Session on global research opportunities at IIT Kanpur
On March 18, 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur hosted an insightful session titled “Global Research Opportunities: Fellowships, Grants & Collaborations.” This event was organized by the PG Academics & Career Council (AnC) in collaboration with Vigyan Bharati, focusing on enhancing awareness of research opportunities available to postgraduate students.
Welcome Address
The session commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. Raghvendra Chaudhary, the Faculty Advisor of the PG Academics & Career Council. He outlined the council’s vision and key initiatives aimed at supporting postgraduate students. Prof. Chaudhary emphasized the importance of academic orientation programs, career guidance sessions, research discussions, and fellowship awareness initiatives to empower students in making informed academic and professional choices.
Vigyan Bharati’s Role
Prof. Sunil K. Misra, the general secretary of Vigyan Bharati (Brahmavart Prant), highlighted the organization’s history and objectives. He elaborated on the Swadeshi Science Movement, which was initiated in 1991 and led to the formation of Vigyan Bharati. This organization has established an extensive network across premier institutions, including IITs, CSIR laboratories, universities, and schools, fostering collaboration and innovation in science and technology.
Keynote Address by Sanjeev Kumar Varshney
The keynote address was delivered by Sanjeev Kumar Varshney, the former head of International Scientific Cooperation at the Department of Science and Technology. In his address, Varshney discussed the significance of research and its impact on society. He provided a comprehensive overview of various national and international funding opportunities available for students and early-career researchers.
National Fellowships
Varshney outlined several prominent national fellowships offered by various agencies, which include:
- Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Fellowships
- Department of Science and Technology (DST) Fellowships
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Fellowships
- University Grants Commission (UGC) Fellowships
International Fellowships
In addition to national opportunities, Varshney highlighted prestigious international fellowships and scholarships that are available to Indian researchers. These include:
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (European Union)
Importance of Research Collaborations
During his talk, Varshney emphasized the importance of research collaborations in enhancing the quality and impact of scientific research. He encouraged students to actively seek partnerships with international institutions, which can lead to innovative solutions to global challenges.
Q&A Session
Following the keynote address, an interactive Q&A session was held, where students had the opportunity to engage with Varshney and ask questions regarding research funding, application processes, and collaboration strategies. This segment was particularly well-received, as students expressed their eagerness to explore global research opportunities.
Conclusion
The session concluded with a vote of thanks from the PG Academics & Career Council, expressing gratitude to all the speakers and participants. The event not only provided valuable insights into global research opportunities but also inspired students to pursue their academic and research ambitions with renewed vigor.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the session held at IIT Kanpur and aims to highlight the importance of research opportunities for postgraduate students.
