The Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) initiative for women scientists, particularly those working in the field of medical biotechnology or related fields, has published recommendations for the implementation of research projects. In order to advance the careers of female scientists who are unemployed or do not hold a regular post, a letter of intent has been requested under the programme for women scientists up to the age of 55.
A specific programme of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India called the BioCARe Program aims to increase the contribution of female scientists in India to research in biotechnology and related fields.
The program's primary goal is to further the careers of female scientists who are unemployed, for whom it will be the first extramural support that has been "sanctioned".
A deliberate attempt would be made through this Departmental endeavour to enable women scientists re-enter the mainstream, to provide them a strong foothold in the scientific profession, and to serve as a springboard for additional ventures into the realm of science and technology.
The DBT has issued an invitation to Indian female scientists to submit applications for the programme in the fields of plant and agricultural biotechnology, animal and marine biotechnology, bioengineering and biomaterials, medical biotechnology or allied areas, environmental biotechnology and bioenergy, and medical biotechnology or allied areas. Before December 24, 2022, the LoIs must be submitted using the Department's e-PROMIS system.
Only Indian female scientists are eligible for the programme; individuals with regular or permanent jobs are not permitted to apply for BioCARe.
However, women scientists who are employed in temporary research or academic jobs may apply for the programme; however, if a project is authorised for them under the BioCARe initiative, they must leave their current position.
According to the DBT announcement, "The research support will only be given to women scientists (unemployed/not in regular position) for whom this is their first extramural research grant (Women Scientists who have received any prior grants from any Government Funding Agency as Principal Investigator are not eligible)."
Candidates are ineligible to apply for this programme if they have already received extramural funding as the principal investigator for research from any government funding agency or funding agency supported by the government; this project must be the candidate's first approved and independent project for research. The woman scientist must be under or equal to 55 years old as of the application deadline. Candidates enrolled in a Ph.D. programme and those obtaining fellowships are ineligible to apply.
The research grant for Category I projects, for which the candidate's qualifying degree must be a PhD in any field of the biological sciences or closely related fields or multidisciplinary sciences, is up to Rs 60 lakh, including consolidated fellowship pay of Rs 68,000 per month. The research grant for Category II, which requires an MTech in biotechnology or a related field, a Mpharma degree, or an equivalent degree, will be up to Rs 40 lakh, including a consolidated fellowship of Rs 50,000 per month.
A department-created Expert Committee will examine the qualified applications before making a shortlist based on factors such innovation, scientific merit, experience, and applicant qualification as well as mentor, record of publications, and infrastructure of the host institution.
