General Guidelines:

i) It is a directed research Networked based national level cluster programme working towards
above mentioned objectives and clear-cut deliverables.

ii) Individual proposals received under various thematic domains will be processed as per the
Standard Operative Procedure (SOP) of DST like peer review, presentation before Expert
Committee etc. will be carried out and a holistic networked programme will be evolved.

iii) The submitted proposals may undergo a series of changes/modifications as per expert’s
comments/suggestions before getting into networked programme.

iv) All proposals are to be submitted on-line at URL – onlinedst.gov.in.

v) The present call encourages only those projects who are willing to work in consortium based
collaborative mode. No isolated individual or independent projects shall be supported under
this call. Thus, all received proposals will be processed towards development of a cluster
based networked programme through a series of meetings/sessions/Expert Committee’s etc.

vi) Broad thematic research domains are defined. Researchers could submit their proposals under
these themes, it includes both theoreticians and experimentalist’s. Invariably, each project
should connect to thematic domains and as well as to Mission objectives for realizing QuST
Mission deliverable.

vii) The duration of the projects is for 3 years and extendable upto 5 years depending upon
technical progress of the project and overall progress of QuST programme. Budget
projections are to be made for 3 years only, extension and additional budget requirements will
be considered after successful completion and satisfactory progress of projects/ QuST
programme as whole.

viii) Proposals should highlight the core research issues and collaborative research. Under QuST
programme, a Centralized Research Facility (CRF) will be created in 2 or 3 locations across
the country wherein a common equipment could be made available to all the researchers who
are part of this network. Thus, researchers could provide details about equipment they require
to achieve their stated project objectives. The CRF’s will be equipped with these equipment
and facilitates seamless access.

ix) Apart from CRF, certain projects may require low end equipment at individual institutes/labs
level. Case to case basis these requirements will be analyzed and considered for support.

x) Being a Mission Mode directed research programme, the timelines, delivery is epitome and
binding. Researchers needs to dedicate and those who are willing to spend time and energy in
evolving the network, attending series of workshops, meetings, presentations, documentation
etc. only should apply.

xi) The PI's and Co-PIs' research background and expertise in QuST themes needs to be
elaborated and corroborated with relevant publications, patents etc. They should also mention
how the proposal's fruition connects to the overall objectives and deliverables of the mission.

xii) Full C V of the PI/Co-PI & experience in the relevant area must be included in the
proposal so that due weightage would be given. Additional sheets could added in the
proposal, if required.

xiii) Each proposal proposed by PI & Co-PI should mention about the stage of maturity of their
relevant labs, at this point in time, so that the expectations of the time required in obtaining
results from that lab can be clearly understood.
xiv) After finalising the list of projects for QuST cluster programme, DST will identify the
institutes/PI's where CRF will be created. At this stage no proposals are required for CRF
creation. However, all R&D proposals should invariably list/ mention the R&D infrastructure
facility they already have and additional infrastructure they require to carry out their research
as part of QuST cluster.

xv) All received proposals will be processed on merit and relevance to mission. There will be a
review mechanism which will shortlist proposals. There is an element of competition
involved even though the community is working towards certain common goals. Competitive
proposals shall be kept confidential and judged by an independent committee. All received/
shortlisted proposal's will not be shared with anyone other than independent committees/
experts. But, being a public funded mission under Grants-In-Aid terms & Conditions,
standard GoI guidelines are applicable.

xvi) For more information, details and info on this programme, visit www.dst.gov.in
and for any queries, contact Dr Rajeev Sharma, Scientist-D, ICPS Division, DST,
New Delhi Ph:26590310 and e-mail: rajeevsharma@nic.in
 FORMAT FOR SUBMISSION OF R & D PROJECTS
(The R & D project proposal both online and Single hard copy, with all endorsements/
enclosures, should be submitted to The Head, ICPS Division. Format is as prescribed
below)

General Information

1.0 Project title :

1.1 Priority area and sub-area :

1.2 Duration (in months) :

1.3 Total cost (in Rs Lakhs) :

1.4 Foreign Exchange (FE) component, if any:

1.5 Principal Investigator(s) and Co-PI's :

1.6 Designation :

1.7 Department & Institution name :

1.8 Address :

1.9 Date of Birth :

1.10 Gender :

Aadhar Number/PAN, if available

Whether Belong to SC/ST

1.11 Telephone, mobile, fax and email :

1.12 Collaborating Institutions, if any :

1.13 Project summary (One page) :

1.14 Objectives :

2.0 Problems intended to be addressed by proposed project :

3.0 Applicability/ usage and future potential of the outputs/Technologies of proposed

project :

3.1 Who has identified the problem and its relevance to the objectives of QuST
programme ?

3.2 How will the project outputs dovetail into the overall Research strategy of QuST ?

3.3 What are the likely impacts foreseen in the QuST subject area or theme related areas
?

3.4 If the aim of the project is to develop an Operational System/ Deployment then when
the project will become self-sustaining. Who are its potential users (Govt/ PSU's/ Private
Industry/ Academics/start-up's etc) and suggest the enablement path.

4.0 International Review status (one page) :

4.1 National Review status (One page) :

4.2 Gap area(s) identified between International and National :

(It should be based on National and International Review status)

4.3 How this project will address the identified gap at the End-of-project (establish
relation between project objectives and identified gap areas) :

5.0 Work plan (detailed plan of granulation of research problem into work elements,
time lines for each work element completion and plan of aggregation/ analysis of results,
prototyping, pilots etc also list the R&D infrastructure available with Institute/ Lab. Also list
out the additional infrastructure required for the present project)

5.1 Approaches / detailed methodologies/ proposed experimentations of the research

work/ plan :

5.2 Relevance of the project to the work already going on in the organisation :

5.3 Implementation arrangements proposed for the project (linkages and

management structure) :

5.4 Suggested plan of action for utilisation of expected outputs from the project :

5.4 Suggestions for replicability and/or scaling-up of the research outcomes from the
project:

5.5 Expected/ Foreseen risks of implementation of the project, if any :

6.0 Budget estimates : (consolidated budget in a single tabular sheet)

{A sample sheet is given below, modify the contents as per Investigators requirements,
budget needs to be calculated under each year based on notified salary structures of DST,
Example, JRF-2 post, Rs (12000PM+30%HRA)x2 postsx12months is for Ist year and so on}
 S No Budget Head Budget in Rs Lakhs
1st year 2nd year 3rd Year Total
1. Project Staf
1. SRF-2 nos
2. JRF-3 nos
3. Scientist-1
Sub-Total
2. Equipment
1. PC
2. software
3. database
4. data logger
Sub-Total
3. Domestic Travel
4. Consumables
5. Contingencies
6. Miscellaneous
7. Institutional
overheads
8. Grand Total
Note: 1. Project staff could be Scientists, SRF's, JRF's, RA-1,II,III, etc. For details with regard to
various grades, qualifications, experience, remuneration etc, details are at www.dst.gov.in
and also refer GOI guidelines issued time to time.
2. The above Budget Heads/ Number of years are indicative, based on requirement, PI can
propose new Heads and or delete Heads/ Years.

6.1 Justifications (It should be on sound scientific basis, technical reasoning and
substantiating why the project can not be implementable without the budget/Heads
proposed by PI)
6.2 Justifications for project staff :
6.3 Justification for equipment :
6.4 Justification for FE component, if FE :
6.5 Justification for other budget Heads and Amount :

7. Is Institute registered with Public Financial Management System (PFMS, formerly called
CPSMS) i.e., at cpsms.nic.in ? (Yes/No)
If Yes then provide unique code:
If No then first register with PFMS and provide the unique code:

8.0 Detailed Biodata of investigators (inlcudes for each PI/, co-PI) substantiating
expertise, experience in QuST related areas with list of publications, patents, books etc :

CERTIFICATE FROM THE INVESTIGATOR

PROJECT Title :

Name(s) of the PI's and Co-PI's :

1. I/We agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the DST grant.

2. I/We did not submit this or a similar project proposal elsewhere for financial support.

3. I/we have explored and ensured that equipment and basic facilities will actually be
available as and when required for the purpose of the project. I/We shall not request
financial support under this project for procedure for procurement of these items.

4. I/We undertake that spare time on permanent equipment and will be made available to
other Researchers/ users.

5. I/We undertake to submit progress reports, Statement of Expenditure (SE)/ accounts,

Utilisation Certificates (UC) etc covering upto 31 st March every year till completion of the
project as prescribed by DST.

6. I/We have enclosed the following materials:

a. Endorsement from the Head of the Institution (on letter head)

b. Certificate from Investigator (s)

c. Completed Proposal one hard copy

Date: Signature of PI/PI's

Place:
Date: Signature of Co-PI's

Place:

Note: Signatures with stamp of each PI's, co-PI's is essential.

ENDORSEMENT FROM THE HEAD OF THE INSTITUTION

PROJECT TITLE :

Name(s) of the PI's and Co-PI's :

It is certified that the Institute welcomes participation of above as the Principal

Investigator(s) and/or Co-PI(s) for the project. The research proposal falls in line with the
normal research activities of the Institution.

1. Certified that the equipment other basic facilities and such other administrative and
accounting facilities as per terms and conditions of the grant will be extended to the
investigator throughout the duration of project. In case of PI/Co-PI leaving the
institution or proceeding on a long leave during the project period, a prior
permission will be sought from DST before relieving/sanctioning.

2. Institute assumes the financial and other management responsibilities of the project
including timely submission of Progress Reports, UC's and SE's and facilitate in
conducting external audit, if required.

Name of the Head of Institution

Signature with stamp

Date

Place :

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

POLICY ON CONFLICT OF INTEREST
FOR REVIEWER & COMMITTEE MEMBER or APPLICANT or
DST OFFICER ASSOCIATED/ DEALING WITH THE SCHEME/
PROGRAM OF DST
Issues of Conflicts of Interest and ethics in scientific research and research management have
assumed greater prominence, given the larger share of Government funding in the country's R
& D scenario. The following policy pertaining to general aspects of Conflicts of Interest and
code of ethics, are objective measures that is intended to protect the integrity of the decision
making processes and minimize biasness. The policy aims to sustain transparency, increase
accountability in funding mechanisms and provide assurance to the general public that
processes followed in award of grants are fair and non-discriminatory. The Policy aims to
avoid all forms of bias by following a system that is fair, transparent and free from all
influence/ unprejudiced dealings, prior to, during and subsequent to the currency of the
programme to be entered into with a view to enable public to abstain from bribing or any
corrupt practice in order to secure the award by providing assurance to them that their
competitors will also refrain from bribing and other corrupt practice and the decision makers
will commit to prevent corruption, in any form, by their officials by following transparent
procedures. This will also ensure a global acceptance of the decision making process adopted
by DST.

Definition of Conflict of Interest:

Conflict of Interest means "any interest which could significantly prejudice an individual's
objectivity in the decision making process, thereby creating an unfair competitive advantage
for the individual or to the organization which he/she represents". The Conflict of Interest
also encompasses situations where an individual, in contravention to the accepted norms and
ethics, could exploit his/her obligatory duties for personal benefits.

1. Coverage of the Policy:

a) The provisions of the policy shall be followed by persons applying for and receiving
funding from DST, Reviewers of the proposal and Members of Expert Committees
and Programme Advisory Committees. The provisions of the policy will also be
applicable on all individuals including Officers of DST connected directly or
indirectly or through intermediaries and Committees involved in evaluation of
proposals and subsequent decision making process.
b) This policy aims to minimize aspects that may constitute actual Conflict of Interests,
apparent Conflict of Interests and potential Conflict of Interests in the funding
mechanisms that are presently being operated by DST. The policy also aims to cover,
although not limited to, Conflict of interests that are Financial (gains from the
outcomes of the proposal or award), Personal (association of relative / Family
members) and Institutional (Colleagues, Collaborators, Employer, persons associated
in a professional career of an individual such as Ph.D. supervisor etc.)

2. Specifications as to what constitutes Conflict of Interest.

Any of the following specifications (non-exhaustive list) imply Conflict of Interest if,
 (i) Due to any reason by which the Reviewer/Committee Member cannot deliver
fair and objective assessment of the proposal.
(ii) The applicant is a directly relative# or family member (including but not
limited to spouse, child, sibling, parent) or personal friend of the individual
involved in the decision making process or alternatively, if any relative of an
Officer directly involved in any decision making process / has influenced
interest/ stake in the applicant’s form etc..
(iii) The applicant for the grant/award is an employee or employer of an individual
involved in the process as a Reviewer or Committee Member; or if the
applicant to the grant/award has had an employer-employee relationship in the
past three years with that individual.
(iv) The applicant to the grant/award belongs to the same Department as that of the
Reviewer/Committee Member.
(v) The Reviewer/Committee Member is a Head of an Organization from where
the applicant is employed.
(vi) The Reviewer /Committee Member is or was, associated in the professional
career of the applicant (such as Ph.D. supervisor, Mentor, present Collaborator
etc.)
(vii) The Reviewer/Committee Member is involved in the preparation of the
research proposal submitted by the applicant.
(viii) The applicant has joint research publications with the Reviewer/Committee
Member in the last three years.
(ix) The applicant/Reviewer/Committee Member, in contravention to the accepted
norms and ethics followed in scientific research has a direct/indirect financial
interest in the outcomes of the proposal.
(x) The Reviewer/Committee Member stands to gain personally should the
submitted proposal be accepted or rejected.

# The Term “Relative” for this purpose would be referred in section 6 of Companies
Act , 1956.

3. Regulation:

The DST shall strive to avoid conflict of interest in its funding mechanisms to the
maximum extent possible. Self-regulatory mode is however recommended for stake
holders involved in scientific research and research management, on issues pertaining to
Conflict of Interest and scientific ethics. Any disclosure pertaining to the same must be
made voluntarily by the applicant/Reviewer/Committee Member.

4. Confidentiality:

The Reviewers and the Members of the Committee shall safeguard the confidentiality of
all discussions and decisions taken during the process and shall refrain from discussing
the same with any applicant or a third party, unless the Committee recommends otherwise
and records for doing so.

5. Code of Conduct

5.1 To be followed by Reviewers/Committee Members:

(a) All reviewers shall submit a conflict of interest statement, declaring the presence or
absence of any form of conflict of interest.
(b) The reviewers shall refrain from evaluating the proposals if the conflict of interest is
established or if it is apparent.
(c) All discussions and decisions pertaining to conflict of interest shall be recorded in the
minutes of the meeting.
(d) The Chairman of the Committee shall decide on all aspects pertaining to conflict of
interests.
(e) The Chairman of the Committee shall request that all members disclose if they have
any conflict of interest in the items of the agenda scheduled for discussion.
(f) The Committee Members shall refrain from participating in the decision making
process and leave the room with respect to the specific item where the conflict of
interest is established or is apparent.
(g) If the Chairman himself/herself has conflict of interest, the Committee may choose a
Chairman from among the remaining members, and the decision shall be made in
consultation with Member Secretary of the Committee.
(h) It is expected that a Committee member including the Chair-person will not seek
funding from a Committee in which he/she is a member. If any member applies for
grant, such proposals will be evaluated separately outside the Committee in which
he/she is a member.

5.2 To be followed by the Applicant to the Grant/Award:

(a) The applicant must refrain from suggesting referees with potential Conflict of Interest
that may arise due to the factors mentioned in the specifications described above in
Point No. 2.
(b) The applicant may mention the names of individuals to whom the submitted proposal
should not be sent for refereeing, clearly indicating the reasons for the same.

5.3 To be followed by the Officers dealing with Programs in DST:

While it is mandatory for the program officers to maintain confidentiality as detailed in
point no. 6 above, they should declare, in advance, if they are dealing with grant
applications of a relative or family member (including but not limited to spouse, child,
sibling, parent) or thesis/ post-doctoral mentor or stands to benefit financially if the
applicant proposal is funded. In such cases, DST will allot the grant applications to the
other program officer.

6. Sanction for violation

3.1 For a) Reviewers / Committee Members and b) Applicant

Any breach of the code of conduct will invite action as decided by the Committee.

3.2 For Officers dealing with Program in DST

Any breach of the code of conduct will invite action under present provision of CCS
(conduct Rules), 1964.

7. Final Appellate authority:

Secretary, DST shall be the appellate authority in issues pertaining to conflict of interest
and issues concerning the decision making process. The decision of Secretary, DST in
these issues shall be final and binding.
8. Declaration
I have read the above “Policy on Conflict of Interest” of the DST applicable to the
Reviewer/ Committee Member/ Applicant/ DST Scheme or Program Officer # and
agree to abide by provisions thereof.

I hereby declare that I have no conflict of interest of any form pertaining to the proposed
grant *
I hereby declare that I have conflict of interest of any form pertaining to the proposed
grant *

* & # (Tick whichever is applicable)

Name of the Reviewer/ Committee Member or Applicant or DST Officer

(Strike out whichever is not applicable)

(Signature with date)