Research Funding and Global Collaborations | PAN India PhD Induction Programme 2026

Prof. S. K. Varshney to Address Doctoral Scholars on Research Funding and Global Collaborations

ServiceSetu Academics is honoured to welcome Prof. (Dr.) S. K. Varshney, former Advisor and Head of International Scientific Cooperation at the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, as a Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker at the ServiceSetu PAN India PhD Induction Programme 2026, scheduled virtually from 5 to 9 September 2026.

Dr. Varshney will deliver an address titled “Research Funding and Global Collaborations: Opportunities and Strategies for Doctoral Scholars.” The session will help PhD and FPM scholars understand research funding opportunities, proposal development, interdisciplinary partnerships, institutional collaborations, and strategies for building national and international research networks.

About Prof. S. K. Varshney

Dr. Varshney is a Dehradun-based science facilitator and promoter with more than 34 years of experience at the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. Until January 2024, he headed International Scientific Cooperation at DST, facilitating India’s bilateral, multilateral, and regional scientific partnerships.

During his distinguished tenure, he served as Indian Co-Chair of the Governing Bodies of the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre and the U.S.–India Science and Technology Endowment Fund. He was also associated with the Global Innovation & Technology Alliance, the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy, the BRICS Working Group on Science and Technology, and the OECD Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy.

Dr. Varshney previously served as Counsellor for Science and Technology at the Embassy of India in Moscow, where he facilitated scientific cooperation between India and Russia. He was also a Governing Board member of the U.S.–India Educational Foundation and represented India at the International Centre for Scientific and Technical Information in Moscow.

He currently serves on the Board of IC-IMPACTS, which promotes India–Canada scientific cooperation. He is Editor of the Science Diplomacy Review and a member of the Editorial Board of the Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy. He also contributes to the academic and research councils of several Indian universities.

Dr. Varshney earned his master’s degree in Geology from Aligarh Muslim University, securing the first position and a University Medal. He pursued research on Himalayan river systems at the University of Delhi and received the Dr. D. N. Wadia Research Fellowship. Amity University Rajasthan conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

Session Details

Session: Research Funding and Global Collaborations: Opportunities and Strategies for Doctoral Scholars
Date: 8 September 2026
Time: 3:00 PM (IST) onwards
Mode: Live Virtual
Participants: PhD/FPM scholars and faculty members
Registration Fee: No registration fee

The programme will be inaugurated by Dr. Sunil Luthra, Director, AICTE, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest.

Aligned with the theme “Empowering India’s Next Generation of Researchers for Viksit Bharat 2047,” the programme seeks to provide emerging scholars with practical knowledge, expert guidance, and access to perspectives that can strengthen their doctoral journeys.

Interested participants may register by scanning the QR code on the event flyer.
Register Here: https://www.servicesetu.org/phd-induction/2026/register

For further information, visit www.servicesetu.org or write to info@servicesetu.org.