I.              Introduction

The development in Ocean Science & Technology is linked with achievements in other scientific and technological areas. The research efforts should lead to fundamental understanding and ensure predictive capabilities.  An important component of the development programme is technology.  To be self reliant such technologies would have to be largely developed, tested and operated indigenously.  Several new technologies will have to be commercialized and made cost effective.  Creation of self reliant technological base puts a heavy demand on fully trained personnel and creation of infrastructure and facilities which has to be properly planned.  Recognizing the above, the Department of Ocean Development (DOD) has reoriented Ocean Research & Manpower Development Programs and nine Ocean Science and Technology Cells have been set up  Universities/IIT with a view to create Centres of Excellence.

II.            Name of scheme(s)

1.       Assistance for Research Projects (ARPs) in Ocean Sciences (MRDF)

2.       Manpower Training for Ocean Research & Management (MMDP)

Objective(s)

·         To encourage research in newly emerging and front-line areas of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Marine Coastal Ecology, Marine Biology, Marine Microbiology, Coastal Marine Culture Systems, Marine Benthos, Beach Placers, Ocean Engineering and Under Water Robotics.

·         Subjects considered for support under the programme include physical and chemical oceanography, marine biology, marine geology, marine geophysics, ocean engineering, marine ecology, meteorology, marine instrumentation etc.  Besides purely scientific projects, assistance is also extended to projects which have politico-geographic or social dimensions of the Indian Ocean and Antartica.

·         Under the MMDP Scheme, only fellowships & contingencies are provided for.

·         To encourage Research Organizations, Institutions, IITs, Universities to undertake projects   with industrial tie-ups.

·         To generate reliable data and information system.

·         To strengthen/create infrastructure facilities in Universities/Institutions/Organizations to generate manpower in the fields of Marine Science and Technology.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

Scientists working in Research Institutions and Universities etc.

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal 

The proposal (six copies) in the prescribed format can be submitted any time during the year.  The format can be downloaded from the website.                                                          

V.             Areas of research support 

Newly emerging and front-line areas of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Marine  Coastal Ecology, Marine Biology, Marine Microbiology, Coastal Marine Culture Systems, Marine Benthos, Beach Placers, Ocean Engineering and Under Water Robotics.

VI.           Components of grant 

Salaries for research staff, equipment and contingencies.

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant 

Basic infrastructure and funds for building etc.

VIII.        Mechanism of monitoring and implementation

The Department clears the projects based on priority areas, the fulfillment of certain basic criteria regarding their objectives of direct relevance to ocean science, approach and competence available at the Institution/University/Organization etc.

The PI is required to submit 3 copies of the report of the progress of the project by second week of April of every year during the entire duration of the project.  The Management Board of the Ocean Science and Technology Cell reviews the progress of the work and suggests measures to  ensure an early  realization of  the  results of  the project.  During the execution period of the project, the host Institution/University/Organization is required to extend all  facilities to the Committee of Experts coming for inspection/review.

IX.           Contact Address