Korea Research Fellowship Recipient, Dr. Botchu Vara Siva Jyoti from India, Advanced His Research in Aerospace Propulsion at KAIST, South Korea

My name is Dr. Botchu Vara Siva Jyoti, originally from India. I am currently a faculty member in the Space Engineering Department at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands, specializing in aerospace propulsion and green propellant technologies. Driven by a passion for space propulsion and sustainable energy systems, I have spent the past 15 years integrating academic research, technology development, and entrepreneurship to advance clean technologies aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions and energy consumption across diverse applications, including propulsion.

Korea Research Fellowship Details

I was awarded the Korea Research Fellowship (KRF) by the National Research Foundation (NRF), ICT, and the Ministry of Science, South Korea, during my postdoctoral tenure at KAIST. This prestigious fellowship supported my research on sustainable gel bipropellant and hybrid propulsion systems, with funding of approximately ₩70 million annually for 3 years (~€127424). The fellowship allowed me to advance my expertise in propellant, rheology, ignition dynamics, and combustion control areas that continue to inform and refine my ongoing research at TU Delft.

Other Scholarships

In addition to the KRF award, I was awarded a fully funded PhD scholarship at KAIST to support my doctoral research on gelled bipropellant systems (Hanwha-funded project, ₩75 million other than the scholarship I received from KAIST) and received the Excellent PhD Thesis Paper Award from the KAIST Department of Aerospace Engineering for my research. Earlier in my academic career, I was also recognized with an M.Sc. Topper Awards for academic excellence in chemistry.

Educational Background

I earned my PhD in Aerospace Engineering from KAIST, South Korea, an M.Tech in Space Engineering and Rocketry from BIT Mesra, India, and an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, India. My multidisciplinary background, encompassing chemistry, propulsion, and materials, has provided a solid foundation for investigating the chemical and thermodynamic aspects of sustainable propellants and propulsion systems.

Preparation for Applications

Information about scholarships and research opportunities was primarily gathered through university portals, academic networks, and professional references. For international applications, I completed the TOEFL examination, preparing through online simulations and academic review materials to achieve a competitive score. In addition, I developed and submitted my doctoral research proposal to the KAIST Department of Aerospace Engineering as an integral part of my application, following the same approach for the KRF application.

Scholarship Application Preparation

My KAIST full-time PhD scholarship and KRF proposal centered on innovation in propulsion technologies, outlining experimental methodologies and prospective collaborations with Korean industry partners. It highlighted my prior research accomplishments, including publications and patents, along with the potential for technology transfer, key aspects that aligned closely with the fellowship’s mission to advance high-impact research.

Experience at KAIST

My time at KAIST was truly transformative. The university offered world-class facilities, exceptional research mentorship, and extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary academic and industrial collaboration both within and outside South Korea. During my time there, I was encouraged to submit a highly competitive project proposal, among which one focused on CO₂ management, organized and sponsored by ARAMCO. To my delight, my proposal successfully advanced through all four selection phases, narrowing down from 500 applicants to 100, then to 10, and finally to the top 4 projects that received full financial support from ARAMCO. This experience nurtured my spirit of innovation and later inspired my entrepreneurial journey as the Founder and CEO of SolvGE B.V., a TU Delft spin-off specializing in green technology based on hydrogen peroxide concentration systems.

Academic Rating & International Support

KAIST upholds exceptional academic standards and provides strong international support systems, including comprehensive English-language programs and research funding guidance for international scholars. All my coursework and research supervision were conducted in English, ensuring a smooth academic transition. Additionally, the university offered a compulsory Korean language course, which provided valuable opportunities to learn the local language. This greatly enhanced daily interactions, both on and off campus, with Korean students, local residents, and in everyday activities such as shopping, fostering a deeper sense of connection and belonging within the community.

What Made My Application Stand Out

My application was distinguished by a strong research background, international publications, and patents, complemented by a clearly defined research proposal emphasizing sustainability and innovation in aerospace propulsion. The integration of experimental research with practical industry relevance further strengthened my candidacy for the full-time PhD KAIST Scholarship and the KRF award.

What I Would Have Done Differently

If I were to go through the process again, I would begin networking earlier with potential supervisors and seek collaborations across multiple research institutions to gain broader exposure and produce joint publications prior to applying.

Advice to Future Applicants

• Be authentic and specific about your research vision and how it contributes to the host institution’s goals.
• Highlight measurable achievements: patents, publications, leadership roles, impact projects, and innovative contributions.
• Seek mentorship early from prior scholars or faculty familiar with international funding processes.
• Finally, embrace perseverance; competitive fellowships value consistency and clarity of purpose as much as academic merit.