2023-2024 Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships

Apply by September 15, 2022, 23:59:59 hrs (IST)

The United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF) promotes mutual understanding between the nationals of India and the U.S. through the educational exchange of outstanding scholars, professionals and students. Since its inception, USIEF has awarded approximately 20,000 Fulbright, Fulbright-Nehru, and other prestigious grants and scholarships in almost every academic discipline.

Tapping the talent of Fulbright students and scholars, USIEF holds dozens of academic or professional workshops each year. In addition to fellowship support, USIEF services include advising Indian citizens on higher education opportunities in the U.S. USIEF also consults with Indian and U.S. universities interested in developing linkages and exchanges.

USIEF administers the Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships to build long-term capacity to address climate change-related issues in India and the U.S. The objective is to promote further mutual understanding between the two peoples by a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents – intend to partner to build long-term capacity in the United States and India by engaging scientific and technical research scholars from both countries related to climate research and education.

Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship fields include, but not limited to, Energy Studies, Earth Sciences, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Renewable Energy, Smart Cities, Agriculture, Public Policy, Environmental Engineering, and Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

These grants are offered at the following three levels. Click the link below for complete announcement details, eligibility requirements, and application process and guidelines.

1. Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships for Doctoral Research: These pre-doctoral level research fellowships, for six to nine months, are designed for Indian scholars who are registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution.
2. Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships for Postdoctoral Research: These fellowships, for eight to 24 months, are designed for Indian faculty and researchers, who have a Ph.D. degree within the past four years
3. Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships for Academic and Professional Excellence: These fellowships, for four to nine months, aim to provide Indian faculty, researchers, and professionals the opportunity to teach, conduct research, or carry out a combination of teaching and research at a U.S. institution. Applicants can opt for four to six-month Flex Awards in two segments.

2023-2024 Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships for Doctoral Research

These fellowships are designed for Indian scholars who are registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution. These fellowships are for six to nine months.

 Affiliation
The selected candidate will be affiliated to one U.S. host institution.

USIEF strongly recommends all applicants to identify institutions with which they wish to be affiliated, and to correspond, in advance, with potential host institutions. If the applicant has secured a letter of invitation from a U.S. institution, it should be included as a part of the online application. The letter of invitation should indicate the duration of visit, preferably with dates.

Grant Benefits

These fellowships provide J-1 visa support, a monthly stipend, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines, round-trip economy class air travel between India and the U.S., a modest settling-in allowance, and a professional allowance. Selected visiting student researchers will have opportunities to audit non-degree courses, conduct research and gain practical work experience in suitable settings in the U.S.

Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the General Prerequisites

1. Applicants registered for their Ph.D. should have conducted adequate research in the relevant field, especially in the identification of resources in India and the U.S. Applicant must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2021. On the online application form, one of the recommendations should be from the Ph.D. supervisor that comments on the applicant’s research, the need for the fellowship, and must indicate the Ph.D. registration date and topic.
2. This grant is intended for Ph.D. students to conduct research essential to their dissertations/thesis. Therefore, the expected Ph.D. thesis submission date should at least be three months after the Fulbright-Kalam grant end date. For example, if May 2024 is the grant end date, the applicant cannot submit his/her thesis before August 2024. Please indicate the Ph.D. registration date and the expected Ph.D. thesis submission date in the Applicant Annexure. The applicant can download the Applicant Annexure from the USIEF website;
3. If the applicant is employed, s/he must follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement. If applicable, the applicant must obtain the endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority on the “Employer’s Endorsement Form.” The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period. Applicants can download the “Employer’s Endorsement Form” from the USIEF website; and
4. The applicant must upload a copy of original published/presented paper or extracts from the Masters’/M.Phil. thesis in the online application form (not exceeding 20 pages).

Note: These fellowships are for pre-doctoral level research. Applicants with Ph.D. degrees or those at the final stage of Ph.D. thesis submission will not be considered.

How to Apply

1. Applications must be submitted online at: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2023/
2. Please carefully review the Application Instructions before starting your online application.
3. Please refer to the Applicant Checklist before submitting the application.
4. In addition, you must complete and upload the following documents on your online application:
   • Applicant Annexure
   • Employer’s Endorsement Form (if applicable)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 15, 2022, 23:59:59 hrs (IST)

For any queries contact: dr-climate@usief.org.in

Timeline and Placement Process

IMPORTANT:

• You can apply for only ONE Fulbright-Nehru fellowship category during a competition cycle.
• Candidates cannot apply for Fulbright-Nehru and Fulbright-Kalam grants in the same academic year.
• Plagiarism in the application will lead to disqualification.
• Unless otherwise specified, Fulbright-Nehru applications are to be submitted online.
• Applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered.
• Extensions and Transfer of visa sponsorship will not be permitted.
• Prospective Fulbright participants should be aware that public health conditions, availability of consular services and travel, as well as U.S. institutional operating status and policies may affect their ability to travel to the U.S. and participate in academic programs.