Thomas Chen Memorial Fellowship

Overview

The Thomas Chen Memorial Fellowship for Research and Innovation (TOMFRI) is a prestigious fellowship established in memory of the late Professor Thomas Chen, a distinguished scholar, mentor, and visionary. Prof. Chen’s dedication to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and nurturing future generations of researchers has left a profound legacy that continues to inspire countless individuals. This fellowship will focus on supporting the UK-INDIA Knowledge Exchange Programme, designed specifically for Visiting Post-Doctoral Research Fellows.

Prof. Chen believed in the power of international collaboration to solve global challenges, and this programme embodies his vision by fostering intellectual exchange between researchers from the UK and India. Through the fellowship, we aim to promote cross-border research, innovation, and knowledge transfer, enabling post-doctoral researchers from both nations to work together on groundbreaking projects that address pressing societal and technological issues.

This fellowship was initiated by Dr. Mithileysh Sathiyanarayanan, Scientist & CEO of MIT Square, a former student of Prof. Thomas Chen, to honor his mentor's memory and ensure that his passion for research and innovation continues to shape the future. The fellowship was officially launched on World Teacher's Day (5th October 2024). Through this fellowship, Dr. Mithileysh aims to support exceptional researchers who share Prof. Chen’s dedication to advancing knowledge and making meaningful contributions to society. 

About Prof. Thomas M Chen (12 June 1961 - 08 July 2024)

Professor Thomas Chen was a revered figure in academia, known for his contributions to disruptive technologies and his unparalleled commitment to his students and colleagues. With a career spanning over 40 years, Prof. Chen's research helped shape many technology projects, while his mentorship shaped the minds of countless researchers around the world.

Prof. Thomas Chen was a dedicated teacher-scientist at the City St George's, University of London for the past 11 years. After completing his PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley (United States), Dr. Chen worked on high-speed networking research at GTE Laboratories (now Verizon) in Massachusetts, USA. He returned to academia and joined Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas) as an Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering. In 2007, Dr. Chen was appointed Professor in Networks at Swansea University, Wales, before joining the City St George's, University of London as a Professor in Cyber Security in 2013. 

Prof. Chen believed deeply in the power of knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. He fostered a research environment that was as inclusive as it was intellectually rigorous, constantly pushing boundaries while ensuring that his students thrived both professionally and personally.

Fellowship Purpose

This fellowship is for visiting researchers from India who like to carry out research in the UK. The fellowship aims to honour Prof Chen's work by supporting exceptional researchers who are pursuing innovative projects that have the potential to impact society, science, and technology. Through the fellowship, we hope to empower talented scholars who embody the spirit of curiosity, perseverance, and innovation that Prof. Chen so passionately championed.

The Thomas Chen Memorial Fellowship for Research and Innovation (TOMFRI) was created to:

• Support UK-INDIA Collaboration: Providing financial support to Indian researchers working on innovative projects to visit the UK and present their work either in conferences, symposiums, and/or at academic institutions. 

• Facilitate Groundbreaking Research: Providing technical support to researchers working on innovative projects with the potential to make significant contributions to their field.

• Encourage Innovation: Fostering creative thinking and groundbreaking solutions to global challenges, in line with Prof. Chen’s vision for the future of research.

• Promote Mentorship and Collaboration: Honouring Prof. Chen’s dedication to mentoring young researchers by providing mentorship opportunities and encouraging collaboration within the research community.

Eligibility Criteria for Researchers

To be eligible for the TOMFRI, applicants must:

• Be actively pursuing research after PhD in any technology-based domain. 

• Must be an Indian Citizen residing in India who is keen to carry out research in the UK.

• Demonstrate a commitment to innovation and impactful research that aligns with Prof. Chen’s legacy.

• Show a proven record of academic excellence and leadership within their field.

Fellows are expected to uphold the values that Prof. Chen held dear: intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to advancing knowledge for the benefit of society.

Expected Outcomes from Researchers

The applicants are expected to deliver the following outcomes:

• Innovative Research: Researchers will be expected to produce original research that demonstrates creativity, rigor, and the potential to contribute to significant advancements in their respective fields.

• Impactful Publications: Fellows should aim to publish their findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals/conferences, ensuring that their work reaches a wide audience and makes a lasting contribution to the global knowledge base.

• Practical Applications: Wherever possible, the research should have practical implications that can address real-world challenges and bring about societal or technological advancements.

By achieving these outcomes, fellows will not only honor the memory of Prof. Thomas Chen but will also contribute to his vision of a future where research and innovation improve the lives of people around the world.

Fellowship Benefits

Recipients of the TOMFRI will receive:

• Research Funding: Financial support to help advance their research project. The funds will cover the following - flights, accommodation, conference registration fees, journal APC charges, and/or patent filing costs. 

• Mentorship: Access to a network of esteemed scholars and experts who will provide guidance and mentorship.

• Collaboration Opportunities: Opportunities to collaborate with other researchers and institutions to enhance the impact of their work.

• Recognition: Recipients will be recognized for their contribution to advancing knowledge, with their work showcased on a global platform.

(Note: UK/India tax rules may impact the fellowship grants).

How to Apply (for researchers)

The Thomas Chen Memorial Fellowship for Research and Innovation (TOMFRI) application process is straightforward and open to qualified candidates from India. Please email us directly. 

How to Become a Supervisor or Mentor

To become a supervisor/mentor for the Thomas Chen Memorial Fellowship for Research and Innovation (TOMFRI) is straightforward and open to qualified academicians from the UK. Please email us directly. 

Application Requirements for Researchers:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publication details.

• A research proposal outlining the project’s objectives, methodology, and potential impact.

• A personal statement reflecting on how your work aligns with Prof. Chen’s values and contributions to the field.

• Letters of recommendation from academic mentors or professionals who can recommend your application.

For more information on the application process and deadlines, please email the contact details provided below. 

Support the Fellowship

The TOMFRI is made possible through the Raj Square Charity Foundation, which collaborates closely with many academic institutions in India. If you would like to contribute to the fellowship and help foster the next generation of scholars, please email us.

Contact Us

For inquiries regarding the Thomas Chen Memorial Fellowship for Research and Innovation (TOMFRI), please contact us at:

• Email: director@raiseglobe.org / info.raiseglobe@gmail.com

• Phone: +44 7459 758879

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