The Indian government is prioritizing the expansion of its health research capabilities by focusing on young doctors and women scientists. The central government has amended its Human Resource Development (HRD) Scheme for health research to broaden India's medical research base beyond a select few leading institutions, thus enabling more medical colleges to conduct high-quality health research.
The revised guidelines issued by the Department of Health Research, aim to address a long-standing weakness in India's health system: the lack of trained research capacity in most medical colleges, by nurturing clinician-researchers from the earliest stages of their careers. Inclusion is a key focus, with support directed towards medical students, young doctors, faculty members, and women scientists to foster research capacity growth across the nation, complementing established centers like AIIMS, PGI, and NIMHANS.
The scheme will continue to provide short-term research support to undergraduate MBBS and BDS students, introducing them to the generation of medical evidence alongside their clinical training. Postgraduate students pursuing MD, MS, and DNB degrees will be eligible for funded thesis work, addressing the common issue of research being conducted without financial support.
Dr. Govind K. Makharia, Associate Dean (Research) at AIIMS, explains that the scheme aims to introduce students and young doctors to research early, helping them develop skills in scientific methods, data analysis, and academic writing alongside patient care. He emphasized that even small financial support at this stage can significantly improve research quality and build lasting skills, as most medical colleges lack funds for thesis work.
The revamped framework also offers medical PhD fellowships and research grants for young faculty members, encouraging them to stay in teaching and research by providing support that may be limited within their institutions. Dedicated fellowships aim to support women scientists, addressing the underrepresentation of women in biomedical research and supporting those returning from career breaks due to family responsibilities. To be eligible for the DHR India Fellowship Opportunities for Women in Science 2025, applicants must be Indian citizens, currently unemployed, and have experienced a career break of one to five years with valid reasoning. The age of the applicant must be between 30 and 45 years of age as of the last date of receipt of the application.
These efforts align with a broader recognition of the unique perspectives women bring to research and scientific discussions, with gender diversity offering numerous advantages in both academic and private sectors. Several women have already taken on leading roles in organizations like the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), initiating impactful projects. The contributions of women like Gagandeep Kang, a virologist, and Chandrima Shaha, a biologist, highlight the significant impact of women in Indian science.
