Recognizing Outstanding Young Scientific Talent in Kerala

The Kerala State Young Scientist Awards (KSYSA) are instituted by the Government of Kerala to honor and encourage talented young scientists for their outstanding contributions to science and technology. These awards aim to promote independent research and innovation among early-career scientists working in Kerala.

Award Highlights

• Award includes a certificate and a cash prize of ₹50,000
• Awardees may be considered for:
  • A research grant of up to ₹50 lakhs (subject to expert review)
  • International travel support to present research at conferences (within 3 years of receiving the award)

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the award, candidates must:

• Hold a D. with at least 3 years of post-doctoral experience
• Be working in an academic or R&D institution in Kerala for the last 3 consecutive years
• Be 37 years of age or younger as on December 31 of the year the award is announced

Nomination Process

• Nominations can be made by:
  • Vice Chancellors of Universities in Kerala
  • Directors of R&D Centres
  • Heads of Institutions and Departments
  • Fellows of Science Academies
• Self-nominations are not accepted
• Once submitted, nominations are valid for 3 years or until the nominee crosses the age limit, whichever is earlier
• Selection is based on a detailed review by an expert committee

Application Procedure

• Applications are invited every year through a public notification
• Nominees must follow the official guidelines and submit the required documents as per the notification

Additional Opportunities for Awardees

• Awardees may be eligible to receive a research grant of ₹50 lakhs, subject to:
  • Submission of a research project proposal
  • Evaluation and recommendation by an expert committee
• Within three years of receiving the award, the recipient may be supported for overseas travel to present their work at a scientific conference

Sanctioned Research Grant Years

• 2015–16
• 2016–17
• 2017–18
• 2018–19
• 2021–22
• 2022–23
• 2023–24

Contact Information

The Scientist in Charge (KSYSA)
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Phone: +91 471 2548214

Downloads

KSYSA Awards

• Guidelines
• Notification (English)
• Notification (Malayalam)

Research Grant

• Application Form
• Guidelines
• Terms & Conditions
• No Pending SE & UC Certificate Format
• SE & Consolidated SE Format
• UC & Consolidated UC Format
• Final Technical Report Format
• Asset Transfer Certificate

Travel Grant

• Application Form
• Guidelines
• Terms & Conditions

Encouraging the Future of Science in Kerala

The Kerala State Young Scientist Awards aim to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders. By recognizing early-career researchers and providing support for their future work, the award strengthens Kerala’s scientific ecosystem and encourages excellence in research and innovation.