9634610 Asher Description: This proposal supports the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) for the management and funding of research activities in the behavioral and natural sciences conducted by US scientists in India. Candidates with background in India are screened and nominated by AIIS before referral to NSF for final selection. The AIIS manages the required clearances for the research, the logistics involved in travel, local arrangements and the conduct of research in India. Areas of research typically include anthropology, linquistics, sociology, economics, political sciences, as well as biology, mathematics and engineering. The US-India program supports US scholarly research in India in areas of interest to NSF where the research may be a vehicle for improved bilateral understanding through science. Scope: The AIIS is a consortium of more than forty-eight leading American colleges and universities with South Asian or Indian Studies programs. The Institute's principal activity is the awarding of fellowships to support scholarly research on India by senior scientists, postdocs, and graduate students. Applicants are careful screened and reviewed by panels of eminent scientists at AIIS, and then referred to NSF for disciplinary review and final selection. The AIIS offices in New Dehli and other major cities in India have well-established contacts with Government of India departments and can facilitate US scientists collaborations with host institutions. ***
