The Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun has organized a “Special Seminar on Preparation of Winning Project Proposals in Trans-Disciplinary Research Areas” on 20.10.2023 for the benefit of scientists and research professionals.

Dr Akhilendra Bhushan Gupta, Prof., Department of Civil Engineering, MNIT, Jaipur presented the special seminar on the successful project proposals, drawing references from his 40 years of experience and case studies. While explaining the successful writing of good research proposals, he informed the importance of identifying ideas with clarity and novelty that can be scientifically proven and used for development of technologies, products and processes to solve real-life problems for societal and environmental benefits. Identifying research gaps, then strengths to address the gap, suitable team formation including social groups and industrial units with diverse strengths to address the gaps, openness for suggestion, and passion for innovation are some of the essential ingredients for successful proposals. Dr Gupta informed that women researchers have edge over for greater success. He briefed about various funding sources, and their requirements and limits for funding.

Dr. M Madhu, Director, IISWC in his introductory remarks he spoke on the activities, achievements and future plan and research interests of the Institute. Citing the national mandate of the Institute on resource conservation, soil and water conservation research and development, he called for collaborate and multi-disciplinarity research proposals to tackle critical problems of farming, environmental and societal transformation.

Dr. M Muruganandam, Principal Scientist and Head (PME & KM Unit), Coordinator of the seminar informed that the session identified various skills and needed understanding for successful submission of research proposal. This was very useful for the scientists and research professionals in proposing newer projects and funding agencies.

Er. SS Shrimali Sr Scientist and Dr. Sadikul Islam, Scientist Co-organizers reported that the program was well received both by the scientists and participants. He appreciated the resource persons and the level of knowledge shared and transpired in the training.

The program ended with live discussion and feedback session on pitfalls, do's and don'ts while proposing research proposals A total of 25 scientists physically attended the seminar and about 40 scientists and researchers attended and interacted online with the resource person.