Call for
Sun Pharma Science Foundation (SPSF)
Organisation Name:
Sun Pharma Science Foundation (SPSF)
Application Deadline:
25 August 2025
About Organisation
Sun Pharma Science Foundation is an autonomous, non-profit institution registered under the Societies Registration Act. It is committed to fostering a culture of research and innovation in India by encouraging high-quality scientific work in the fields of medical and pharmaceutical sciences. The Foundation plays a vital role in promoting excellence in research by recognizing individuals who make significant contributions to these domains. Its primary objective is to stimulate scientific inquiry and development through various fellowships, awards, and other academic initiatives.
Currently chaired by Prof. Virander S. Chauhan—an accomplished scientist and J.C. Bose Fellow—the Foundation collaborates with distinguished institutions and scientists to ensure transparency and merit-based selections. With a focus on impactful medical and pharmaceutical research, the Foundation provides a platform for both resident and non-resident Indian scientists to gain national recognition and further their scholarly work.
The mission of Sun Pharma Science Foundation is to promote medical and pharmaceutical research in India by identifying sources of knowledge and rewarding outstanding contributions. Through its fellowships, it seeks to support breakthroughs that can transform healthcare outcomes, drug discovery, and clinical research, thereby advancing the frontiers of science in India and beyond.
About the Grant
The Sun Pharma Science Foundation Research Fellowships aim to honor and reward Indian scientists—both in India and abroad—who demonstrate excellence in the fields of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Every year, the Foundation offers three prestigious fellowships: two in Medical Sciences (covering Basic and Clinical Research respectively) and one in Pharmaceutical Sciences. These fellowships include a trophy, a citation, and a monetary prize of ₹5,00,000 for each awardee.
The scope of the fellowship in Medical Sciences includes basic research that contributes to fundamental understanding of biomedical sciences, and clinical research that enhances disease understanding, diagnosis, treatment, or patient care through innovations and epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, the Pharmaceutical Sciences fellowship covers areas such as new drug discovery, receptor studies, process development, biotechnology, novel drug delivery systems, and applied pharmaceutical innovations—especially those with commercial and clinical impact.
The fellowships are awarded after a rigorous evaluation by a panel of esteemed scientists. The awards are presented during a formal event graced by a prominent figure from the scientific community. By supporting these fellowships, the Foundation encourages innovation and aims to catalyze meaningful advancements in science that can improve healthcare and medicinal practices nationally and globally.
Who can Apply?
The Sun Pharma Science Foundation Research Fellowships are open to Indian nationals and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) scientists working either in India or abroad. Eligible candidates must be engaged in high-quality research within the domains of Medical Sciences (Basic or Clinical Research) or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
In Medical Sciences, eligible research should demonstrate contributions in understanding disease mechanisms, improving clinical diagnostics or treatments, epidemiological studies, or innovations that lead to better patient care. Clinical evaluation of drugs, diagnostic tools, and vaccines also fall under the eligible scope.
For Pharmaceutical Sciences, candidates should be involved in work related to drug discovery, new drug delivery systems, molecular biology applications, fermentation and biotechnology, process technology innovations, or the development of novel pharmaceutical formulations, including those rooted in traditional or herbal sources.
Applicants must hold valid Indian citizenship or a valid Indian passport (for NRIs). Their research should reflect originality, scientific excellence, and a significant contribution to the field. The fellowships aim to recognize those who are advancing knowledge, technology, or patient outcomes through rigorous research.
Nominations must be submitted by a third party who can justify the nomination with a brief write-up. Self-nominations are not accepted.
How to Apply?
Nominations must be submitted online through the Foundation’s official portal. Applicants must provide personal and professional details, including a recent photograph, and specify the fellowship category. A nominator must submit a signed justification (maximum 400 words) supporting the nomination. After uploading the justification letter, the nominee receives login credentials to complete the application process. Only Indian citizens and NRIs with valid Indian passports are eligible.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted within the deadline mentioned on the Foundation’s official notification. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for the fellowship in the current cycle.
Last Date To Apply
The last date to submit the completed application and upload the nomination justification letter is generally mentioned in the official fellowship notification. Applicants are advised to apply well before the deadline.
Grant Amount
Each selected fellow will receive a grant of ₹5,00,000 along with a trophy and a citation. The award is presented by a renowned scientist at a dedicated felicitation ceremony.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
