Welcome
Wiss-Nama Newsletter November 2024
News from Indo-German cooperation
Joint Conclusions of the intergovernmental consultations held on October 25
A few key points on the partnering of the two countries in the field of science, technology and higher education
• The Indo-German intergovernmental consultations took place on October 25, 2024 in New Delhi.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed their appreciation on the successful 50 years of long standing collaboration in science and technology between both countries and reaffirmed their support to expand it further through launching the ‘India-Germany Innovation and Technology Partnership Roadmap’ which will serve as a guideline to the public and private sectors and research institutions of India and Germany to take forward our cooperation in the areas of renewable energy, start-ups, semiconductors, AI and quantum technologies, climate risk and sustainable resource management, climate change adaptation as well as agroecology.
• Both leaders further identified space and space technologies as an important and promising area for future prosperity, development, and possible cooperation.
• Both leaders acknowledged the flagship role of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) in promoting bilateral industry-academia strategic research and development partnerships. They applauded the increasing number of Indian students in Germany and welcomed the recent initiatives of IGSTC and signing of Joint Declaration of Intent to support 2+2 projects in the field of advanced materials.
• India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Germany’s German Research Foundation (DFG) launched the first International Research Training Group (IRTG) for basic research, beginning with IISER Thiruvananthapuram and Würzburg University’s work on photoluminescence. They also plan to establish an Indo-German Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme to foster scientific innovation.
• India participates in Germany’s major science facilities like FAIR and DESY. Both nations pledged continued support, including funding, to these facilities.
• Both governments praised growing partnerships in higher education, especially the Indo-German joint Master’s in “Water Security & Global Change” between TU Dresden, RWTH-Aachen, and IIT Madras. Additionally, TU Dresden and IIT Madras are creating a “transCampus” to boost collaboration in research and entrepreneurship.
• They aim to share expertise in digital public infrastructure (DPI), with a focus on AI’s applications in agriculture, sustainability, and climate resilience. Both countries will strengthen cooperation in digital agriculture, AI, and IoT.
• India and Germany prioritized partnerships in critical technologies, innovation, and skills development, with a commitment to open, secure, and inclusive technology frameworks.
• New agreements include collaborations between Indian and German research institutions on oceanography, disaster mitigation, polar sciences, and biology.
• India’s New Space India Ltd and Germany’s GAF AG will upgrade the Neustrelitz ground station in Germany to handle data from Indian satellites OceanSat-3 and RISAT-1A.
• An MoU has been signed between Max-Planck Society (MPG) and International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
• Another MoU has been signed between MPG and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), TIFR.
• A Joint Declaration of Intent was signed between IIT Kharagpur and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to implement co-funded Joint Research Programme ‘German India Academic Network for Tomorrow’ (GIANT).
Workshop ‘Applications of AI and Data-Driven Approaches in Structural Biology’ held in Delhi
From October 21st to 23rd, 2024, a DWIH-supported workshop was held at the South Campus of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) in New Delhi. Organized by RWTH Aachen University, CSIR-IGIB, and Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, the event brought together experts from India and Germany in AI, structural biology, and genomics. The workshop, titled “Applications of AI and Data-Driven Approaches in Structural Biology,” included lectures and discussions. Prof. Dr. Carsten Sachse, Director of the Ernst Ruska-Centre 3, Forschungszentrum Jülich presented on capturing protein structures and their cellular context using cryo-EM. Participants also took part in a hands-on workshop led by RWTH’s PhD researcher Martin Danner, focusing on machine learning techniques to predict protein structures and analyse the pathogenicity of missense single nucleotide variants. Several researchers from other institutions such as IIT Delhi, JNU, and Ashoka University also attended the three-day event with over 100 participants, promoting international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
See some pictures from the event
Upcoming events and conferences
Innovators Connect - Tandem 2024
DWIH New Delhi is organising a two weeks immersion programme in Hyderabad, Bhubaneshwar and Bengaluru from November 11 to 22 for young researchers interested in start-up founding and early-stage start-up founders from India and Germany ‘Innovators Connect – Tandem’. The programme will include design thinking workshops, information sessions, mentoring, networking sessions, lab visits and more. Participants will work in teams to generate innovative ideas, undergo training for bringing research ideas to market and get exposure to start-up and innovation ecosystems of India and Germany. Participants should have a research background in Life Science, Pharmacy, Material Sciences, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Blockchain, Cybersecurity and Chemistry.
DAAD Events
Web Session: Bachelors in Germany
Join this web session and find out all that you need to know about doing a Bachelors in Germany. Get your questions answered too!
November 8, 3:00 PM, Online
Advanced Technologies in Agriculture for Food Security
The DAAD Regional Office New Delhi and Jakarta are organising the second installment of the Web Talk Series on SDG 2 – Zero Hunger with the focus on Sustainable Agriculture for Food Security. Join this web talk to explore and discuss solutions for the challenges faced in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application in sustainable agriculture and food security.
November 11, 3:30 PM, Online
Higher Education and Research in Germany
The DAAD is visiting RVCE for a session on Higher Education and Research in Germany. Students/Researchers will be guided about opportunities in Germany – Eligibility criteria, types of universities, types of PhD, Scholarships, application procedure, visa procedures etc. Following the presentation, the students can clarify their queries in the interactive Q&A time
Open for students of RV College of Engineering
Bengaluru: November 12, 2024, 12:00 PM, Mechanical Seminar Hall, RVCE, Mysore Rd, Bengaluru 560059
Sustainable Agriculture: Focus on Water Management and Materials for Packaging
The DAAD Regional Office New Delhi and Jakarta are organising the second installment of the Web Talk Seires on SDG 2 – Zero Hunger with the focus on Sustainable Agriculture for Food Security. Join the web talk to explore and discuss strategies and measures that promote water-efficient agriculture and precise management and evaluate biodegradable packaging materials as sustainable alternative in the agriculture sector.
November 12, 3:30 PM, Online
Web Session: Masters in Germany
Join this web session and find out all that you need to know about doing a Masters in Germany. Get your questions answered too!
November 13, 3:00 PM, Online
Web Session: PhD in Germany
Join this web session and find out all that you need to know about doing a PhD in Germany. Get your questions answered too!
November 26, 3:00 PM, Online
Panel Discussion: Research and Career Opportunities in Chemistry and Physics
Join this panel discussion with experts from BITS Pilani, Institute of Chemical Technology and IIT Kharagpur tailored for students pursuing or interested in a Master or PhD in Chemistry or Physics. Gain insights into cutting-edge research fields, emerging career pathways, and the opportunities available in Germany!
November 29, Online
Calls for proposals
TAPMI-Max Planck Winter School on Boosting Informed Decisions
The T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (Max-Planck-Institut für Bildungsforschung or MPIB) is organizing the fifth Winter School on “Boosting Informed Decisions” in Manipal (Karnataka), India. WS2025 will serve as the kick-off workshop for the newly established Max Planck Partner Group on “Boosting Risk Literacy and Informed Financial Decisions” at TAPMI, Manipal. The aim is to facilitate a significant discussion on Nudging and Boosting, two compelling interventions in the field of behavioural sciences. The goal of the Winter School is to deepen participants’ understanding of the cognitive processes behind human decision-making and to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios, helping individuals make better decisions in the face of uncertainty and complexity. The event provides a unique platform for decision-making scholars from diverse disciplines to share insights, discuss research, and inspire one another.
Application deadline: November 15, 2024
Postdoctoral programme at the Max-Planck Institute for the Study of Societies
The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) is inviting applications from postdoctoral researchers in Social Science in the areas of Political Economy, Economic Sociology and Political Economy/Sociology of Low-Carbon Transitions. The Institute provides an attractive environment for postdoctoral researchers to pursue their own research projects within the scope of its research program. Scholars of all nationalities who successfully completed their doctoral degree no longer than three years before the start date at the MPIfG are eligible to apply for the postdoctoral program. The MPIfG conducts basic research on the governance of modern societies. It aims to develop an empirically based theory of the social and political foundations of modern economies by investigating the interrelation between social, economic, and political action.
Application deadline: December 13, 2024
Special announcement for our younger audience: ‘Physics in Advent’ is back!
“PiA - Physics in Advent” is offered with the support of the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation in cooperation with the German, Dutch, Austrian, Swiss and European Physical Societies, the Association of German Engineers, the German Aerospace Center, the MNU Association for the Promotion of MINT Teaching, IUCAA (India), ECYGDA, IM3O, TUM, German patent office, Global Sphere network, Science on Stage, Komm mach MINT, Leifiphysik and MINT Zukunft schaffen. It takes place in cooperation with the successful project “Maths in Advent” and “Krypto im Advent”. Under the theme “24 Experiments Until Christmas,” 24 engaging physics experiments you can try at home this year are being offered. Due to high international interest, Physics in Advent (PiA) will also be available in English, as in past years. PiA is aimed at students aged 11 to 18 in grades five through ten, but it has proven to be enjoyable for everyone, including parents, teachers, students, and anyone curious about physical phenomena. This year, adults in workplaces, departments, and groups of friends are also invited to participate as a team and solve the puzzles together. Starting December 1 and running through December 24, a new experiment will be demonstrated daily on YouTube, using simple household materials. After watching each video, participants can test their understanding by choosing from four possible explanations. The correct answer is revealed in a video the following day. Results can be tracked individually, by class, or even by school, with the top participants, classes, and schools receiving prizes.
Indo-German Funding Opportunity for Joint Research Projects in the field of Social Science Research
In pursuance of the MoU signed between the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) Germany, proposals for joint Indo-German academic research projects in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities are invited. Proposals submitted by teams of principal investigators with some initial cooperation experiences are welcome. The objective of this programme is to promote and strengthen the research cooperation in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities between the two countries, by providing funding to allow joint research activities for internationally excellent research in relevant areas of mutual interest and benefit. This is a co-funding mechanism for the support of joint research projects between ICSSR and DFG. Applicants must be permanently employed in a research or academic position in a recognized research or academic institution – either publicly funded university/college, deemed universities recognized by the UGC or a publicly funded research institute or ICSSR research institutes/recognized institutes. They must also hold a PhD or equivalent qualification and have an interest in high quality research which may be evident by past studies, publications and academic background.
The collaboration opportunity will be open throughout the year with no deadline.
Job Vacancy
Regional Officer - DAAD Information Centre in Pune
The DAAD invites applications for the part-time position of Regional Officer at DAAD Information Centre in Pune. The job profile will include promoting higher education and research in Germany and DAAD funding programmes, developing, implementing and managing social media and website content and researching, writing, proofreading and editing content for social media, newsletter and website. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, excellent English language skills, knowledge of German language, excellent MS Office skills and exposure to CMS and productivity tools are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: November 15, 2024
Institute of the month
Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG)
The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG), founded in 1984, in Cologne, conducts foundational research focused on the governance of contemporary societies. Its goal is to create an empirically grounded theory on the social and political underpinnings of modern economies, examining the complex interactions among economic, social, and political actions. The Institute uses diverse methodologies to study how markets and business organizations are shaped by historical, institutional, political, and cultural contexts, observing how they evolve over time and respond to societal changes. By bridging theory and policy, the MPIfG aims to inform political debates on critical issues facing today’s societies. As one of Germany’s largest social science research institutions, the MPIfG holds a top international ranking in social sciences. The expertise of its researchers, a welcoming environment for visiting scholars, and its appeal to talented doctoral students worldwide all underscore its influential role. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with leading research institutions globally are central to maintaining the Institute’s international prominence.
Great women in science
Prof. emer. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Renate Mayntz
Prof Renate Mayntz is an Emeritus Director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG). She has research interests that span theories of society and social systems, political institutions and policy development, the evolution of science and technology, and the intersection of science and politics, along with transnational structures and global governance. Her current work explores theoretical frameworks in analysing large-scale social phenomena, particularly focusing on social mechanisms. She also examines how internal (push) and external (pull) factors influence the development of fundamental research, the institutionalization of political advising, and the role of international organizations and legal transnational structures within the scope of global governance.
Read more about her life and work
Did You Know?
Higher education institutions in Germany spends a total of approx. 20 billion euros on research and development per annum. Almost half (9 billion euros) comes from third-party funding.