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India Belgium Networking call 2021

Deadline: 17-Sep-21

Within the framework of the Agreement between Belgium and India on cooperation in the fields of science and technology and the fifth ‘Joint Commission’ meeting on 18th January 2021, it was decided to organize the 4th call for proposals for networking activities by the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO), the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Indian Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

This Networking call co-funded by both parties aims at supporting exchanges that leverage long term research cooperation between multiple Belgian and Indian Research institutions, based on existing infrastructure, with significant impact on a priority research area.

Focus Areas

  • Focus areas with DST:
    • Space, including astronomy, solar physics and remote sensing
    • Marine sciences (Except Bio concept)
    • Geology
    • Cybersecurity
  • Focus areas with DBT
    • Marine biotechnology (organisms for industrial use, bioprospecting for bioactive compounds from marine microorganisms, algae, seaweeds, fish and crustacean farming);
    • Life sciences with focus on micro-organisms (Anti-Microbial Resistance with One Health approach and environmental-bioremediation).

Funding Information

The maximum budget per proposal to be granted to the Belgian partner is 35.000 EUR or up to Rs. 35 Lakhs to Indian partner.

What kind of activities will be supported?

  • The networking activities may include the organisation of a joint seminar or workshop, experts’ visits, joint lab or joint field exchanges.
  • They should aim to enhance the scientific cooperation between the researchers of the partnering institutions in both countries and to contribute to a sustainable cooperation (e.g. via joint research projects) beyond the period of networking.
  • The added value for both partners should be explicit in the proposals.
  • They propose a maximum for involved partners: 5 (if relevant, preferable balanced at both sides).
  • Duration of projects: 2 to 3 years maximum.
  • Start of the networking activities: January 2022.
  • End of the networking activities: December 2025 (at latest).

Eligibility Criteria

  • For BELSPO, networking proposals may be submitted by Belgian university institutions, public scientific institutions, non-profit research centres. The participation of Federal Scientific Institutions is encouraged. For equal scientific quality of submitted proposals, the preference will be given to consortiums with participation of Federal Scientific Institutions.
  • For India, academician and scientists who already have grants on research project funded by science funding agencies.

How will the proposals be selected?

  • Once the call is closed and all proposals are examined according to the eligibility criteria the eligible proposals are subjected to an evaluation process. Proposals will be evaluated both in Belgium and in India; BELSPO and DST/DBT will organize parallel evaluations. In accordance with the principle of scientific excellence, with the quality of the network and the adequacy of resources and with the added value of the proposal in general, the final selection will be jointly made by DST/DBT and BELSPO. BELSPO will inform the Belgian applicants of the joint selection. DST/DBT will inform the Indian applicants of the joint selection.
  • Other requirements:
    • One PI/Coordinator each from India and Belgium.
    • Additional Co-PIs/Partners (up to 5) on each side are also allowed.
    • The Coordinator and Partners should be either scientists or faculty members employed by government-recognized universities, academic institutes, or national research and development laboratories or institutes. The Coordinator and the Partners must have proven high scientific reputation.
    • Proposals must be submitted by each scientific Coordinator, who will be wholly responsible for the project and in charge of distributing financial resources among partners according to the established plan of activities.
    • The project must be clearly centred on a well-defined research activity with wide perspectives and potential applications.
    • The Networks call do not imply the creation of new physical infrastructures (e.g. research facilities, buildings) but are network-based projects whose purpose is to join forces to face common scientific and technological challenges as well as to stimulate fresh interaction for long term even beyond the call duration.
    • All partners must have an intellectual and financial stake in the activities.
    • Proof of existing financial resources available to cover the costs of infrastructure and equipment has to be provided with the proposal.

For more information, visit https://dst.gov.in/callforproposals/india-belgium-networking-call-2021

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