Deadline: 31-Jul-2025
Applications are now open for the Inclusivity Research Grant, aimed at supporting researchers from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities to conduct research in cutting-edge areas of science and engineering. The grant seeks to provide a platform for these researchers to build their capacity and transition into mainstream research programs. The IRG replaces the former Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science (EMEQ) scheme from SERB, offering enhanced support and more flexible funding rules.
Funding of up to ₹60 lakh plus overheads is available for a period of three years. The grant offers flexibility in using resources, including manpower recruitment and recurring expenses. It also provides enhanced allowances for travel, contingencies, overhead charges, and covers costs related to open access publications and patent filings. International travel related to the project is also permitted.
To be eligible, applicants must be Indian nationals and active researchers from the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category, employed full-time at academic institutions, national labs, or recognized R&D institutions in science or engineering fields. They must hold a PhD in Science or Engineering, or an MD/MS/MDS degree. Applicants should have at least four years of service remaining before retirement at the time of proposal submission.
Researchers currently holding ongoing IRG or EMEQ projects cannot apply, and co-investigators are not permitted under this scheme. Each investigator can receive IRG funding up to three times during their career, including any prior EMEQ projects.
Applications must include the following documents in PDF format: biodata (uploaded under the user profile section), a certificate from the principal investigator, an endorsement letter from the head of the institution, a category certificate, and a plagiarism undertaking.
For more information, visit ANRF.