DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
&
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, ICT AND FUTURE PLANNING
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
INDO-KOREA JOINT PROGRAMME OF COOPERATION
IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
CALL FOR INDO-KOREAN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Application to be submitted by 5:30 pm (local time) on June 30, 2014

1. Introduction
The Indo-Korean Joint Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology facilitates
bilateral cooperation between scientists and researchers from the two countries by way
of joint R&D projects, research fellowships and technical missions. The Department of
Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology of Government of
India, and National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), Ministry of Science, ICT and
Future Planning (MSIP) of the Republic of Korea, are the key agencies dedicated to the
implementation of the programme in India and the Republic of Korea (South Korea).
In pursuant to the decision taken during the last India Republic of Korea Joint Science
& Committee meeting, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of
Science & Technology of Government of India and National Research Foundation of
Korea (NRF), Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP), the Republic of
Korea invites application for the Indo-Korean Research Internship (IKRI) program
from Indian students enrolled in PhD course in a recognized university or research
institution in India specializing in areas such as science, engineering and biomedical
research

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2. Purpose of the Program

Objectives of the internship are to provide students with unique opportunities to live and
work in an international context, to gain practical experience and to acquire professional
skills in each other's country. Internships are envisaged as a source of mutual cultural
and professional enrichment for both the interns and their host institutions thereby
building contacts between the next generations of researchers.
IKRI will provide students
International professional experiences

Enhanced practical skills

Insight to opportunities offered by host institutions

Work experience in international teams

Exposure to science and culture

Develop professional contacts and networks at young age

3. Outline of the Program Implementation

A.

Designation of Implementing Agency:

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology of
Government of India; and National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) and Ministry of
Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) of the Republic of Korea, are the nodal
agencies dedicated to the implementation of the program in India and the Republic of
Korea respectively.
B.

Internship period : 3 months to 1 year

C.

Number of Internships:

Depending upon the quality of application and budget availability, a maximum of 10

interns will be supported from each country.
D.

Qualifications:

Students who are Indian and are enrolled in PhD course in a recognized university or
research institution in India specializing in areas such as science, engineering and
biomedical research and are with sound mental and physical health.

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E.

Priority Areas of Research:

i. Robotics & Engineering Sciences

ii. Renewable Energy
iii. Chemical & Biochemical Technologies
iv. Health & Medical Science
v. Material Science & Technology
vi. Water Resources & Environment
vii. Information Technology
F.

Mentoring:

Interns will carry out research under the overall guidance and supervision of a predefined mentor at the host institution in the field related to the interns PhD thesis.
Please note: Applicants must have a pre-determined project proposal that has been
discussed and agreed upon by the student and the two supervisors (Indian and Korean)
before applying.
G.

Host institutes:

i. Government supported research institutes and laboratories

ii. Universities and Academic institutions
iii. Private research institutes
H.

Expenses:

The Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India will cover round trip air fare
from the place of work in India to the proposed host Institute in the Republic of Korea (by
shortest route), Medical insurance and visa fee. 85% of total estimated expenses would
be released as an advance to the parent Indian institute.
Indian students visiting Korea will be provided KRW 2,000,000 per month as housing
and living allowance by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), Ministry of
Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) of the Republic of Korea through the host
Korean Institute / Scientist.

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I.

Application procedure:

Indian applicants should submit completed application form and all relevant documents
clearly labeled in a single attachment to the email address: rajivarc@nic.in to reach by
5:30 pm on 30th June 2014. Applications should include invitation/acceptance letters by
applicants prospective mentor and their host institute. A no-objection letter from
applicants current host researcher and institute should also be submitted with the
application. Hard copy of the application should reach to DST within 10 days of the
closing date of the call.
Department of Science & Technology will conduct evaluations of all received
applications and send the list of provisionally selected candidates to the Korean
counterpart agency for final selection. National Research Foundation of Korea will select
final participants from the list, referring to the applications.
Name of the selected candidates would be posted on the web site of the
Department of Science & Technology some time during September / October 2014.
The applicant may not plan their Internship before October / November 2014.

4. Contact Information
For more details about the IKRI Scheme and way to invite the Korean students to work
in Indian institutes could be obtained from:
DST(INDIA)

MSIP- NRF(KOREA)

Mr. Rajiv Kumar

Ms. Yun Sook KIM (NRF)

Scientist
International Cooperation
Department of Science & Technology
New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi 110 016
E-mail: rajivarc@nic.in

Researcher
Asia Programs
Tel : +82-2-3460-5623
E-mail : kkimys@nrf.re.kr

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