Kailas Mahipal, a native of Chembukkavu in Thrissur, has been awarded the highly competitive Enterprise Research Scholarship for a PhD programme at the University of South Australia, marking a real milestone in his academic journey.

The application process

Kailas’s entry into the scholarship programme began with a detailed application process. The University of South Australia regularly updates its website (www.unisa.edu.au) with research-related application guidelines. In addition, the professional networking platform LinkedIn proved useful in identifying available research positions under university faculty members.

Applicants are required to submit a detailed application that includes a cover letter explaining the motivation behind applying, an elaborate biodata, recommendation letters, prior work experience and copies of research papers published in academic journals. The university offers research opportunities across a range of academic disciplines and a postgraduate degree is the minimum qualification required to apply.

Selection process

The selection process involves shortlisting followed by interviews. Selected candidates are awarded a monthly stipend of approximately Rs 1.5 lakh, and the research tenure spans three years, extendable up to four. The university also covers the cost of travel and visa formalities. Uniquely, the programme allows scholars to begin research directly without coursework, a feature that Kailas found particularly appealing along with the supportive academic environment.

Each researcher is assigned both a guide and a co-guide through their PhD. Upon completion of the programme, avenues for postdoctoral research and other career opportunities are open to scholars.

Academic excellence and research focus

Kailas holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli. It was through LinkedIn that he found the research opportunity related to shape-shifting biomaterials, the field he is now pursuing.

His selection was bolstered by hands-on research experience and academic publications. He previously worked as a project assistant in fluorescent sensing at NIT Trichy for three months, in organic polymer development at IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology) Guwahati for two months and in 3D printing at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, for one year.

Kailas is the son of Mahipal, a retired principal, and Bindu, a teacher at HMGHS Kannattupadam.