“Your real learning starts now as you go into the real world. The tools have been given to you, but what you make in life is what you do after you graduate,”believed Ratan Naval Tata, the visionary leader who passed away at the age of 86 at Breach Candy Hospital on October 9, 2024. A staunch proponent of lifelong learning, Ratan Tata made a lasting impact on the education sector.His remarkable philanthropic initiatives, especially in education, have empowered millions of students globally.
In honour of his legacy, numerous scholarships and foundations have been established, including the Tata Scholarship for Indian students at Cornell University. One of the notable financial aids for the education sector is Sir Ratan Tata Post-Doctoral Fellowship for the London School of Economics (LSE), instituted in 1997 under the leadership of Ratan Tata in collaboration with Sir Ratan Tata Trust.
Sir Ratan Tata Post-Doctoral Fellowship at LSE: A broad overview
This post-doctoral fellowship grants a monthly subsistence allowance of up to £1,750 (approximately ₹1.75 lakh) and is provided with shared workspace along with access to the research facilities at the LSE. Support is also extended to cover travel expenses and related costs. However, no extra funding is available for fieldwork or other expenditures. The time period of the fellowship lasts for 6 months each academic year and is hosted by the LSE India Observatory.
Fellows are needed to conduct post-doctoral research in social science, emphasising on economic and social development in India and South Asia. They must complete a research paper of high standards and demonstrate their findings at a seminar orgnanised by the LSE India Observatory, a research centre at the School that specialises in India’s economy, politics, and society and works in collaboration with international partners to exchange knowledge on India and its position in the world. Shortlisted candidates need to collect requisite data and materials for their research before arriving at LSE.
Sir Ratan Tata Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Eligibility criteria
To receive Sir Ratan Tata Post-Doctoral Fellowship students must fulfill certain eligibility criteria: Here is a look at them:
- Candidates should be early-career post-doctoral researchers engaged in social science research with an emphasis on South Asia.
- Applicants must have received their PhD, as the fellowship is not designed for individuals currently enrolled in degree or diploma programs, nor is it suitable for senior academics.
- Candidates should hold a permanent position at a recognized institution within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region, which comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Sir Ratan Tata Post-Doctoral Fellowship: How to apply?
Candidates need to visit the official website and locate the appropriate link for applying to the Sir Ratan Tata Post-Doctoral Fellowship. The application package must comprise a cover letter limited to one page, a curriculum vitae not exceeding three pages, and a research proposal outline (including detailed methodology, literature review, and timeline) of no more than three pages. Applicants should also provide the names and contact details of two referees who have experience in the research area of the applicant.
Sir Ratan Tata Post-Doctoral Fellowship at LSE: Last three years’ awardees
Here is the list of scholars who received Sir Ratan Tata Post Doctoral Fellowship at LSE, for the last three years.
