[Schmidt Sciences](https://www.schmidtsciences.org)

March 30, 2026: Application deadline

Up to USD 2,500/month (foreign PhD students/postdocs) or INR 100,000/month (Indian researchers); round-trip airfare and partial honorarium upon deliverables

Supports collaborative research advancing India’s net-zero transition, focusing on energy, sustainability, and developmental outcomes through the Research Frontier Networks program.

--- ## Description This open call, led by IIT Delhi in partnership with Schmidt Sciences under the Research Frontier Networks (RFN) program and as part of the Net Zero India Project, seeks proposals for collaborative research supporting India's transition to net-zero emissions by 2070. The initiative focuses on advancing scientific understanding of energy transition pathways, emphasizing both developmental (employment, health, equity) and sustainability (land, water, biodiversity) outcomes. Projects are expected to use innovative qualitative and quantitative methods and ensure open access to all modeling tools and data generated. The RFN program aims to nurture regional talent and develop context-specific research tools for the Global South, with IIT Delhi serving as the India hub. --- ## Due Dates - March 30, 2026: Application deadline - April 30, 2026: Selection of open call --- ## Funding Amount - Foreign PhD students or postdocs: Up to USD 2,500 per month - Indian students and young researchers (RAs/PhDs/Postdocs): Up to INR 100,000 per month - IIT Delhi will cover one round-trip airfare for selected applicants - A portion of the honorarium is paid after submission of deliverables The honorarium is intended to cover living expenses while working in India. --- ## Eligibility - Open to PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and young researchers from India or abroad - Applicants must be affiliated with an academic or research institution - Institutional or supervisor approval is required to participate - Selection is based on prior work, publications, and relevance to the proposed theme --- ## Application Process - Submit a 2–3 page research plan, CV, and other required details via the [application form](https://forms.gle/tWd7r8rYnbAWUmfB8) - Choose from one of four thematic areas related to India’s net-zero transition: - Modelling Employment Shifts in India’s Energy Transition - Linking High-Resolution Energy Infrastructure Pathways to Air Pollution and Mortality Outcomes - Modelling India’s Forest Carbon through Dynamic, Spatial, and Integrated Approaches - Water-Food-Energy Nexus Modelling for Development-Compatible Net-Zero Pathways - Applications are reviewed by a selection committee based on expertise and thematic fit --- ## Additional Information - All research outputs (modeling tools, data) must be made openly accessible - The initiative is interdisciplinary and encourages cross-sector collaboration - The project duration aligns with the broader Net Zero India Project (2026–2027) --- ## External Links - [Program announcement and details – IIT Delhi](https://spp.iitd.ac.in/news/76) - [Open Call 1 details (PDF)](https://owncloud.iitd.ac.in/nextcloud/index.php/s/re9eS5WwSHkk5jm) - [Application form (Google Forms)](https://forms.gle/tWd7r8rYnbAWUmfB8) - [Funder homepage – Schmidt Sciences](https://www.schmidtsciences.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Additional Info | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Ms. Ashwini Mudgal | [ashwinim.cstaff@iitd.ac.in](mailto:ashwinim.cstaff@iitd.ac.in) | Primary contact | | Dr. Kaveri Iychettira | [Kaveri@iitd.ac.in](mailto:Kaveri@iitd.ac.in) | CC for queries | | Dr. Ekta Baranwal | [ekta1988.cstaff@iitd.ac.in](mailto:ekta1988.cstaff@iitd.ac.in) | CC for queries | | IIT Delhi School of Public Policy | information[at]sopp[dot]iitd[dot]ac[dot]in | General program queries | | Phone | [+91-11-2659 7633 (O)](tel:+91-11-2659-7633) | Office number |

IIT Delhi - Schmidt Sciences Open Call 2026-2027 (Round 1)

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