India and the United Kingdom have unveiled the Ramanujan Junior Researchers Programme, a landmark fellowship enabling young Indian scientists to undertake cutting-edge research at London’s prestigious Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS).

The initiative draws inspiration from the legendary 1913 collaboration between Indian mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan and British mathematician G.H. Hardy, celebrating the enduring power of cross-border scientific partnership.

Supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), the programme was announced following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent visit to India, reflecting a shared commitment to nurturing scientific talent and strengthening bilateral collaboration.

Programme structure and opportunities

In its inaugural phase, the fellowship will select up to six PhD students from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR). These "Ramanujan Junior Visitors" will spend several months at LIMS in London’s Mayfair, attending lectures, collaborating on research projects, and immersing themselves in a world-class scientific environment.

The second phase will expand the initiative to early-career researchers across India, offering three-year Ramanujan Junior Fellowships that allow full-time research alongside British counterparts.

This model aims to cultivate long-term Indo-UK scientific partnerships and position Indian researchers at the forefront of theoretical physics and mathematics.

Honouring Ramanujan, fostering international cooperation

“Our programme will act as a bridge for the exchange of talent between two science superpowers,” said Dr. Thomas Fink, Director of LIMS. “The work Ramanujan did with Hardy transformed mathematical sciences.”

Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, emphasized the historical resonance: “The story of Hardy and Ramanujan reminds us that science advances not through isolation, but through friendship and dialogue.” The initiative also had backing from Professor Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan, former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Global exposure for young Indian scientists

Based at the historic Royal Institution, LIMS has been linked with major scientific breakthroughs, including the discovery of ten chemical elements and foundational research in electromagnetism.

Through this fellowship, young Indian scientists gain access to cutting-edge research, elevating their expertise and expanding India’s scientific footprint on the global stage.

As the programme launches, the initial cohort will provide a proof-of-concept for this ambitious collaboration.

Over time, analysts predict that the Ramanujan Junior Researchers Programme could strengthen India’s capacity for high-end theoretical research, foster sustained Indo-UK scientific partnerships, and inspire a new generation of innovators.