Increase age limit for INSPIRE faculty positions to 40 years: AIRSA writes to DST

New Delhi: All India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) has requested the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to extend the age limit for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) faculty positions as well as permanent scientists.

In a letter addressed to the DST secretary Srivari Chandrasekhar, the AIRSA wrote, “A restricted age limit of 32 seems unjustified to the majority of the applicants who are getting adequate postdoc experience and want to contribute to the growth of science and technology.”

Also read | KVPY fellowship cancelled; DST to club KVPY with INSPIRE fellowships for Basic Science aspirants

“We request you to open the space for all researchers by increasing the age limit to 40 years rather than the restricted age limit of 32 years,” it said.

Explaining further, the association said, “Indian PhD scholars have a brilliant mind for doing innovative research, to gain a high level of postdoctoral research skill, most of them move abroad.”

“Most postdocs are in their 30s by the end of their PhD programmes and after 3 to 5 years of expected postdoc training, they reach the age over 35,” it added.

The DST has invited applications for the INSPIRE faculty fellowship programme from July 1, 2022. Candidates will be able to apply for DST INSPIRE fellowship for the academic year 2022 till August 15.