Shobha Rao, head of the Department of Biometry and Nutrition, Agharkar Research Institute, who is also the coordinator for the fellowship scheme said the women scientists fellowship programme was an initiative of the government’s DST. This fellowship supports projects that look into the needs of the people in urban and rural areas. “The societal component is very strong in this scheme,” says Rao, who has received an encouraging response from various parts of the country.

It could be research in detection of heavy metals and pesticide residues in herbal formulations or purification of drinking water to pre-natal diagnosis of thalassemia. “Women even have submitted proposals for research in low cost nutraceuticals and other areas like medicinal plants towards income generating activities for the weaker sections of society.”

Even as 300 and more applications are received annually, the last date for submission is March 31 this year. The scholarship is given for a duration of two years to women less than 50 years and who are currently not employed in permanent position. They should possess PhD / master’s degree in science or master’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering / technology / architecture / medicine / pharmacy.

About 35 per cent of the candidates who are screened for presentation are selected for the scholarship. The information about this programme has still not reached in different corners of the country and an activity of popularising the programme in near future is also planned.