This call for proposals aims to foster scientific and technological cooperation between Tunisia and India, encouraging joint research projects that address key global challenges. The program is based on the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation signed in 1995.

Priority Research Areas

This call focuses on specific areas critical to both nations' development and global sustainability. Joint research projects should align with one of the following themes to be considered for funding.

The key areas are:

• Climate change and eco-innovation

• E-health

• Geospatial technology

Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of the chosen area and propose innovative solutions.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, proposals must involve research entities from both Tunisia and India. Each project requires a Tunisian and an Indian Principal Investigator (PI) responsible for technical and administrative coordination.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The PI must hold the rank of Full Professor or Associate Professor (Maître de Conférences) in Tunisia.

• The PI must be affiliated with a public research laboratory in Tunisia.

• The Tunisian research team must include a minimum of five (5) statutory researchers (corps A and B), including at least two members with the rank of professor, associate professor, or equivalent rank.

• Indian Project Leads and Co-Is should be scientists/faculty members working in regular capacity in universities, academic institutes and national research and development laboratories/institutes.

• Indian Project Leads and Co-Is should not be retiring or leaving the parent institute during the proposed duration of the project.

• The Indian scientist involved in any way in the implementation of two or more projects supported by DST (International Group) that are not expected to be completed by March 31, 2025 are not eligible to be a member of Research team/Project Lead.

Involvement of industrial or socio-economic sector partners is encouraged to promote collaborative research.

Financial Support

The program provides financial support to research entities in both countries to facilitate project activities. Funding is allocated to cover eligible costs directly related to achieving project objectives.

Financial Details:

• For Tunisian research entities: Each project will be funded up to TND 50,000 per year for a duration of maximum three years (maximum total budget of TND150,000).

• For Indian research entities: Each project will be funded up to for a duration of maximum three years (maximum total budget of 45 lakhs).

Eligible costs include exchange visits for project team members, consumables, human resources, and scientific events.

Proposal Submission Guidelines

Proposals must be written in English and jointly prepared by Tunisian and Indian applicants. The application must include completed forms, CVs, a letter of intent, and a signed submission request.

Submission Process:

• Tunisian applicants must submit the proposal electronically to partenariat.scientifique@gmail.com in a single PDF file.

• Indian applicants should submit their proposals using the format available at https://onlinedst.gov.in by 5:00 PM(India time) on last date (31 July 2025).

Incomplete applications or those not meeting eligibility criteria will not be considered.

Evaluation and Selection

Projects will be evaluated independently by MHESR/GDSR and MST/DST based on their own procedures. Only proposals accepted by both sides will be funded.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Strategic Alignment and Project Relevance

• Scientific Quality and Methodological Robustness

• Expertise and Complementarity of Research Teams

• Impact, Dissemination, and Exploitation of Results

The evaluation will consider the project's alignment with priority areas, scientific quality, team expertise, and potential impact.