India Science Book Fellowship 2025 – 2026
Science communication plays a vital role in bridging the gap between researchers and the public. In India, while scientific research output has been growing rapidly, there remains a need for accessible, engaging, and well-structured science narratives that can inspire society at large. Recognizing this need, the Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST-India) has announced the India Science Book Fellowship 2025 – 2026.
This fellowship is designed to nurture science writers, researchers, and communicators by giving them the resources, mentorship, and visibility required to develop popular non-fiction science books and alternative formats such as podcasts, documentaries, and science illustration projects.
With a generous grant of up to INR 10 lakhs, expert mentorship from renowned scientists and authors, and publishing support, the fellowship is set to become one of India’s most prestigious opportunities for those passionate about science storytelling.
Fellowship Objectives
The fellowship is guided by the following objectives:
| Objective | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Promote Science Writing | Encourage high-quality science non-fiction books accessible to general readers. |
| Support Emerging Voices | Provide financial and mentorship support to young researchers, writers, and communicators. |
| Encourage Deep-Tech Narratives | Stimulate writing and projects around cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum, biotech, and robotics. |
| Build Ecosystem for Science Communication | Create long-term connections between authors, publishers, and educators. |
| Expand Beyond Books | Support creative formats like podcasts, documentaries, and visual storytelling for diverse audiences. |
Fellowship Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizing Body | Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST-India) |
| Title | India Science Book Fellowship 2025 – 2026 |
| Monetary Support | Up to INR 10,00,000 |
| Mentorship | Provided by distinguished scientists, authors, editors, and thought leaders |
| Formats Accepted | Non-fiction science books, podcasts, documentaries, and science illustration-based works |
| Theme (Suggested) | Deep-Tech (AI, robotics, biotech, quantum computing, etc.) |
| Application Requirement | 250-word abstract submission |
| Deadline | 22 September 2025 |
| Duration | Flexible, based on project requirements |
| Output | Manuscript, published book, or approved alternative format |
Mentorship Panel
| Mentor | Profile |
|---|---|
| Prof. Archana Sharma | Senior Scientist, CERN, Geneva |
| Jahnavi Phalkey | Director, Science Gallery Bengaluru; Author |
| Karthik Venkatesh | Executive Editor, Penguin Random House India |
| Luis Miranda | Chairman, Centre for Civil Society; Advisor and Investor |
This mentorship ensures that fellows receive both scientific accuracy and narrative excellence in their projects.
Fellowship Benefits
- Financial Grant – Up to INR 10 lakhs to cover writing, research, and project development expenses.
- Expert Mentorship – Guidance on structuring ideas, refining narratives, and pitching to publishers.
- Publishing and Promotion – FAST-India will facilitate connections with leading publishers and help promote completed works.
- Creative Flexibility – Beyond books, applicants can explore podcasts, documentary scripts, and illustration-based projects.
- National Recognition – Fellowship recipients will gain credibility as emerging voices in science communication.
Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Eligible Applicants |
|---|---|
| Academics & Researchers | Postdoctoral fellows, PhD candidates, Master’s students, independent researchers |
| Writers & Communicators | Science journalists, popular science writers, authors exploring deep-tech |
| Creatives | Documentary filmmakers, podcasters, illustrators interested in science themes |
| Other Professionals | Individuals with strong ideas for science storytelling |
Application Process
Applicants must submit a 250-word abstract summarizing their proposed book or project idea.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify Your Concept: Decide whether you want to propose a book, podcast, documentary, or science illustration project.
- Draft Abstract: Write a clear, engaging 250-word abstract outlining your concept, theme, and target audience.
- Submit Abstract: Use the official fellowship submission link.
- Mentor Shortlisting: Selected applicants will be paired with mentors for detailed project development.
- Award of Fellowship: Final fellows will be announced and provided with funding and mentorship support.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Announcement | 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 22 September 2025 |
| Review & Selection | October 2025 |
| Fellowship Period | 2025 – 2026 |
Contact Information
- Email: vanshika@fast-india.org, info@fast-india.org
- Website: www.fast-india.org
Why This Fellowship Matters
The India Science Book Fellowship is more than just funding—it is a movement to make science accessible to the wider public. By encouraging deep-tech storytelling, the fellowship aims to:
- Build public understanding of complex scientific themes.
- Create role models in Indian science writing.
- Inspire the next generation of science communicators.
For researchers and writers, this fellowship offers a unique platform to combine passion, creativity, and scientific rigor, ensuring their work reaches beyond academic circles into mainstream public imagination.
The India Science Book Fellowship 2025 – 2026 provides a rare opportunity for writers, researchers, and communicators to bring their science ideas to life with global mentorship and financial support. With a focus on deep-tech and creative flexibility across formats, it has the potential to shape the future of science communication in India.
If you are passionate about science storytelling, this is your chance to step forward and create work that informs, inspires, and influences society.
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