The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has invited applications for KSCSTE Research Fellowships in various disciplines for the year 2014- 2015.

The Council has also announced six fellowships for science writers. The annual grant for P T Bhaskara Panicker Fellowship for Science Writing and Communication, Senior Fellowships for Science Writing and Communication and Junior Fellowship for Science Writing and Communication will be Rs 25,000, 20,000 and 16,000 respectively. In addition, a traineeship in science journalism is also available.

The Kerala Biotechnology Commission under KSCSTE has also invited applications from eligible young researchers in six subjects under biotechnology stream and for a Post Doctoral Fellowship in biochemistry.

The various subjects include Young Investigators Programme for Biotechnology (YIPB), Industry-Linked Biotechnology Research Scheme (IBRS), Biotechnology Innovation for Rural Development (BIRD), Biotechnology Training and Workshop (BTW), Biotechnology for Young Entrepreneurs (BYE) and Kerala Biotechnology Re-entry Fellowship (K-BIREF).

With an aim to attract more women to Women Science Development researches, KSCSTE has announced financial assistance for projects like Back to Lab project, Vocational Skill-oriented Reinstate Training (VSORT) and assistance for awareness programmes.

Moreover, the Council has introduced projects like Student Talent and Aptitude for Research in Science (STAR) and Students’ Programme in Excellence in Experimental Design (SPEED) with an objective to support and encourage students in science investigations and to make them aware of the possibilities of science education.

The last date to apply for Prathiba Scholarships for the winners of higher secondary examination is September 30.

Applications are also invited from candidates who are willing to apply for Selective Augmentation of Research and Development (SARD) Scheme. As per the scheme, candidates get an average of Rs 40 lakh for three years. The amount thus granted must be utilised to buy science equipment and for renovations of labs. Post-graduates in teaching and researchers can apply for financial assistance under the SARD scheme. Applications for these projects must reach the council on or before July 31. For more details visit: wwww.kscste.kerala.gov.in.