Empowering Early-Career Researchers: IndiaBioscience Announces RYIM Grants 2025–2026

IndiaBioscience Strengthens Local Scientific Ecosystems Through Young Investigator-Led Meetings

IndiaBioscience organised the Regional Young Investigator Meetings (RYIMs) in 2018 to strengthen regional scientific ecosystems and foster collaborations among researchers. Developed from discussions at the 10th national Young Investigators’ Meeting, RYIMs address unique challenges in India’s research communities. Since inception, RYIMs have evolved into dynamic platforms beyond scientific presentations, integrating mentorship, networking, skill-building workshops, and discussions on collaboration, resource sharing, science education, industry partnerships, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The first four meetings in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jodhpur, and Delhi-NCR set the foundation for future events.

The 2023–2024 cycle expanded RYIMs to multiple cities, featuring tailored themes and the widely recognised Crafting Your Career (CYC) workshops, offering professional development for students, PhD researchers, and postdoctoral fellows. The 2024–2025 phase further introduced childcare grants and train-the-trainer sessions to support researchers and expand CYC workshops.mRYIMs are designed as inclusive, interdisciplinary forums, serving as incubators for collaboration, leadership development, and academic networking across India’s scientific landscape. IndiaBioscience remains committed to empowering early-career researchers and fostering resilient research communities nationwide.

IndiaBioscience Invites Applications for RYIM Grants 2025–2026

IndiaBioscience has announced a new call for applications for the Regional Young Investigators’ Meeting (RYIM) Grants 2025–2026, aimed at empowering early-career researchers to build and strengthen their regional scientific communities. These grants extend the ethos of the national Young Investigator Meetings (YIMs) to the regional level, promoting collaboration, inclusive leadership, and sustained academic engagement.

Applicants are expected to propose in-person meetings lasting 2–3 days, hosted at a local institution affiliated with a member of the organising team. Meetings should engage a diverse group of participants—researchers and research professionals from across the region. While broad regional categories such as North, South, East, West, Central, or North-East India may be used, teams are also welcome to define their region in locally meaningful ways.

Each organising team must be led by a YIM alumnus, someone who has attended a national YIM as a Young Investigator and include 2–4 co-organisers from different institutes, universities, or research organisations within the region. Co-organisers need not be YIM alumni. Teams are strongly encouraged to reflect diversity in scientific disciplines, institutional types (national, state, private, or university settings), and demographics.

Each selected proposal will receive up to INR 1.5 lakh in grant support from IndiaBioscience. Applications will open on 21 April 2025 and close on 21 May 2025 at 11:59 PM IST. Submissions must be made exclusively via the official online application form, along with all required documents. Email submissions will not be considered. Selected applicants will be notified by mid-June 2025, and all approved RYIMs must be conducted before March 2026. This is a unique opportunity for young investigators to lead meaningful initiatives, foster regional networks, and contribute to the growth of India’s life science ecosystem. Interested teams are encouraged to start forming diverse, multi-institutional collaborations and crafting proposals that align with the inclusive and collaborative spirit of the RYIMs.

Eligibility and Application Guidelines for RYIM Grants 2025–2026

IndiaBioscience has outlined clear eligibility for organising RYIMs 2025–2026, aimed at fostering collaborative leadership and regional engagement.

• The Lead Organiser must be a YIM alumnus in an independent research position (under eight years). They must apply with 2–4 Co-organisers, also in independent roles at different institutions within the same region. Co-organisers need not be YIM alumni but must be committed to regional scientific networking.
• The Organising Team is responsible for planning and executing the meeting, and should reflect diversity across disciplines, demographics, and institutional types (national, central, private, or university-affiliated). Previous RYIM organisers and host institutions may reapply if eligible.
• All applications must be submitted only via the online form; email submissions or incomplete/inaccessible files will not be accepted. Applicants should carefully review all requirements before applying.
• To apply for the RYIM Grants 2025–2026, applicants must submit their materials via the online application form only. Email submissions will not be accepted.
• To apply for RYIM Grants 2025–2026, applicants must provide details of the Organising Team—including the Lead Organiser (a YIM alumnus) and 2–4 Co-organisers (independent researchers under 8 years) from different institutions. A broad, inclusive RYIM Theme relevant to the wider scientific community must be proposed. Upload two-page CVs for all team members.
• Each member must submit a Letter of Support from their host institution confirming their eligibility and institutional backing. If the host institute will serve as the venue, the letter should confirm its willingness to host the event.
• Submit a 5-page proposal PDF (via Google Drive) outlining the event’s purpose, theme, venue, team roles, draft schedule, expected attendance (at least 100), planned sessions, budget, and funding request (up to INR 1.5 lakh). Also include plans for additional fundraising. A separate Funding Request Letter, signed by the host institution, must also be submitted.
• Ensure all files are accessible and follow the guidelines. This grant is a chance to lead regional scientific collaboration—applicants should submit thoughtful, community-driven proposals.

Value-Added Features for RYIMs:

To enhance the overall impact and inclusivity of the Regional Young Investigators’ Meetings (RYIMs), IndiaBioscience offers optional features that add meaningful value to the meeting experience for both organisers and participants.

Crafting Your Career (CYC) workshop

Applicants for the RYIM Grants 2025–2026 are encouraged to include a Crafting Your Career (CYC) workshop in their event. This 3-hour session, led by an IndiaBioscience team member, is designed for 30-50 PhD students and postdocs, providing career guidance and skill development. It can be scheduled on Day 2, Day 3, or the day before the RYIM. IndiaBioscience will cover the round-trip travel expenses for the facilitator, while organisers are responsible for local transport, accommodation, and meals.

Organising teams opting for the CYC workshop must coordinate with IndiaBioscience to shortlist participants, provide the venue, and ensure technical support. Participants completing the workshop will receive an e-certificate. The workshop’s feasibility will be confirmed based on requests, timelines, and logistics, with organisers indicating interest through the online form.
 

Childcare Grant

IndiaBioscience offers a childcare grant of INR 15,000 for up to three attendees, supported by EMBO. Organisers will manage the application process, ensuring transparency, eligibility, and gender representation. All communications must include the IndiaBioscience Childcare Grants logo. Post-event, organisers can submit a report or interview series within four weeks to document the meeting’s impact. Content should be independently drafted and meet quality standards for publication on the IndiaBioscience website.

Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility, meeting feasibility, programme quality, and impact on the regional scientific community. Up to four RYIM grants will be awarded, with decisions made by mid-June 2025. All meetings must take place before March 2026. IndiaBioscience reserves the right to adjust terms during the grant period. This opportunity fosters regional engagement, equity, and long-term scientific collaboration.

Editor’s Note: 

The Regional Young Investigators’ Meetings (RYIMs) have emerged as vital platforms for fostering grassroots scientific collaboration, leadership, and mentorship across India. Since their inception in 2018, these meetings have evolved into dynamic, community-driven initiatives that transcend conventional academic gatherings. They now embrace scientific exchange and also skill development, inclusive leadership, and regional capacity building. The RYIM Grants 2025–2026 call reaffirms IndiaBioscience’s commitment to supporting early-career researchers in shaping their local research ecosystems. With structured eligibility, clear application guidelines, and value-added components such as the Crafting Your Career workshops and childcare support, the RYIMs reflect a progressive model of academic engagement that prioritises inclusivity, accessibility, and long-term impact. 

As this cycle opens for new applications, Skoobuzz encourages potential organisers to view this not just as a funding opportunity, but as a chance to initiate meaningful change in their regions—by building collaborative networks, mentoring the next generation, and elevating underrepresented voices in science.