CSR Initiative: Syngene Early Career Research Grants 2026-27

This call is open to Junior Researchers working at the intersection of biology, chemistry, technology, and computation to address key challenges in modern drug discovery. We invite applications for research in life sciences that advance innovation in drug discovery and development, with a focus on (but not limited to):

• Novel technologies for chemical synthesis, chemical or biologics manufacturing, therapeutic intervention, and target validation. Example: Green chemistry initiatives, new cell and gene therapy approaches, high protein yielding cell lines, etc. 

• Translational research that helps reduce the use of animals. Example: human organoid work for efficacy and toxicology.  

• Novel Mechanisms of biomarkers, assays, and disease models that improve the predictability of clinical outcomes. Example: identification of novel biomarkers using omics platforms, humanized mouse disease models etc.   

• Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to accelerate discovery, analysis, and decision-making. Example: Use of AI/ML to help expedite target selection, discovery workflows, de novo discovery and manufacturing efficiencies.

• A PhD degree in science. Post-doctoral training is a benefit but not necessary.  

• Applicants must be Assistant Professors or Junior Research Faculty with experience not exceeding 8 years after PhD as of December 2026.   

• A permanent position in an Indian university or research institute.   

• The Institute/University must have CSR Registration Number to receive the Grant. 

• This call is not open to Post-Doctorate Fellows.

• Each Syngene Early Career Research Grant offers funding of INR 50 Lakhs to support high-risk, high-reward research of the grantee. 

• Each grantee will be invited to deliver a research seminar at Syngene and engage with Syngene’s senior researchers. 

• Grant payments will be made directly to the University/ Institute on behalf of the grantee, with the expectation that the University/ Institute will disburse the funds accordingly based on the grantee requirements for the research project.  The institute will not take any portion of the grant towards overhead or other expenses, as this grant is given 100% to the individual scientist for recognition of their scientific accomplishments.  

• The University must provide an annual utilization certificate, duly certified by its Finance Officer or a practicing Chartered Accountant. 

• An impact assessment will be conducted by Syngene on the utilization of the grant money.  

• Should the grantee transfer to another institution within India, the remaining funds may be transferred to the new host University.

The application process consists of two stages: 

Stage 1: Online Application 

Applicants must complete the application process by clicking this link below by November 30, 2026.
Syngene SECRG Application Form

This includes: 

• Upload your two page CV in PDF Format Only (* 2MB File size Limit)

• Research Statement (maximum of 500 words): Describe your current research interests, emphasizing the novelty, innovation, significance, and unique aspects of your work. 

• Brief biography (maximum of 200 words): Provide a short professional biography highlighting your academic background, research experience, and key achievements. 

• Text only; figures, tables, and images are not permitted. 

Up to 10 candidates will be shortlisted based on the Stage 1 submissions. 

Completion of all Stage 1 steps is mandatory to be considered for the next phase. 

Stage 2: Interview Round

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 30-minute virtual interview that will include a 20-minute presentation from each candidate followed by questions. Based on the jury’s scoring, 3 candidates will be selected at Syngene’s sole discretion to receive the Syngene Early Career Research Grant. Candidates will be notified of the selection results by February 1, 2027. In addition, one of the grant recipients will also be selected to receive the 2027 Syngene Young Investigator Award at an Award ceremony hosted at Syngene’s Bengaluru premises.

To begin your application, please visit the Syngene SECRG Application Form to complete Stage 1 of the application process.

For further information or clarification, kindly write to earlycareer.grants@syngeneintl.com

At Syngene, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. By submitting your application for research funding, you acknowledge and consent to the following: 

Data Collection:

We will collect the following information from you:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 

• Research statement 

• Biography 

• Presentation materials (for shortlisted candidates) 

• Personal information obtained through your website registration/account creation 

Data Usage: 

The information collected will be used for administering, reviewing, evaluating your application for the program and communicating with you regarding the outcome of the application process. 

Data Retention: 

Personal data collected during this process will be retained only for as long as necessary to administer and complete the application review process and comply with applicable legal and record-keeping requirements, following which it will be securely deleted or anonymized. 

Data Security: 

Syngene maintains appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. 

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice and consent to the collection, use, retention, and otherwise processing of your data as outlined above by Syngene. 

If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy practices, please contact us at DPO@syngeneintl.com.