The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has announced the Indo-Australian Career Boosting Gold Fellowships under which the DBT will support the researchers to undertake a collaborative research project at a leading science institute or university in Australia for a period of up to 24 months, commencing in 2014-15.

The priority areas of this collaborative research programme include
medical biotechnology; bioresourcing of novel antimicrobials from natural resources; developing novel & improved vaccines delivery platforms; diagnostics affordable and rapid diagnostics for genetic and infectious diseases; drug discovery and delivery system; biomedical devices & implants for therapeutic applications; stem cells/regenerative medicines; etc.

The programme will work under the under the Indo-Australia Collaboration between Department of Biotechnology, Government of India and the Australian Government.  Under this initiative, the Government of India will fund 10 researchers from India. The last date for submission of application is August 14, 2014.

The Fellowships are open to Indian researchers who are currently employed on a full time basis (need not be a permanent employee) but have not accrued more than five years experience as a research scientist since being awarded their PhD.  Eligible applicants include persons employed in an Indian government agency, statutory body or government owned corporation; Indian based university, institute, or other national research organisation; or Indian private sector research and development organisation.

Ten Fellowships will be awarded in total annually, for applicants from India who have identified an opportunity to undertake a high quality, technically feasible and strategically valuable research project with a collaborating organisation in Australia.