Welcome
Wiss-Nama Newsletter July 2022
News from Indo-German cooperation
German Embassy welcomes new Science Counsellor
On July 11, the German Embassy saw the new Science Counsellor Kaspar Meyer take charge from his predecessor Philipp von Ritter. As Science Counsellor, Kaspar will coordinate bilateral scientific programmes and Indo-German science diplomacy. Previously, he worked at the German Federal Foreign Ministry in Strategic Communication and Public Outreach, after which he underwent one year of preparatory diplomatic training. He majored in Sociology, Russian, European Studies and International Relations at the University Trier, the University Aix-Marseille and the College of Europe in Bruges. Further student exchanges brought him to Russia, Turkey and China. He says, “I am excited about this opportunity to deepen the already strong scientific and technological ties between India and Germany. India has an impressive intellectual history and a vibrant higher education and research community. I believe that science and education has the potential to unite people and societies through the common passion for knowledge and the quest to improve our lives. In this spirit, I look forward to the fruitful cooperation with our Indian friends.”
Five Indian researchers connect with Nobel Laureates in Lindau
From June 26-July 1, five young Indian researchers attended the 71st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting dedicated to Chemistry in Lindau. Around 35 Nobel Laureates participated in this year’s Meeting. They presented their research, reflected their career and talked to the selected around 600 undergraduates, young scientists abd PhD/Postdoc scholars from all over the world. The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings were established in 1951 and provide a forum for exchange between Nobel Laureates and young scientists to build networks of scientists around the world. Every year, a number of young Indian researchers participate under a DST-scheme. Anu Dalal, Postdoc Scientist at National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, USA, explains, “It is an extraordinary experience that will stay with me forever. From meeting, talking, laughing with Nobel Laureates, to making friends across the globe, to have dinners hosted by different countries, everything was perfect. I will sum up by saying, do apply, get selected and experience what you have never experienced before.”
Read more about Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings in the ‘Institute of the month’ section
Upcoming events and conferences
An outlook on Deep-Tech Start-ups and innovation in India
On August 10, DWIH New Delhi is organizing a talk with Gagan Sabharwal, Senior Director NASSCOM, on the success story of 100 unicorns in India. The talk will focus on the role of deep-tech startups in the making of these unicorns. Researchers and young entrepreneurs are invited to gain an insight on current trends, public funding and venture capital in the start-up and innovation ecosystem of India and Germany.
DAAD Early Career Research Symposium
On September 5-9, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies and ICAS:MP are organizing a four-day ‘Early Career Research Symposium’. The symposium is a platform for researchers to showcase the work in the field of Resilient Societies. The aim is to recognize and facilitate exchange of ideas in the fields of humanities and social sciences. DAAD also invited applications from doctoral students and postdocs from South Asia, Germany and Europe who are working on topics related to India, South Asia, Germany and Europe to present at the symposium.
German and Indian researchers come together for Innovators Connect
On September 16, DWIH New Delhi and DAAD India are hosting a virtual event that brings together researchers, start-ups and incubators from India and Germany for a day full of inspirational talks, panel discussions, speed workshops and networking. International researchers and start-up founders, who will share their experiences: how can going international make a true difference for your start-up, how can you maximise your impact on society, and how can you find funding programs for researcher placements in start-ups. Speed workshops and lightning talks will give valuable advice on how to design value propositions and how to create an impactful pitch presentation.
Falling Walls Lab India 2022
On September 16, DWIH New Delhi and DAAD India are organising the latest Falling Walls Labs competition. Selected candidates comprising of university students, entrepreneurs, early-career researchers, academicians from all disciplines will present breakthrough ideas that create a positive impact on science and society with a 3-minute presentation video.
DAAD Events
Web Q&A: Masters in Germany
Still have questions on Masters in Germany after attending a DAAD Web Session or reading on the DAAD website? Here is your chance to get them all answered.
July 19, 3:00 PM, Online
Web Panel Discussion: Research and Career Opportunities in Bio Sciences
July 21, 3:00 PM, Online
Web Q&A: PhD in Germany
Still have questions on PhD in Germany after attending a DAAD Web Session or reading on the DAAD website?
July 26, 3:00 PM, Online
Web Q&A: Bachelors in Germany
Still have questions on Bachelors in Germany after attending a DAAD Web Session or reading on the DAAD website?
July 27, 3:00 PM, Online
Calls for proposals
Master in Vocational Education and Training at TUM
Technical University of Munich invites applications from students or professionals who have completed their Bachelors and are working in the field of vocational education and training at ministries, companies and associations or are teachers at vocational educational institutions for its Master program in VET. The master program is a blended learning course for international professionals, where experts from the field will work together to become a part of the global network. Candidates will get hands-on experience on state-of-the-art practices in VET and a chance to apply their acquired knowledge in their home country.
Application deadline: July 31, 2022
DFG and DST Indo-German International Research Training Groups
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) invite applications under a new joint funding programme for Indo-German International Research Training Groups (IRTGs). Indian and German universities can promote systematic scientific cooperation together through joint research programmes with a duration of up to 9 years, including many PhDs and postdoc positions. IRTGs can be established by universities and research institutions entitled to confer doctoral degrees. It should be run by two teams of principal investigators in india and Germany. Researchers in all subject areas covered by DST are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: August 1, 2022
Read more
DAAD Research Ambassador Programme 2022-25
DAAD invites applications for its Research Ambassador Programme for the duration 2022-25. Scientists/Academicians from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka who have a long standing relationship with Germany are eligible to apply. As members of the scientific community, candidates will help to inspire other students to consider Germany as study or research destination. They will help DAAD in organising workshops and events on and off campus.
Application deadline: 7 August, 2022
PhD positions at International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogechemical Cycles (IMPRS-gBGC)
In cooperation with Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry invites applications for a PhD program specialising in biochemistry and related Earth System sciences at the International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogechemical Cycles. Excellent candidates holding a Masters or equivalent degree in natural sciences are eligible to apply. IMPRS-gBGC offers an international and multidisciplinary working environment.
Application deadline: August 16, 2022
Calls for proposals in molecular biology
The Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS) invites applications from PhD and Master’s students who are keen to work on fundamental cell and biological questions in the field of morphogenesis and organisation of membrane-bound organelles and biochemistry. Candidates must have a background in molecular cell biology, biochemistry or related fields. HBIGS offers excellent research opportunities and comprehensive academic and complementary training.
Application deadline for the field of biochemistry: July 31, 2022
Application deadline for the field of morphogenesis: August 31, 2022
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2022
European Union invites applications for the prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions postdoctoral fellowships from talented researchers across the world to work on projects in Europe and beyond. The aim is to enhance the creative and innovative potential of postdoctoral researchers through training and international mobility. Applicants can apply to implement their research projects in any scientific field.
Application deadline: September 14, 2022
PhD positions at International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling (IMPRS-ESM)
International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling invites applications for doctoral positions to promote high-quality doctoral research in the Earth’s climate system. Applicants with strong academic backgrounds and research interests in the areas of atmosphere, land, ocean and human dimension are eligible to apply. The IMPRS-ESM offers prime research facilities, advanced academic training in Earth System sciences and a structured supervision programme.
Application deadline: September 15, 2022
Calls for proposals for a HGGS Membership
The Heidelberg Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences at Heidelberg University (HGGS) invites applications for Graduate Membership from excellent doctoral candidates from Faculty of Modern Languages, the Faculty of Philosophy, the Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Behavioural and Cultural Studies and the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. The aim is to foster innovative research projects and offer a collaborative research environment within a broad national and international network. Applicants must hold an M.A. or equivalent in one of the faculties mentioned above.
Application deadline: September 30, 2022
ICAS:MP offers Short-term fellowships for the senior researchers
The M.S. Merian – R. Tagore International Centre of Advanced Studies “Metamorphoses of the Political: Comparative Perspectives on the Long Twentieth Century” (ICAS:MP) invites applications from senior researchers and a smaller number of postdoctoral scholars to work in areas, namely, History as a political category, critiques and renewals of democracy, normative conflicts and transformation, challenge of gender, political economy of growth and distribution and media and the constitution of the political. Applicants must hold a PhD degree or complete their PhD by 2023 to apply. The research project must be related to the research programme of a thematic module and to the broader ICAS:MP research agenda.
Application deadline: September 30, 2022
Special Call for Indo-German Bilateral Virtual Workshops
The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) invites proposals for Indo-German virtual thematic workshops for interactions between scientists/researchers from academia and industry. The workshops are to be designed around a specific research topic out of thematic areas relevant to both DST and BMBF. Scientists holding regular positions in public or private non-profit research organisations, institutions of higher education and universities are eligible to submit applications.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
Institute of the month
Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings
The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings were established in 1951 by Count Lennart Bernadotte to provide a globally recognised exchange forum between young scientists and Nobel laureates. The annual meetings in the picturesque Bavarian town of Lindau on the Bodensee lake provide an opportunity for an exchange of knowledge between different countries, cultures, generations, and disciplines. 30-40 Nobel Laureates meet with around 500-600 undergraduates, PhD students and young researchers from all over the world. The theme of the Meetings alternates between three scientific disciplines, namely, Physics, Chemistry and Physiology/Medicine. The lectures, panel discussions, and networking activate the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences between the Nobel Laureates and young scientists. These Meetings aim at emphasising the importance of science and advocating science and research. The Lindau Meeting on Economic Sciences is held every three years. This year the Meeting was dedicated to Chemistry.
Did you know?
Around 10,000 visitors take part in public tours of DESY every year.
DESY is a particle accelerator in Hamburg, founded in 1959. Researchers use the large-scale facilities at DESY to explore the microcosm in all its variety. The facilities generate the world’s most intense X-ray light, accelerate particles to record energies and open completely new windows onto the universe. India is a substantial financial contributor to the PETRA III extension of DESY, and sends numerous researchers to conduct experiments at DESY facilities.