The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) invites nominations/applications for the NASI Senior Scientist Scheme for the year 2025. This scheme aims to support NASI Fellows who are active in research and teaching to continue their work at recognized institutions in India after superannuation.

NASI Senior Scientist Scheme Overview

The NASI Senior Scientist Scheme is designed to enable active, superannuated Fellows of the Academy to continue contributing to research and teaching in recognized Universities, Research Institutions, and R&D Centers across India. The program aims to foster scientific engagement and mentorship within these institutions.

The scheme has two tracks: one with fellowship and one without fellowship. Both tracks provide opportunities for continued engagement in research and teaching after retirement.

Nominations/applications are invited from NASI Fellows and must be submitted by April 15th. The selection process will be completed within the same financial year.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the NASI Senior Scientist Scheme (with fellowship), applicants must meet specific criteria. Superannuated NASI Fellows up to 75 years of age, residing and working in India, are eligible to apply.

Fellows currently holding a position with a regular fellowship or salary are not eligible for this program. NASI Distinguished (Honorary) Professors below the age of 75 are also eligible.

• Must be a superannuated NASI Fellow.

• Must be residing and working in India.

• Age should be up to 75 years (for the fellowship track).

Financial Support and Tenure (with fellowship)

The NASI Senior Scientist position offers financial support to facilitate continued research activities. The honorarium is Rs. 40,000 per month, along with a contingency grant of Rs 1,00,000 per annum.

The contingency grant can be used for research-related expenses such as small equipment, computers, travel within India, registration fees, and accommodation. Items purchased with the contingency grant become the property of the host institution upon completion of the program, unless retained by the Fellow by paying 10% of the item’s cost (if purchased within the first two years).

The term of the NASI Senior Scientist position is three years, extendable by two years based on a performance review. Fellows must join within six months of receiving the offer.

NASI Senior Honorary Scientist (without fellowship)

The NASI Senior Honorary Scientist program is designed for NASI Fellows who wish to continue their contributions without financial support in the long term. This designation allows active, superannuated NASI Fellows to continue research and teaching in recognized institutions in India.

Superannuated NASI Fellows, even beyond 75 years, residing and working in India are eligible for this program. A maximum of 15 positions will be available during the first term (initial five years), starting in 2025, with no more than five awarded in any year.

The initial term is five years with contingency, and is extendable further without contingency. A contingency grant of ₹ 1,00,000 per annum is provided only for the first five-year term.

Application and Selection Process

Nominations/applications should include a concise proposal (<2 pages), an updated CV, a list of publications, and an endorsement letter from the intended host institution. The endorsement letter must confirm that the host institution will provide the necessary facilities and resources.

Nominations are invited from NASI Fellows by April 15th via email to council@nasi.ac.in or by sending a hard copy to the official address of NASI. The applications will be processed within the same financial year.

Selection will be made by a committee and approved by the Council. Selected Fellows must join within six months of receiving the offer letter.

Reporting and Obligations

Annual progress reports and expenditure statements must be submitted for grant renewal. At the end of the tenure, a consolidated technical report is required.

The obligations for NASI Senior Scientists are the same as those for the Distinguished Professor. They should also follow the leave rules of the host institutes.

The award offer is valid for six months from issuance. After this period, fresh nominations may be considered.