The Centre is all set to launch a first-of-its-kind program next month wherein foreign and NRI scientists can work in the country’s scientific institutions for a period of one to three months.
The program titled ‘Visiting Advanced Joint Research’ (VAJRA) is aimed at encouraging top scientists to work in India and guide doctorate and post-doctorate students.
The aim of the program is to expose the students to global research culture. The scientists selected under this program will be a cut above the rest in their respective fields. The faculty will be physically available for 1-3 months in the Indian institutions, but will maintain an adjunct faculty status round the year.
The scientists under the VAJRA program would draw a salary of $15,000 in the first month and $10,000 each in the remaining months. The number of scientists under the program has been capped at 1,000.
The government currently runs a program under ‘Ramanujan Fellowship’. However, it is aimed at attracting Indian students and doctors working abroad. The period of the fellowship is five years.
