The Good Food Institute (GFI) India’s Smart Protein Advanced Research & Knowledge (SPARK) Fellowship 2024 program aims at encouraging postgraduate students from diverse scientific disciplines like food technology, biotechnology & bioengineering, microbiology, and chemical engineering to work on industry-relevant applied research topics contributing to innovative discoveries in the smart protein sector.
Under the SPARK fellowship, students will have the opportunity to conduct fully-funded, lab-based research for a six-month timeframe at premier Indian R&D institutions under the guidance of expert faculty mentors. This program will also facilitate translational research collaborations and commercialization of outcomes by onboarding relevant industry partners from GFI India’s network.
Research Areas
Research Areas for Spark Fellowship 2024 are given below
1) Plant Based
The term plant-based refers to products made from plants that are alternatives to animal-based products. This includes plant-based meat, egg, dairy, and seafood. Understanding the functionality of plant proteins from indigenous crops of India, optimizing sustainable protein extraction techniques, and developing novel texturization technologies and cleanlabel ingredients are the white space opportunities.
2) Fermentation-derived
Divided into traditional, biomass, and precision fermentation, this modality leverages the versatility of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, yeast) to derive unique functional ingredients for smart protein products or produce large amounts of a protein-rich food product. Target identification, strain development, feedstock optimization, process design and manufacturing, formulation, and product development are key areas for innovation.
3) Cultivated meat & seafood
Produced directly from cells, cultivated meat uses the basic elements needed to build muscle and fat and enables the same biological process that happens inside an animal. Cultivated meat is identical to conventional meat at the cellular level. Addressing challenges in cell line development, cell culture media, scaffolding, and bioprocess design is the need of the hour for cultivated meat R&D.
Grant & Stipend
The consolidated research grant of INR 1,00,000 and a monthly student stipend of INR 10,000 will cover consumables required for project implementation and relocation or accommodation costs, respectively. Progress will be regularly monitored by GFI India’s Scientists for the duration of the research project. Following the successful completion of the research project, GFI India will award the students with a Certificate of Completion to recognize their participation and contribution to smart protein research under the SPARK fellowship program.
Eligibility
Students currently pursuing a postgraduate degree (M.Sc, M.Tech, final year of dual degree programs, or similar) in one of these key scientific disciplines are encouraged to apply. Individuals who have recently completed their post-graduation in any relevant disciplines and are looking for earlycareer research opportunities are also welcome to apply.
Selection Process
Applications will be screened based on the fulfillment of eligibility criteria, academic credentials, demonstrated research experience and skillset, and mission alignment. Selected candidates will undergo an interview process from which 3 meritorious candidates (1 student per research area mentioned above) will be selected for the research fellowship.
Important Dates
Starting date : February 20, 2024.
Deadline : March 15, 2024, 11:59 PM IST.
24 & 25 February 2024
Apply for Spark Fellowship 2024
Click here to open registration form.
For any queries regarding this fellowship, reach out to
india@gfi.org or amruthag@gfi.org
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