicine or in any equivalent degree
• The applicant should be associated with a National R&D or academic institution in any of the ASEAN countries
• The age limit for the applicant should be 45 years
• Indian nationals cannot apply for the Fellowship
• The project should hold scientists working as a faculty member at an institution recognised by an Indian or ASEAN institute

Submission of the Project

• The applicant should attach all the required documents as per Annexure-I and Annexure-II. The documents should be sent through the mail to the Department of Science and Technology.
• Copy of relevant pages of Passport
• Copy of an endorsement from the present employer, filled and signed with Signature of the applicant
• A copy of the letter from any Indian scientist or institution with consent that the applicant works at the facility
• All the application must be typed
• All the documents should be communicated through mail only