Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research

Frontier Center Scholars Program

2023 Frontier Scholar Awards — New RFP Release

The IIT Bombay-Ohio State Frontier Science and Engineering Research Center is dedicated to creating a global community of researchers, students, and industry. This collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and The Ohio State University builds on both institutions’ research strengths to advance the creation and translation of knowledge, educate students for the global economy, and improve the well-being of our world.

The Frontier Center will act as a catalyst to develop and advance collaborative, industry- and government-funded projects. The Center will host joint workshops and webinars, facilitate courtesy and visiting faculty appointments in strategic areas of interests, and provide seed funding to researchers. The Frontier Center Scholars program is the nucleus of our efforts, providing seed funding to facilitate collaboration.

Scope

The Frontier Center Scholars program supports collaborative research between doctoral graduate students (Frontier Center Scholars) from either university, a principal investigator (PI) at IIT Bombay, and a PI at Ohio State. Each Scholar will be co-supervised on their doctoral research by their “home PI” (graduate advisor) and a “host PI.” Each Scholar will complete at least one semester of research at the host university. This initial collaboration will act as a catalyst for a sustained, extramurally funded, collaboration between the PIs. The PIs can propose one of two tracks.

Research Focus Areas

  • Renewable Energy
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Electronics
  • Photonics
  • Emergent Materials
  • Quantum Information and Technology

Key Dates

  • Friday, October 13, 2023 - Request for Proposals (RFP) released
  • Thursday, October 26, 2023 - RFP Information Sessions. Session 1: 4:30 p.m. IST/7 a.m. ET Session 2: 7:30 p.m. IST/10 a.m. ET Zoom link for both meetings
  • Thursday, February 1, 2024 - Deadline for Proposals
  • Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Target for Awards Announcement
  • Thursday, April 11, 2024 - Target for Contract Initiation

Downloads (2023)

RFP Information Session Recording and Q&As

The Frontier Center hosted two virtual RFP Information Sessions last week. If you are interested in proposing to the 2023 IIT Bombay-Ohio State Frontier Center – Research Scholar Grants RFP, we hope that you will find the info session recording and Q&As, provided below, helpful.

Are the named examples of research projects the only projects of interest?

No. Any project that can be connected to one of the 6 research areas (renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, electronics, photonics, emergent materials, or quantum information and technology) are of interest.

Are both Ohio State and IIT Bombay doctoral students eligible to be scholars?

Yes. Students from both institutions are encouraged to apply. Both institutions will act as hosts.

Will student scholars receive a joint PhD for participation in this program?

No. Students will need to meet all the degree requirements of their home institution only, and their degree will only be from their home institution. The host Principal Investigator will act as a co-advisor during the research, and they are also encouraged to remain engaged with the student’s research and education.

Is there a deadline for the student research travel to be complete?

No. The PIs and student will determine when the research travel is most valuable. The funding will be available if the student is still working on their degree.

Will the student have to obtain a visa?

Yes, the student must obtain authorization to travel to and work in the host country. Teams should start the process for obtaining this at least 4 months in advance of the planned travel. The Frontier Center and both institutions can assist with this process.

Submissions and Additional Info

Direct any questions regarding the administrative RFP to:
Joanna Gardner
Proposal Development Specialist
Joanna Gardner headshot