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PRISM Fellowship

Promoting Research and Inclusion in STEM through a fully-funded transformative research opportunity for students from disadvantaged backgrounds

Offered in collaboration with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) Bangalore

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About the PRISM Fellowship

Hosted at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bangalore, the PRISM Fellowship is a 2-month immersive, residential research programme designed to nurture the next generation of life science researchers from underrepresented and marginalised backgrounds in India.

 

At its core, the PRISM Fellowship addresses the critical need for hands-on research experience combined with comprehensive academic skill development at the early career stage for individuals who face systemic barriers. Accordingly, it offers a unique dual-component structure: an intensive laboratory placement at one of India’s premier research institutions, coupled with a structured academic skills programme. Selected fellows will be embedded in an NCBS research laboratory, while simultaneously developing academic and professional skills through weekly structured sessions.

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The Fellowship also focuses on community-building and networking, fostering connections with experienced researchers and peers in the field.

 

By the end of the programme, PRISM Fellows will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary for academic and professional success in STEM fields, while also being part of a growing community of researchers committed to inclusivity and scientific excellence.

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FELLOWSHIP STRUCTURE​

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The PRISM Fellowship consists of two core components: a laboratory placement that provides hands-on research experience, and an academic skills programme designed to develop essential competencies for a career in STEM.

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1. Laboratory Placement: Fellows will be placed in NCBS research labs where they will work under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors on cutting-edge scientific research projects based on their area of interest. They will gain practical experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis while contributing to real-world research problems. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in weekly lab meetings and discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of their research fields. By the end of the programme, each fellow will produce a report summarising their findings.

 

2. Academic Skills Programme: In parallel with their laboratory placement, Fellows will participate in a structured academic skills programme that includes weekly workshops and lectures. This programme is designed to provide the foundational skills necessary for academic and professional success in STEM fields. It will cover key topics such as scientific research & methodologies, understanding experimental design and data analysis, research ethics & integrity, academic writing & publications, graduate school preparation, writing statements of purpose, CVs and research proposal etc.

 

Through these two components, the PRISM Fellowship ensures that fellows receive both practical research training and academic skill-building opportunities, preparing them for further studies and professional careers in STEM.​

Applications

WHY APPLY?​

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The PRISM Fellowship offers a comprehensive research experience, equipping selected fellows with skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities essential for academic and professional success. Benefits include:​

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✅ Hands-on Research: Work on cutting-edge projects in NCBS laboratories.

✅ Expert Mentorship: Receive guidance from leading scientists and faculty.

✅ Academic Skill Development: Participate in structured training sessions.

✅ Networking & Exposure: Engage with top researchers and attend NCBS seminars.

✅ Financial Support: Accommodation and a stipend for living expenses.

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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA​

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You are eligible for the PRISM Fellowship, if:

  • you are currently pursuing a master's degree in any science subject.

  • you are disadvantaged due to social position, economic barriers, geography, or similar factors.

  • you are passionate about life sciences particularly developmental biology, genetics, ecology, neurobiology and bioinformatics.

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We strongly encourage applications from students from underrepresented and marginalised communities in STEM particularly SC, ST, OBC, PwD, religious minorities, women and gender minorities and Northeast India communities.

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TIMELINE​

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Application Open: Monday, 3 February 2025

Applications Close: Sunday, 16 February 2025

Announcement of Shortlist: Monday, 25 February 2025

Interviews with NCBS Faculty: First week of March 2025

Announcement of Final Outcome: Friday, 14 March 2025

Fellowship Starts: Thursday, 1 May 2025

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APPLICATION PROCESS

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​If you meet the eligibility criteria specified above, we encourage you to apply for the PRISM Fellowship  by filling the Application Form below. Before doing so, please have the following details ready:

  1. Personal Information, including contact details, permanent address, education level of your parents, family income, etc.

  2. Information about your Educational Background, including your school information, college/ university degree, medium of instruction, etc.

  3. Supporting Information including your CV, statements on your motivations and reasons for applying to the PRISM Fellowship, and your research interests, etc.

 

Applications will be reviewed based on academic potential, disadvantage faced, and availability of appropriate lab placement at NCBS. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview with the NCBS Faculty, following which selected Fellows will go through an onboarding process before being assigned to an NCBS research lab based on their interests and expertise and availability. In this cycle, we intend to select 10 Fellows.

FAQs for Potential Applicants

Q1. When will applications open for the PRISM Fellowship?

Applications for the PRISM Fellowship are now open from Monday, 3 February 2025 to Sunday, 16 February 2025.

 

Q2. When will applications close for the PRISM Fellowship?

Applications for the PRISM Fellowship will close at 11:59 PM IST, Sunday, 16 February 2025.

 

Q3. How do I apply for the PRISM Fellowship?

Applications can be submitted by filling out the form provided above and below (and here).

 

Q4. Will I receive an acknowledgment email upon submitting my application?

Yes, you will receive an auto-generated email with your responses from Google Forms. Ensure that you enter the correct email address.

 

Q5. Can undergraduate students apply for the PRISM Fellowship?

No, the Fellowship is open only to students currently pursuing their master's degrees. 

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Q6. Can students who have completed their master's degrees apply for the PRISM Fellowship?

No, the Fellowship is open only to students currently pursuing their master's degrees. 

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Q7. When will I hear back after applying for the Fellowship?

Please refer to the timeline above.

 

Q8. What if I do not hear back as per the timeline?

It is highly unlikely that you will not receive a response from us as per the timeline. However, if this does occur, please check your inbox as well as your spam folder. If you still have not received any communication from us, you can reach out to us at info@projecteduaccess.com.

 

Q9. Will I be notified if I am not selected for the PRISM Fellowship?

Yes, we will inform all applicants, whether selected or not, about the outcome of their application.

 

Q10. Someone has asked me to pay a fee to be considered for the PRISM Fellowship. Should I pay?

No, you should not pay any fees. The PRISM Fellowship is completely free of cost. If anyone asks you for money claiming to be associated with us, please report them immediately to info@projecteduaccess.com.

 

Q11. What happens after I am selected for the PRISM Fellowship?

If you are selected, you will receive an email from us informing you about your selection. This email will include a deadline by which you need to confirm your acceptance. Once you confirm, you will go through an onboarding process where we will provide further details to you.

 

Q12. What happens if I am not selected for the PRISM Fellowship?

Due to our limited capacity, we can only accept a small number of Fellows into the PRISM Fellowship. If you are not selected, it does not reflect on your merit or qualifications. Selection is a careful decision based on various factors, including your profile, the disadvantages you have faced, and the availability of an appropriate lab placement at NCBS. Regardless of the outcome, we will inform you about the decision and provide further guidance if possible.

 

Q13. If I have more questions, how do I get in touch?

You can email us at info@projecteduaccess.com.

© 2024 by Project EduAccess. 

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