SERC (Science & Engineering Research Council)
is one of the most popular programmes of DST (Department
of Science & Technology), widely accessed
by individual researchers across institutions
and disciplines. DST receives a large number of
research proposals every year in various areas
of science and engineering, for possible financial
support, under this programme. Quite understandably,
few of them are quite outstanding while many are
fairly acceptable. However, still a good number
of projects are not so well written and grossly
deficient in content. This article is an attempt
to provide useful information and deeper insight
into various stages of a research project viz.
formulation, presentation, implementation, completion/conclusion
and follow up.
Technical
work elements of a research project are obviously
of paramount importance. Nevertheless, it is equally
important for the Project Leader (PI) to understand
and appreciate the perspective of funding agency,
respect its policies and comply with its rules
& procedures for efficient execution of the
project.
The information presented here is specific to
the PAC (Programme Advisory Committee) mechanism
of funding and more so for Engineering Sciences
Programme. However, it will be relevant and applicable
in the general sense to all similar programmes
of DST. To a good extent, the core philosophy
behind the contents may also be valid while dealing
with other funding agencies as well, beyond the
procedural aspects. |
