The Khorana Program for Scholars is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India, WINStep Forward, and the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF). This program offers Indian students the opportunity to participate in research internships at leading U.S. universities for a duration of 10-12 weeks during the summer.

The program aims to provide exposure to world-class scientific research facilities, nurture future scientists and technologists, and foster long-term research collaborations between India and the U.S.

Program Overiview

The Khorana Program provides opportunities for Indian students to gain research experience at premier U.S. Universities. The program focuses on promoting research and capacity building in biotechnology and allied areas through Indo-U.S. cooperation. It encourages post-graduate students to pursue research careers and facilitates interaction between Indian and American scientists to build sustainable R&D linkages and collaborations.

Eligibility of IUSSTF Khorana Program

The program is open to pre-final year students enrolled in various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Biotechnology and allied areas at recognized institutions of higher education in India. Eligible programs include B.Tech., M.Tech., B.Sc., M.Sc., B.E., M.E., M.S., Integrated B.S-M.S., B.V. Sc., M.V. Sc., B. Pharm., M. Pharm., MBBS., and Master in Medical Science and Technology (MMST).

Applicants must have a CGPA of 8.0 or higher, or a percentage of 80% and higher (minimum 65% for MBBS students). Preference is given to students without prior international research experience.

Budget and Duration of Khorana Program

The program provides financial support covering round-trip airfare, stipend, and health insurance. Scholars are responsible for covering accommodation costs, visa fees, and tuition/bench fees. The internships typically last for 10-12 weeks, tentatively from mid-May to end-July. The duration may be adjusted in consultation with the student's parent institution and host institution.

Additional Information

The Khorana Program for Scholars is a competitive program, and selection is based on merit. The application process involves submitting an online application with supporting documents, including recommendation letters. The selection process is conducted by subject experts who evaluate the applicants' academic background, research interests, and proposed project ideas.

Key Dates

The application deadline for the Khorana Program for Scholars is October 7, 2024.

Application Process for Khorana Program

• Applications must be submitted exclusively through the IUSSTF Online Application Portal for Visitation Programs.

• Hard copies and electronic copies of the application forms are not accepted.

• All required documents, including recommendation letters, must be submitted before the application deadline.

• Supporting documents sent to scholar@iusstf.org after the deadline will not be considered.

Selection Process

The selection process involves a review of eligible applications by subject experts based on the following criteria:

• Academic background and credentials

• Research interests, possible project ideas, and career goals

• Research experience, technical background, other internships, courses, and lab work

• Proposed project idea(s)

• Need to conduct research in the U.S.

• Publications and poster presentations (if any)

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the Khorana Program for Scholars, please contact: scholar@iusstf.org

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