Biotechnology Career Advancement And Re-orientation Programme For Women Scientists in Nashik
BIOCARE
Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India
Guidance for businesses in Nashik
Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme, a special scheme of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, the government of India aims to enhance the participation of women scientists in India towards research in Biotechnology.
At a glance
- Category-I
- Ph.D. (Life Sciences/allied)/MD/MDS/M.V.Sc.
- Category-II
- M.Tech (Biotech/allied)/MPharma/equivalent
- Duration
- 3 years
Benefits
Date of Commencement & Duration: The project duration is three (3) years, specified in the sanction order. The project starting date is effective from the date the candidate joins the Institution, but within 45 days from the date of issuance of the sanction order. Successful candidates must join their host institution within 45 days, or else the sanction is withdrawn.
Category-I (Ph.D. in Life Sciences/allied areas/interdisciplinary sciences/MD/MDS/M.V.Sc.): Research Grant restricted up to ₹60,00,000 (includes a consolidated Fellowship of ₹68,000/month).
Category-II (M.Tech in Biotechnology/allied areas/MPharma/equivalent degree): Research Grant restricted up to ₹40,00,000 (includes a consolidated Fellowship of ₹50,000/month).
Eligibility
- Eligible Areas for Financial Support: Animal and Marine Biotechnology; Bioengineering and Biomaterials; Medical Biotechnology; Environmental Biotechnology and Bioenergy; Plant and Agriculture Biotechnology (or allied areas).
- Employment: Candidates in regular or permanent employment are not eligible. Women scientists in temporary research/academic positions may apply but must leave their earlier assignment if a project is approved. Candidates who have already received extramural funding as PI from any Govt./Government-supported funding agency are not eligible (it should be their first sanctioned, independent research project).
- Age: The woman scientist should be up to/below 55 years, as of the last date of submission of the application.
- Educational Qualification — Category-I: Women scientists who have completed a Ph.D. in any discipline of Life Sciences/allied areas/interdisciplinary sciences/MD/MDS/M.V.Sc. Category-II: Women scientists who have completed M.Tech in Biotechnology/allied areas/MPharma/equivalent degree. (Candidates registered in Ph.D. and receiving any fellowships are not eligible.)
- For the Mentor: A permanent employee at the Host Institute, not a spouse or relative of the applicant, with at least 5 years of service remaining and at least three ongoing and/or four successfully completed extramural research projects (as PI) in the last five years; the project must be the applicant's own initiative, not an extension of the Mentor's research.
- For the Institution: A government-supported/government-funded institution (central/state universities, autonomous institutions, private universities/institutes, etc.) or an Indian 'non-profit' institution, adhering to DBT guidelines.
Documents required
- Aadhaar Number
- Proof of Identity (Govt. issued)
- Proof of Address (Govt. issued)
- Brief About the Proposal
- Brief of the Mentor
- Caste Certificate (If SC/ST/OBC)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- DOB Certificate (Birth Certificate, etc.)
- Proof of all Educational Qualifications (Degree Certificate and Marksheets)
- Proof of passing any National-level examinations (NET-CSIR/NET-UGC/GATE/DBT-JRF/ICAR-JRF/IIT-JAM, etc.) (if applicable)
- Information regarding Achievements of the Applicant (e.g. publications, dissertations, patents, books, chapters, etc.)
- Declaration by the Candidate
How to apply
Advertisement for Inviting Applications: The BioCARe programme is advertised on the PMU and the Department of Biotechnology website. Candidates apply through the link created on the website (applications through any other mode are rejected). The process requires one full application with two parts — Part A (General Information of the Applicant) and Part B (research proposal, budget, and regulatory details). Selection Process: (a) Eligible applications are screened by an Expert Committee based on novelty, scientific merit, experience and qualification of the applicant and mentor, publications record, and the infrastructure of the host institution. (b) Shortlisted applicants submit their full proposal for peer review and then present it to the Expert Committee. (c) Once technically approved, a formal sanction order is issued as per the Expert Committee's recommendations, with the total project cost based on the latest equipment quotations and other documents. Post-selection, applicants cannot use the programme for Ph.D./higher studies, must resign from any concurrent postdoctoral/contractual fellowship, cannot hold another concurrent Fellowship/Grant/Award, must spend 100% of research time on the project, and must indicate post-qualifying experience and any non-research career break with evidence.
About the scheme
The Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme is a special scheme of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, that enhances the participation of women scientists in biotechnology research. It funds a woman scientist's first sanctioned, independent research project for three years, providing a strong foothold into the scientific profession and a launch pad for further work in science and technology.
Why it matters
- Women in Science:
- Supports re-entry and advancement.
- Large Grants:
- Up to ₹60 lakh for research.
- Fellowship:
- ₹50,000–₹68,000/month consolidated.
- First Project:
- Funds the first independent research.
Focus areas
- Biotechnology Research:
- Animal, medical, plant, environmental biotech.
- Women Scientists:
- Career advancement and re-orientation.
- Independent Projects:
- Mentored, first-time research grants.
Is this scheme right for you?
BioCARe gives women scientists a substantial, mentored research grant to launch their first independent biotechnology project and re-enter the scientific mainstream. If you are a woman scientist under 55 with the required qualifications and no prior PI funding, this programme can fund your research career.
Frequently asked questions
What Is The Full Name Of The "BioCARe" Scheme?
The full name of "BioCARe" Scheme is "Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation".
Who Is The Implementing Agency?
On the behalf of Department of Biotechnology, this program is being managed by the Processing and Management Unit (PMU) established at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi.
What Are The Objectives Of This Scheme?
Through this endeavor of the Department, a concerted effort would be made to give women scientists a strong foothold into the scientific profession, to help them re-enter the mainstream, and to provide a launch pad for further forays into the field of science and technology.
What Shall Be The Duration Of The Project?
The duration of the project is of three (3) years and is specified in the sanction order.
Within What Timeframe Is The Candidate Required To Join Their Host Institution?
The successful candidates have to join their host institution within 45 days from the date of issuance of the sanction order, or else it would be withdrawn.
How Much Shall Be The Research Grant In Case The Candidate Has A Ph.D. In Any Discipline Of Life Sciences Or Allied Areas Or Interdisciplinary Sciences /MD/MDS/M.V.Sc.?
In case the candidate has a Ph.D. in any discipline of Life Sciences or allied areas or interdisciplinary sciences /MD/MDS/M.V.Sc., the Research Grant shall be up to ₹60,00,000 (includes consolidated Fellowship of ₹68,000/month).
How Much Shall Be The Research Grant In Case The Candidate Has A M.Tech. In Biotechnology Or Allied Areas / MPharma/ Equivalent Degree?
In case the candidate has a Ph.D. in any discipline of Life Sciences or allied areas or interdisciplinary sciences /MD/MDS/M.V.Sc., the Research Grant shall be up to ₹40,00,000 (Includes consolidated Fellowship of ₹50,000/month).
Which Research Areas Are Eligible For Financial Support?
Eligible Areas for Financial Support: 1. Animal and Marine Biotechnology or allied areas. 2. Bioengineering and Biomaterials or allied areas. 3. Medical Biotechnology or allied areas. 4. Environmental Biotechnology and Bioenergy or allied areas. 5. Plant and Agriculture Biotechnology or allied areas.
Are The Candidates In Regular Or Permanent Employment Eligible?
No, the candidates in regular or permanent employment are not eligible to apply for BioCARe.
Is There Any Age-Related Criterion For This Scheme?
Yes, the woman scientist should be upto/below 55 years, as of the last date of the submission of the application.
Can The Candidates Who Are Registered In Ph.D. And Receiving Any Fellowships Apply?
No, the candidates who are registered in Ph.D. and receiving any fellowships are not eligible to apply.
Can The Mentor Be The Spouse Or Relative Of The Applicant?
No, the Mentor cannot be a permanent employee at the Host Institute and should not be a spouse or relative of the applicant.
How Many Remaining Years Of Service Should The Mentor Have?
The Mentor must have at least 5 years of service remaining.
What Types Of Institutions Are Eligible For This Scheme?
An applicant can submit his application for a research grant from a government-supported/government funded (such as central universities, state universities, autonomous institutions, Private Universities/Institutes etc.) or an Indian "non-profit" Institution.
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