Dr Kasturirangan Trust introduces fellowship for young researchers; Rs 4 lakh for each fellow

The Dr Kasturirangan Trust has announced its first initiative, the Dr Kasturirangan 2027 Fellowship. Nominations for the fellowship will start on October 27 and close on December 31, 2026. The first group of fellows will be announced on April 25, 2027.

The trust was introduced in Bengaluru on October 25 to support young researchers and promote research in areas like space and technology, education, sustainability and public policy. It is a non-profit, non-political public charitable trust, which is managed by a Board of Trustees, an Advisory Board and an Executive Council.

Speaking about the trust, Sanjay Rangan, Trustee of the Dr Kasturirangan Trust, said, “Through this Trust, we hope to carry forward his vision by bringing people and institutions together to find solutions that benefit society and support future leaders.” The Trust is guided by Dr. Kasturirangan’s values of responsible research, compassion, excellence and respect for nature.”

The fellowship will select six Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and postdoctoral researchers whose work connects at least two of the Trust’s four focus areas and has practical applications. Each selected fellow will get a one-time grant of Rs 4 lakh to cover research expenses. Along with financial support, fellows will get mentorship and opportunities to present their work at two workshops every year.

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Dr Kasturirangan Trust fellowship details

Candidates who submitted their PhD thesis between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026, are eligible for nomination. For the first year, nominations must come from leading universities or a group of eminent individuals who knew K. Kasturirangan. The Trust plans to open the fellowship to direct applications in the coming years.

The Trust will also support research through scholarships, grants, conferences and book-writing initiatives. It plans to work with institutions in India and abroad to encourage research and contribute to public policy. Its long-term goal is to create an institution focused on research and solutions to emerging challenges.

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About K Kasturirangan

K Kasturirangan (1940 to 2025) was a leading Indian space scientist who served as chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 1994 to 2003. He later contributed to science and education policy as a member of the Rajya Sabha and the Planning Commission.

He also chaired the committee that drafted the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020). Kasturirangan also received the Padma Vibhushan in 2000 in recognition of his contributions.