Published on October 24 , 2025
Delhi, India
The Ramanujan Junior Researchers Programme represents a pivotal step in strengthening scientific ties between India and the United Kingdom, honoring the enduring legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan—the self-taught mathematical prodigy whose collaborations revolutionized global mathematics. Launched on October 21, 2025, following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India, this initiative is backed by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and hosted by the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS). It draws direct inspiration from Ramanujan’s historic 1913 partnership with British mathematician G.H. Hardy, aiming to replicate that cross-cultural magic for today’s young Indian talents in theoretical physics and mathematics.
By enabling joint research in world-class environments, the programme not only accelerates discovery but also positions India as a key player in international science. As Dr. Thomas Fink, Director of LIMS, noted, “This programme will act as a bridge for the exchange of talents between two science superpowers.” Vikram Doraiswami, India’s High Commissioner to the UK, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how it offers young scientists “the same chance Ramanujan once had—to test their ideas in the world’s most stimulating environments.” This collaboration promises to nurture groundbreaking ideas, from quantum mechanics to advanced number theory, fostering a new era of Indo-UK innovation.
Background and Inspiration
- Historical Roots: Modeled after Ramanujan’s transformative journey from India to Cambridge, where his intuitive insights on infinite series and partitions influenced modern physics and computing. The programme revives this spirit amid growing Indo-UK scientific diplomacy.
- Launch Context: Announced post-Starmer’s India visit, it aligns with broader bilateral efforts to enhance research mobility. LIMS, housed in the iconic Royal Institution (birthplace of electromagnetism discoveries), provides a prestigious venue for immersive work.
- Funding and Support: Fully DST-funded for the initial phase, with LIMS fundraising for expansions. It builds on successful LIMS fellowships for theorists from Russia and Ukraine, adapting the model for Indian scholars.
- Strategic Goals: To combat resource gaps in Indian academia by offering global exposure, while promoting knowledge repatriation and joint publications.
Programme Structure
The initiative unfolds in two strategic phases, starting small for proof-of-concept and scaling for nationwide impact.
Phase 1: Ramanujan Junior Visitors
- Target Audience: Up to six PhD students from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), a DST-supported premier institute in Bengaluru.
- Duration and Activities: Several months (typically 3-6) at LIMS in London’s Mayfair, including attending high-profile lectures, collaborative brainstorming, and hands-on research in theoretical physics or mathematics.
- Key Focus: Building foundational networks; visitors will engage in joint projects, such as exploring black hole entropy or algorithmic proofs, under mentorship from LIMS experts.
- Timeline: Rolling selections begin immediately, with the first cohort expected in early 2026.
Phase 2: Ramanujan Junior Fellowships
- Target Audience: Early-career researchers (post-PhD, typically within 5 years) from across India, expanding beyond JNCASR.
- Duration and Activities: Three-year full-time immersion at LIMS, involving independent projects, co-authored papers, and contributions to ongoing LIMS initiatives like AI-driven simulations or cosmological modeling.
- Key Focus: Long-term impact, with fellows forging lasting UK-India partnerships and returning equipped to lead Indian labs.
- Timeline: Expansion planned for 2027, with LIMS actively seeking endowments to support 5-10 fellows annually.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility emphasizes merit and potential, ensuring diverse representation in theoretical sciences.
| Category | Key Requirements | Age Limit | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Visitors (Phase 1) | Enrolled PhD student at JNCASR; strong academic record in physics/math; research proposal aligned with LIMS themes. | No strict limit (PhD stage) | Nominated by JNCASR faculty; DST committee review based on proposal innovation and fit. |
| Junior Fellows (Phase 2) | Completed PhD within last 5 years; Indian national/resident; publications in reputed journals; no prior UK long-term fellowship. | Under 35 preferred | Nationwide nominations; evaluated on CV, references, and project viability; empowered DST-LIMS panel. |
- Application Steps:
- Contact JNCASR or your institution for nomination (no direct applications for Phase 1).
- Submit CV, research proposal (3-5 pages), two references, and PhD details via DST portal.
- Interviews (virtual/in-person) for shortlisted candidates; decisions within 2-3 months.
- No fixed deadlines—periodic calls; monitor DST and LIMS websites for updates.
- Inclusivity Notes: Open to all genders and backgrounds; priority for underrepresented groups in STEM.
Benefits and Opportunities
- Financial Support: Full funding covers travel, accommodation, stipend (equivalent to DST norms, ~₹50,000-70,000/month), and research expenses; Phase 2 includes project grants up to £10,000/year.
- Professional Gains: Access to LIMS’s cutting-edge facilities, seminars at Royal Institution, and collaborations with global leaders; expected outcomes include 2-3 high-impact publications per fellow.
- Career Boost: Enhanced CV for tenure-track positions; alumni network for ongoing Indo-UK grants; potential for extensions or follow-on funding.
- Broader Impact: Fellows contribute to India’s scientific self-reliance, with mandatory knowledge-sharing workshops upon return.
