Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India has invited proposals for supporting infrastructure facilities for post-graduate and higher research, such as the renovation of existing laboratory space and cold room, modernization of laboratories involved in PG and higher research, acquisition of essential equipment Departments, Centres, Schools and Colleges to pursue research activities more effectively and efficiently.

The support under the scheme “Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST)” for the year 2020 could include up-gradation of existing facilities, networking & computational facilities, including software & databases, scientific & technical books, maintenance & refurbishing of existing and new facilities, etc. It is considered as complementary support for enabling Departments/ Centres/ Schools/ Colleges to pursue research activities more effectively and efficiently.

All Science and Engineering Departments having strong PG research programs which have existed for at least 3 years or more in universities and other higher educational institutions recognized or regulated by UGC,  AICTE, and MHRD/ State Education Department based, seeking support for the 1st time are invited to apply. Departments, Centres, or Schools already supported under the FIST Program subject to completion of ongoing projects are also invited.

The duration of support for each FIST Project will be for a period of 5 years, and the last date for the receipt of nominations is May 05, 2020. The scheme will be providing four-level support based on the type of University or Academic Institution, and the selection will be through a peer review mechanism and visit to the laboratories, if necessary.

The facilities provided under the Program are intended to support the efforts of the Department as a whole or a number of faculty members in the Department with synergy and focus of research, preferably aligned to National Missions and priorities. For further details, interested applicants can visit www.fist-dst.org.