Introduction

The Ministry of Education, Research and Innovation Division, Government of Sri Lanka and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India have renewed their Programme of Cooperation (PoC) in Science and Technology. This joint call invites Indian and Sri Lankan scientists/researchers to submit proposals for Bilateral Workshops in various areas of science and technology. The program aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two countries.

Scope of Work

The call for proposal invites proposals for joint S&T workshops in areas such as Food Technology, Plant-based medicines, Robotics & Automation, Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Information and Communication Technology, Sustainable Agriculture, Aerospace Engineering, Big data analysis, Artificial intelligence, and any other area of S&T with national relevance. The workshops should have a co-organizer from both India and Sri Lanka and should be for participants from both countries.

Eligibility

The call is open to Indian and Sri Lankan scientists/researchers. Proposals must be submitted jointly by a counterpart team in each country, with a Team Leader from each country submitting the application to their respective Implementing Agency. Applications must be identical and endorsed by the competent authority.

Budget and Duration

The maximum budget per project is INR 7 Lakhs for the Indian side and 2.5 Million Sri Lankan Rupees for the Sri Lankan side. Funding will cover international return economy airfare for participants, medical and travel insurance, local hospitalities, and local organizational expenses. The workshop should be organized within 12 months of receiving the funds.

Additional Information

The host country is expected to have a larger number of participants than the visiting country. There shall be only one Co-PI, who must be from the Institution of PI. The Co-PI is compulsory for each side. The PI needs to submit a tentative schedule and list of speakers along with the proposal.

Key Dates

• Starting date of Call: 01 September 2024 (IST)

• Closing date of Call: 15 October 2024, 5:30 PM (IST)

Application Process

• For Sri Lanka applicants: Submit the completed Application Form and all relevant attachments to motrird[at]gmail[dot]com by 15 October 2024. Two (02) hard copies should be forwarded to the relevant Implementing Agency by 15 October 2024.

• For India Applicants: Submit proposals on the format available at www.onlinedst.gov.in by 5:30 PM IST on 15 October 2024. Ensure that the Sri Lankan partners have submitted identical applications to the Ministry of Education, Research & Innovation Division by the due date.

Selection Process

• All valid Applications will be submitted for peer review and referred to an independent Advisory Panel for rating.

• Applications with a positive rating will be eligible for funding.

• A Joint Committee comprising representatives of the implementing Agencies will determine which proposals will receive funding, subject to availability of funds.

Contact Information

• For Sri Lanka: Ms. Geethani S Kannangara, Director (International Relations), Research and Innovation Division, Ministry of Education, 3rd Floor, Sethsiripaya, Phase 1, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, Telephone:+94 112863324 / +94 112879376, Fax: +94 112879376, E mail: motrird[at]gmail[dot]com, URL: www.mostr.gov.lk

• For India: Dr. Charu Agarwal, Scientist ‘D’, International Bilateral Division, Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110 016, India, E mail: c[dot]agarwal[at]gov[dot]in, URL: dst.gov.in

Reporting Requirements

• Undertaking by the Heads of the collaborating Institutions.

• CV of the Indian PI and Co-PI (as per the given format)

• CV of the Sri Lankan PI and Co-PI (as per the given format)

• Proposed Schedule of workshop and list of speakers

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.