AI SummaryState Young Scientist Awards is a recognition program by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) that honors talented young scientists for their work in science and technology. The scheme supports researchers who live and work in Kerala with cash prizes, research grants, and international exposure for their new projects.
Kerala government has kept this award open every year through a public notification. Young scientists of Indian origin who hold a Ph.D. and have worked independently in the state for the last three years can get nominated for the award. The selection is done by an expert committee after a detailed review of the research work.
State Young Scientist Awards - Introduction
State Young Scientist Awards by the KSCSTE celebrate and encourage the bright minds of young scientists. The award recognizes outstanding contributions in any branch of science and technology that comes under the council's scope. Research carried out independently by young scientists working in Kerala for the last three years is considered for the award.
If you are an Indian scientist with a Ph.D. and have been doing independent, high-quality research in Kerala for at least three years, this scheme is for you. The main aim is to find and support research that improves the science scene of the state. A nomination from authorized people such as Vice-Chancellors of universities, Directors of R&D centres, or Heads of Departments is required. Self-nominations are not accepted.
Once submitted, a nomination stays valid for three years or until the nominee crosses the age limit, whichever comes first. A dedicated expert committee reviews all entries to make sure the selection process is fair and clear.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | State Young Scientist Awards |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications |
| Nodal Department | Science and Technology Department |
| Implementing Agency | Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment |
| Cash Prize | ₹50,000 |
| Research Grant | Up to ₹50 lakhs |
| Official Website | kscste.kerala.gov.in |
Benefits
When you win this award, you get these honors:
- A formal certificate and a cash prize of ₹50,000.
- A chance to get a research grant of up to ₹50 lakhs, subject to approval by an expert committee after you submit a project proposal.
- Support for an international visit to present your findings at a global conference within three years of receiving the award.
Eligibility
To get nominated, you should meet these conditions:
- Hold a Ph.D. degree with at least three years of post-doctoral research experience.
- Have worked without a break in an R&D or academic institution within Kerala for the last three years.
- Be no older than 37 years as on 31st December of the year the award is announced.
Application Process
This is an offline nomination process. Applications are invited every year through a public notification. Make sure your documents are complete, as incomplete applications are not accepted.
Nomination Procedure
STEP 1 - Keep an eye on the official advertisement released every year on the KSCSTE website. The notification gives the last date and the format to follow.
STEP 2 - Ask an authorized person to nominate you. This includes Vice-Chancellors of universities, Directors of research institutes, Heads of Institutions and Departments, or Principals of colleges with approved research centres. Fellows of national science academies are also allowed to nominate.
STEP 3 - Submit the nomination in the given format along with all required supporting documents to The Scientist in Charge (KSYSA), KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom P.O., Thiruvananthapuram - 695004.
Selection Procedure
STEP 1 - A screening committee checks your profile against strict criteria.
STEP 2 - If you are shortlisted, you get an invitation to present your research work.
STEP 3 - You receive an individual notification by email if you are selected as an awardee.
STEP 4 - The awards are presented by the Chief Minister during the Kerala Science Congress. As an awardee, you present your work during the plenary session.
Contact Details
The Scientist in Charge (KSYSA), KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004. Phone: +91 471 2548214.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for your nomination:
- Valid identity proof.
- Educational qualification certificates.
- Post-doctoral experience certificate.
- Proof of three years of continuous working experience in a Kerala-based R&D or academic institution.
- Age proof.
- Ph.D. degree certificate.
- Detailed records of your research publications or patents.
References
Official Website | Scheme Guidelines | English Notification | Malayalam Notification
FAQ's
What is State Young Scientist Awards?
This scheme is a KSCSTE initiative to honor talented young scientists who have made outstanding contributions in their branches of science and technology.
Which agency implements this scheme?
The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) manages the implementation.
Who is eligible for these awards?
Indian scientists holding a Ph.D. who have been working independently in Kerala for at least three years are eligible.
What is the minimum qualification required?
Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree and have three years of post-doctoral experience.
Is there a specific work experience rule?
Yes, you must have been working without a break in an R&D or academic institution in Kerala for the last three years.
What is the maximum age limit for applicants?
You should not be more than 37 years old as on 31st December of the notification year.
What is the cash prize amount?
Selected awardees receive a certificate and a cash prize of ₹50,000.
Are there additional research grants available?
Yes, you may qualify for a research grant of up to ₹50 lakhs after an expert committee reviews your project proposal.
Can awardees get support for international travel?
Yes, you can be considered for a visit abroad to present your research at a conference within three years of receiving the award.
How can a candidate get nominated?
Nominations are made by authorized officials like Vice-Chancellors, Directors of research institutes, or Fellows of recognized National Science Academies. Self-nominations are not accepted.
How does the selection process work?
An expert committee performs a detailed review and evaluation, followed by an invitation for a research presentation for successful candidates.
Who can I contact for queries?
You can reach out to The Scientist in Charge (KSYSA), KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram at 0471-2548214.