RESEARCH TANK
Research Tank-Rajagiri Research Fellowship
Research Tank is a Shark Tank–inspired competition designed to identify and support high-potential health-related research from registered Ph.D. scholars across the country. Shortlisted scholars will pitch their research proposals to a multidisciplinary panel comprising senior academics, practitioners, and potential funders. The panel offers constructive critique, mentorship, and pathways for collaboration or funding.
The competition aims to nurture innovative, socially relevant research by providing a platform for doctoral scholars to present and refine their ideas. Winners will be awarded the Rajagiri Research Fellowship, along with targeted support to transform their proposals into high-quality, impactful research outputs.
Who can apply?
Registered Ph.D. scholars (at any stage) working in health or allied disciplines, with a clear health or social-health focus to their research. Scholars registered for DYUTI 2026. Applicants must have an institutional affiliation with a university, college, or research institute accredited in India.
Brochure : Click here to View/ Download Click here to View/ Download
Submission Package
All materials should be compiled into one PDF, unless otherwise specified- Title and PI Details: Name, institution, stage of Ph.D., and contact information.
- 500-word Abstract: Clearly outlining the problem, research gap, aims, and significance.
- 1-page Methodological Summary: Study design, sampling plan, analysis strategy, and indicative timeline.
- 1-page Impact/Translation Plan: Policy or practice relevance, pathways for knowledge translation, and potential scalability.
- 1-page Budget Summary
- Supervisor Endorsement: A brief scanned or emailed letter/email of support.
- Pitch Deck: Upon shortlisting, participants shall submit a separate 5–6 slide presentation (in PPT or PDF format).
Expert Jury Panel
The Expert Jury Panel comprises senior healthcare professionals, journal editors, and CSR leaders who guide and mentor scholars toward developing actionable, socially impactful research projects, with potential funding pathways.
The panel will:- Provide sharp, actionable critique and explore avenues for meaningful collaboration.
- Identify feasible next steps to strengthen the research idea, including methodological refinement, ethical clearance considerations, and potential institutional or field partnerships.
- Indicate possible pathways for collaboration, field access, or funding, depending on project merit and relevance (non-binding and subject to feasibility).
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Shortlisting A blind review of all submissions will be conducted by the Selection Committee. Based on the evaluation, 6 candidates will be shortlisted.
- Stage 2: Final Selection The 6 shortlisted scholars will be invited to deliver a live research pitch at DYUTI 2026 before an expert jury panel. Prestigious awards, including the Rajagiri Research Fellowship/Grant, will be conferred on the top research pitches.
Objectives
- Identify and accelerate promising health-focused research with multidimensional impact.
- Connect early-career researchers with mentors, collaborators, and funders
- Provide targeted seed funding and mentorship to turn proposals into publishable, funded projects.
- Build a global network of researchers and collaborative project opportunities inspired by PhD-level innovation.
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Submissions Open | 25 November 2025 |
| Deadline for Submission of Research Idea | 15 December 2025 |
| Communication to Shortlisted Participants | 31 December 2025 |
| Live Idea Pitching | 8 January 2026 |
| Registration | Starts at 2pm, 7 January 2026 |
For More Details, Contact
- dyuti@rajagiri.edu
- Siny Maria Scaria: +91 9995200742
- Lija Mary Mathew: +91 8281572385
- Praisewin Johny: +91 6238981847
