Welcome
Wiss-Nama Newsletter August 2025
News from Indo-German Cooperation
Launch of the India Competence Centre, University of Würzburg and ICAS:MP New Delhi
The University of Würzburg officially inaugurated its India Competence Centre (ICCUW), marking a vibrant new chapter in Indo-German academic exchange. The event, organised by the Department of Indology and led by ICAS:MP Director Prof. Jörg Gengnagel, welcomed over 70 participants, including university staff, scholars, and guests from India. The Centre will serve as an interdisciplinary hub committed to fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and academic excellence in partnership with India. It aims to promote interdisciplinary exchange in academia, as well as strengthen economic, cultural, and political relations between German and Indian research partners. In her opening remarks, Prof. Doris Fischer, Vice President of the University of Würzburg, highlighted how ICCUW enhances the visibility and impact of India partnerships at the university. Consul General Shatrughna Sinha underscored its role as a “living bridge” built through personal engagement and scholarly interaction. The success of this launch signals an auspicious beginning for the Centre’s role in expanding academic networks and fostering collaborative research.
For a detailed report, visit
Upcoming events and conferences
DFG-Leibniz Lecture 2025 on ‘Large-Brain Neuroscience in Elephants’
The German Research Foundation, together with Max Planck Society and Bose Institute, Kolkata, in association with German Consulate General Kolkata, are organising a Leibniz Lecture on ‘Large-Brain Neuroscience in Elephants’ on August 27 at Bose Institute, Kolkata. The speaker, Prof. Dr. Michael Brecht, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz prize recipient 2012, is a Professor for Systemic Neuroscience at the Humboldt University Berlin. Prof. Brecht will present data on a systemic investigation of brains and of grasping behaviour in elephants. The analysis of sensory nerves suggests that elephants are extremely tactile animals. He will also discuss the potential of novel X-ray technologies for large brain analysis. His research group is active in the field of cellular and systems neuroscience.
Innovators Connect – Tandem 2025
DWIH New Delhi and its partner incubators are organising a two weeks immersion programme in Hyderabad, Bhubaneshwar and Bengaluru from November 3 to 14 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. 30 participants will be hosted at partner incubators in India. They will work in teams for problem-solving, developing new ideas and their technology development, and get exposure to start-up and innovation ecosystems of India and Germany.
DAAD Events
E-visit to Vel Tech Institute of Science and Technology
Students of Vel Tech Institute are invited virtually to know about Masters and PhD opportunities in Germany. The session will cover eligibility criteria, application procedure, documentation, visa procedure, etc.
Open only for students of Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology
August 5, 2025, 2:30 PM, Online
Web Session: Bachelors in Germany
Join this web session to know more about doing Bachelor’s in Germany and get your questions answered too.
August 5, 2025, 3:00 PM, Online
Online Pre-Departure Session
Open for students with admission to a German university for winter semester 2025 – 2026. This event will provide insights, tips, and networking opportunities for your new academic life in Germany.
August 7, 2025, 3:00 PM, Online
DAAD in Mangalore
DAAD visits different institutions in Mangalore to inform students about higher education and research opportunities in Germany.
Open for students of the respective institutions
Mangalore: August 12, 2025, 10:00 AM to August 14, 2025, 12:30 PM
12 August 2025
• NUCSER, NITTE University, 10:00 AM
• Yenopoya University, 2:00 PM
13 August 2025
• St Joseph Engineering College, 11:00 AM
• Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, 3:00 PM
14 August 2025
• NMAM Institute of Technology, 11:00 AM
Higher Studies in Germany
The DAAD is visiting RMK Engineering College to conduct an information session about Master studies in Germany. The session will cover eligibility criteria, application procedure, documentation, visa procedure etc.
Open for the students of RMK Engineering College
Kavarapettai: August 12, 2025, 10:30 AM, RMK Engineering College
Web Session: Masters in Germany
Join this web session to know more about doing Masters in Germany and get your questions answered too.
August 12, 2025, 3:00 PM, Online
Panel Discussion: Research and Career Opportunities in Mathematics & allied Fields
Join the panel discussion with DAAD Research Ambassadors Dr Panchatcharam Mariappan from IIT Tirupati and Prof. Dr Subbiah Sundar from NIT Mizoram and gain insights into research fields, emerging career pathways, and opportunities available in Germany!
August 13, 2025, 3:00 PM, Online
Web Session: PhD in Germany
Join this web session to know more about doing a PhD in Germany and get your questions answered too.
August 19, 2025, 3:00 PM, Online
Higher Studies and Research Opportunities in Germany (Loyola College)
The DAAD is visiting Loyola College to conduct an information session about Masters and PhD opportunities in Germany. The session will cover eligibility criteria, application procedure, documentation, visa procedure, etc.
Chennai: August 20, 2025, 10:30 AM, Loyola College
Online Session with German Universities
Learn more about study opportunities in the fields of IT and Engineering in Germany and interact with representatives of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
August 20, 2025, 3:00 PM, Online
Study in Germany Day - Masters and PhD in Focus
Students and research scholars of all universities and research institutions, who are exploring the options for higher studies and research, are welcome to attend. They will be guided about Masters and PhD in Germany, DAAD funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, application procedure and career opportunities, importance of German language, visa procedures and life and culture in Germany.
Bengaluru: August 22, 2025, 9:30 AM, Auditorium 1A, PES University, CLIC Office, 100 Feet, Ring Rd, Banashankari 3rd Stage, Banashankari, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560085
Web Session: Finding a PhD Guide
Join this webinar to find help on how to find a PhD Guide.
August 25, 2025, 3:00 PM, Online
Online: My Student Journey - Alavy and Ghayathri tell their Story
Alavy Kifait Reza, currently a PhD student at Dresden University of Technology, Dresden and Ghayathri Suriyamoorthy, currently a working professional at TransnetBW, share their story about to how to study in Germany. Get your questions answered too.
August 26, 2025, 3:00 PM, Online
Calls for proposals
Max Planck Postdoc Program
The Max Planck Postdoc Program offers early career researchers a range of benefits to help advance their scientific careers. These include, a guaranteed contract of at least three years, a targeted mentoring program with mentors from other institutes or industry, a career workshop within two years to explore options in science, industry, or entrepreneurship, access to career development and coaching from the Planck Academy and high-quality mentoring and supervision guidelines. The program introduces a new recruitment procedure with positions advertised collectively twice a year for six weeks, aligning with international standards and the typical timing of postdocs completing their degrees.
Application deadline: September 1, 2025
Call for nominations in 2025 for Max Planck Partner Groups
Max Planck Society is inviting applications from outstanding junior scientists or postdocs who have obtained their doctorate no longer than seven years ago (medicine: nine years) for their Max Planck Partner Groups. Researchers must have spent a minimum of 6 to 12 months at an MPI and, at the time of nomination, hold or are expected to hold a position at a research institution, ideally in their home country. Partner Groups are supported for up to five years with €20,000 p.a. provided from MPG central funds. There are currently 88 active Partner Groups worldwide, with a total of 260 ever established. Partner groups serve to jointly promote young scientists worldwide and to strengthen scientific excellence at the respective foreign research institutions and universities. They enable collaboration in research areas that are innovative, scientifically promising, geared to the future and mutual interest both to the MPI and to the international partner institution.
Application deadline: September 18, 2025
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.
Consolidator Grants: ERC awards €678m in grants to back excellent research across Europe
The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded its 2024 Consolidator Grants to 328 researchers across Europe. These grants, totalling €678 million, aim to support outstanding scientists and scholars as they establish their independent research teams and develop their most promising scientific ideas. The funding is provided through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. The grants will support scientific projects spanning all disciplines of research from engineering to life sciences to humanities. Researchers of any nationality with 7-12 years of experience since completion of PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal can apply. Research must be conducted in a public or private research organisation (known as a Host Institution/HI). It could be the HI where the applicant already works, or any other HI located in one of the EU Member States or associated countries.
Campus Conversations: Meet Mohaa Vyas from Technical University of Munich office in Mumbai
Q 1. Could you please tell us about your role at the India office and how it contributes to the university’s global outreach efforts?
Ans: My name is Mohaa Vyas and I serve as the Senior Regional Manager in India for the Technical University of Munich (TUM), based in Mumbai. In this role, I represent TUM’s interests in India, focusing on strengthening international collaborations and strategic projects with our local partners. I actively identify scientific and research opportunities across India and connect them with relevant TUM faculty and research groups, fostering interest in collaboration and enhancing engagement with the Indian scientific ecosystem. Additionally, I work closely with our alumni community to keep them connected and involved in the broader TUM network.
Q 2. The Technical University Munich is known for its diverse academic programs and research initiatives. Tell us more about them.
Ans: TUM is ranked #1 in the European Union and #22 globally in the QS Rankings, offering a wide range of academic programs across engineering, natural sciences, medicine, economics, and social sciences, preparing students for successful careers in various sectors.
In addition to degree programs, TUM provides excellent research opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral candidates. As a University of Excellence, TUM leads the German research landscape and has secured major funding for seven Clusters of Excellence. The university also collaborates actively with Munich's research and innovation ecosystem, including Max Planck, Fraunhofer Institutes, Helmholtz Centers, and top companies, while fostering a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Q 3. What are some of the key highlights of the university that Indian students should know about?
Ans: TUM has a diverse international student body, with 45% of students coming from abroad, including nearly 2,000 Indian students, who are the third-largest international group at the university. The Studierendenwerk and International Campus Life offer support services and cultural programs to help international students settle in, while TUM Student Clubs provide opportunities for networking within the community.
Students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship can engage with UnternehmerTUM, Europe's leading center for innovation and start-ups, closely partnered with TUM. Additionally, TUM has a strong alumni network in India, particularly in Bangalore, fostering continued connections and collaboration.
Q 4. What specific opportunities does the Technical University Munich offer for Indian students in terms of scholarships, research collaborations, or exchange programs? Do you have MoUs with any Indian universities or institutes?
Ans: Yes, TUM has nine university-wide agreements with several IITs and IISc in Bangalore, offering student exchange programs where students can study at TUM for up to two semesters. Top students from other institutions can also join TUM for research projects or final degree thesis work as Practical Project Students for one to two semesters. TUM also offers self-initiated research stays for doctoral candidates from partner institutions, enabling them to collaborate with TUM faculty and experience the research environment.
Additionally, the TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship allows international postdoctoral researchers to advance their careers through a 24-month stay at TUM, while distinguished international professors are invited for short-term visits through the TUM Global Visiting Professor Program, strengthening global research collaborations and enriching TUM’s teaching.
Q 5. Are there any new developments or new initiatives that Indian students can expect from the Technical University Munich in the coming months/years?
Ans: TUM’s curriculum is research-driven and regularly updated to incorporate the latest scientific and technological developments. The university continuously introduces new programs to address emerging challenges across disciplines. Many degree programs, especially at the Master’s level, are taught in English, and this offering is expanding.
TUM works closely with corporate partners, from global industry leaders to innovative companies, to integrate project-based and interdisciplinary learning into its curriculum. This approach ensures students gain a solid academic foundation while acquiring hands-on experience and real-world insights. Through these efforts, TUM prepares students to excel in a fast-evolving global landscape.
Did you know?
The total number of academic staff in German higher education institutions is 787,537.