A researcher from NIT, Kozhikode, is making strides in addressing the challenges faced by working women during their public transport commutes. The research on gender mobility has now hit upon the Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarship of the UK.

The research by MP Fathima Sehba of the Architecture and Planning wing of the National Institute of Technology of NIT, Kozhikode says saving 10 minutes on a journey is a big relief for ordinary working women. There are so many other issues faced by them, like security and washroom facilities. The solutions to the gender divide, according to Sehba, are crucial in future urban planning.

Sehba, who took a degree in architecture from TKM Engineering College, secured a PG in urban planning from the NIT Kozhikode. She is the daughter of the late M P Abdul Azeez Kureekal and P K Soudath of Mancheri Puthusseri at Manjeri in the Malappuram district. Shabil is her husband.

Here’s the plan laid out by Sehba for those aiming for the Split-Site Scholarship in the UK
Research proposal: A detailed and precise blueprint of the research is a must. You should convincingly drive home why you should get the scholarship. You should also make clear what you intend to do when you reach the UK and what facilities in the UK will help in your research.

Reference Letter: It is the letter given by experts attesting to your abilities and excellence. I had submitted five reference letters. Our knowledge of the subject, the excellence in research, and the need to get the fellowship should be explained with evidence.

Work Plan: What is the current state of research, what portion would be completed back home, how do you propose to proceed on it abroad and after returning to the native place how will you take it forward…all these aspects should be explained. I submitted my application citing the facilities in the London University College lab and the technology and resource persons there as having the potential to support my research.

Career Plan: A career plan for five years and a long-term plan for 10 years should be submitted. You should make clear your continued goals in the academic and research realms after the research. The selection is made after assessing the academic excellence of the applicant, the quality of the research proposal, and the qualitative change that the research can bring about in the native country.

Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarship
The International Development Department of the UK Government gives this for one year of research into selected programs in British Universities.

Qualification: The applicants should have registered for PhD in recognized Indian universities by September of the year in which the application is submitted.

Research areas: The subjects should belong to any of the themes like Science and technology for development, Strengthening health systems and capacities, Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, Strengthening global peace – security and governance, Strengthening resilience and response to crisis, and Access-inclusion and opportunity.

Conditions: The candidates should secure an offer letter or consent letter from a guide from one of the universities in the UK.

Applications are normally invited during the October-December period. Website: www.cscuk.dfid.gov.uk