IIM Lucknow Launches ‘99 Moonshots’ Fellowship for PhD Scholars with ₹1 Lakh Publication Award

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow has introduced a new research fellowship titled “99 Moonshots”, aimed at strengthening high-quality academic output among its PhD scholars. The initiative is funded by the institute’s 1999 postgraduate batch, which has collaborated to support emerging researchers through grants, incentives, and international exposure.

Under the programme, two doctoral scholars will receive the fellowship this year, with plans to expand support in the future.

According to IIM Lucknow, the fellowship has been designed to help scholars pursue rigorous, high-impact research that contributes to academic literature, industry development, and societal progress.

A Significant Alumni-Led Initiative

Sanjay Singh, Dean (Programme) at IIM Lucknow, extended his appreciation to the 1999 batch for establishing the fellowship. He noted that such alumni-driven contributions reflect the institute's legacy of mentorship and long-term commitment to enriching academic excellence.

Alumnus Ashish Bhagare, representing the 1999 batch, said the initiative aims to enhance the institute’s global research visibility and rankings by empowering scholars with meaningful academic support.

Selection Process and Fellowship Structure

Candidates will be shortlisted based on a research proposal presentation before a selection committee. Awardees will receive a combination of financial support and academic incentives, including:

• ₹1 lakh publication award for papers published or accepted in top-tier international journals

• ₹3 lakh conference grant to present research at leading global conferences

• Additional academic support in the form of contingency grants, data-collection assistance, and resources as per IIM Lucknow’s PhD programme norms

As part of the fellowship conditions, recipients must deliver six-monthly research progress updates before a monitoring panel consisting of the Thesis Advisory Committee and a representative from the 1999 batch.

Strengthening Global Research Impact

The “99 Moonshots” fellowship underscores IIM Lucknow’s strategy to elevate its doctoral programme, encourage innovation, and produce scholarship that resonates globally. By offering structured financial support and international exposure, the fellowship is expected to significantly contribute to the institute’s long-term research impact and academic reputation.