India launches 4th C V Raman int'l fellowship

India today launched the fourth edition of the C V Raman International Fellowship for African countries, an initiative that is expected to help 145 researchers to pursue studies in institutions in the country.
The programme is expected to enable researchers undertake advanced scientific work in leading science and technology institutions, laboratories and research centers across India.
Under the initiative, each African country has been alloted eight slots for researchers--two for doctoral fellowships and three each for visiting and senior fellows--covering all fields of natural and engineering sciences.
The fellowship appears to have gained popularity among African countries as 300 researchers have availed of it in the first three years.

"In the fourth year, 403 applications were received and 149 researchers have been selected for the fellowship," Arabindra Mitra, Head, International Cooperation, Department of Science and Techology told PTI here.
He said learning from experience, the DST has also simplified the process for submission of applications for the fellowship.
Besides, the DST has also tied up with the African Union of Science Academies as also the Third World Academy of Sciences for the furthering the fellowship.
The 'C V Raman International Fellowship for African Researchers' was announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2008.