How is TN's ‘Tamil Talents Plan’ Attracting Global Researchers?

Chennai, May 18 (NationPress) In a significant step towards becoming a global epicenter for scientific research, the Tamil Nadu government is crafting a detailed strategy to draw back Tamil researchers from abroad, especially those contemplating leaving the US due to the stricter immigration regulations imposed during the Trump administration.

The initiative, known as the ‘Tamil Talents Plan’, seeks to offer salaries that are competitive on an international scale, substantial startup research funding, assistance with relocation—including housing—and expedited visa processing for scholars returning to the state.

“We are in the process of compiling a registry of Tamil researchers from around the world across various fields,” stated M.P. Vijayakumar, Vice-Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE).

The Council will also pinpoint centers of excellence and research positions within state universities to accommodate these returning scholars, he added.

A pivotal aspect of the initiative is a new collaborative framework designed to connect returning researchers with state-funded institutions. This framework will facilitate the creation of joint research laboratories, co-supervision of PhD candidates, and collaborative projects that hold national and international importance.

“We welcome both long-term and short-term partnerships, especially aimed at enhancing basic science research,” Vijayakumar stated.

This initiative is not confined to scholars coming back from the US; it is also aimed at researchers from the UK, Australia, and other nations.

To create a platform for diaspora researchers, an annual Tamil Talents Conclave will be established, allowing them to interact with local academic leaders, students, and policymakers.

To ensure the researcher registry remains current, TANSCHE will utilize academic networks, global outreach, and community involvement to continually expand and update the list.

This initiative follows a recent meeting where Chief Minister M.K. Stalin engaged with the vice-chancellors of state universities. During this conversation, CM Stalin urged institutions to develop strategies for attracting overseas researchers and publicly announced the Tamil Talents Plan as a testament to the state's dedication to fundamental research.

Emphasizing the state’s strengths, Vijayakumar pointed out that institutions such as the University of Madras and Madurai Kamaraj University already feature advanced research centers in both basic and applied sciences.

“As artificial intelligence poses a threat to conventional jobs, investing in basic science research is vital for fostering innovation and generating new employment opportunities,” he affirmed.

In alignment with this vision, the state budget has allocated Rs 100 crore for the establishment of new research centers focusing on basic sciences and mathematics in Chennai and Coimbatore, in collaboration with IISc Bengaluru and TIFR Mumbai.