International Immersion Experience
(IIE) Award
The International Immersion Experience (IIE) Award at IIT Madras is designed to support highly motivated research scholars in gaining global research exposure by facilitating research-based travel to leading partner institutions abroad and vice versa.
Program Aim
The program aims to foster cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary expertise, and elevate the international exposure of PhD scholars.
Introduction
The IIE Award enables select research scholars at IIT Madras to undertake collaborative research visits at reputed international universities or research institutes.
Our Objectives
Cutting Edge Research
Facilitate cutting-edge research by enabling international research visits.
Interdisciplinary Expertise
Foster interdisciplinary expertise through global collaborations
Global Research Exposure
Enhance the global research exposure of IIT Madras research scholars
Research Impact
Improve research outcomes and the international profile of the research scholars.
Can I Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
If you are interested in applying for our research program, it’s important to ensure that you meet the following eligibility criteria
- Be a research scholar at IIT Madras who has completed all coursework.
- Have cleared their PhD coursework and comprehensive exam in their department.
- Have identified a collaborator abroad working on complementary research (visits to existing collaborators are allowed).
- Obtain concurrence from their IITM guide(s), HoD, and the supervisor at the host lab.
- The host institution must be a reputed university or research institute with a strong international standing.
Important Information
Student Responsibilites
- Post-Visit Report:
- Submit a post-visit report detailing work accomplished at the host lab within two months of return
- OGE IIE Symposium Participation
- Participate in the OGE IIE Symposium (poster presentation), typically held twelve months after the award announcement.
- Publication and Patent Submissions
- Report any publications or patents resulting from the collaboration to OGE.
Expected Timeline
Program Duration
- Minimum Stay Requirement
- Minimum stay: 45 days at the host institution.
- Maximum Stay Period
- Maximum stay: Up to 6 months (stipend continued during this period).
- Extended Stay Provisions
- For extended stays, additional funding must be arranged by the student and their guide[1].
Value of Award
- Travel Allowance
- Travel Allowance: Up to ₹1,00,000 for round-trip travel. For genuinely expensive destinations, additional support may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Stipend Continuation
- Stipend Continuation: HTRA/PMRF stipend continuation during the visit, subject to review and confirmation in the award letter.
- Advance Travel Provisions
- Advance Travel Provisions: Travel advance can be availed by submitting the required documents at least two weeks prior to payment.
Getting Started
Application Process
Eligibility Check
Ensure all eligibility criteria are met.
Required Approvals
Secure required approvals from the IITM guide(s), HoD, and host supervisor.
Documentation
Prepare necessary documentation as per the guidelines.
Submission
Submit the application through the designated online portal (details will be provided by OGE).
Important Dates
The applications will close on 25 July 2025.
“The award allows us to take a leap at an international research experience. It goes a long way in facilitating my visit to MIT, USA.”
“Awards like the IIE award inspire every researcher to think out of the box and pursue research topics and ideas which are truly global in nature and require better international collaboration ”
