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Wiss-Nama Newsletter February 2026
News from Indo-German Cooperation
IGSTC organises Strategic Conclave 2026 on Mobile Health & Telemedicine and Integrated Water Resource Management
The IGSTC Strategic Conclave 2026 on February 23 and 24 brought together key stakeholders to discuss critical issues in mobile health, telemedicine, and integrated water resource management, emphasizing Indo-German collaboration. In the healthcare domain, discussions focused on leveraging telemedicine and mobile health to expand access to healthcare, particularly in underserved regions. Key participants, including Dr. Kusumita Arora (IGSTC), Dr. Jitendra Kumar (BIRAC), and Dr. Arindam Bhattacharyya (DST), highlighted the importance of biotechnology, innovation ecosystems, and public health priorities in developing scalable, secure digital health solutions. Dr. Arti Sarin, DGAFMS, emphasized the strategic role of telehealth in the armed forces, while Dr. Sunita Sharma discussed AI and machine learning's role in India's National Digital Health Mission. In parallel, the water governance discussions, led by conservationist Dr. Rajendra Singh and German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann, stressed the need for community-driven, sustainable water management. The conclave underscored the importance of integrating scientific, technological, and societal solutions to address water scarcity and promote climate resilience. Both sectors emphasized the necessity of international cooperation, technology development, and research collaboration to drive innovation, ensuring sustainable solutions for India’s healthcare and water resource management challenges.
Upcoming events and conferences
Indo-German Research Day
DWIH New Delhi is organising a virtual Indo-German Research Day on April 14, where participants will delve deeper into the research landscapes of India and Germany, and engage in discussions about global research collaboration and policies. They can connect with research institutions, universities, funding organizations, and international agencies to uncover mobility funding opportunities for their research visits and projects across various fields. It will help to broaden your network to advance your research career and foster international partnerships in research.
Registrations will open in March 2026.
DWIH Network Day
On June 26, connect with representatives from the German Centres for Research and Innovation (DWIH) in India, the USA, Brazil, and Japan, and gain valuable insights into the vibrant research and innovation ecosystems of these countries, as well as DWIH's initiatives. Learn about the services provided by DWIHs and how your institution can become part of this global network. In the interactive World Café format, engage in detailed one-on-one discussions with DWIH representatives, exploring potential collaboration opportunities for your institution or researchers.
DAAD Events
Pre-Departure Meets for the Summer Semester 2026
These events will provide valuable insights, tips, and networking opportunities to ensure a smooth transition to your new academic life in Germany. Also have a chance to get your questions answered. Open for students, with admission for summer semester to study at a German university
Chennai: March 9, 2026, 3:30 PM, DAAD Information Centre Chennai, At Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, 3rd Floor, 32, G. N. Chetty Road, T Nagar, Chennai 600017
New Delhi: March 11, 2026, 3:30 PM, DAAD Regional Office New Delhi, DLTA Complex, R.K. Khanna Stadium, 1 Africa Avenue, New Delhi 110029
Pune: March 11, 2026, 4:00 PM, DAAD IC Pune, At Indo German Chamber of Commerce, 5th Floor, Boulevard Towers, 511, Sadhu Vaswani Chowk, Camp, Pune 411040
Bengaluru: March 12, 2026, 2:30 PM, DAAD Information Centre Bangalore, At Indo German Chamber of Commerce, 403 Shah Sultan, 4th Floor, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru 560052
Study and Research in Germany
Students will be guided about pursuing Master & PhD in Germany, eligibility criteria, types of universities, application procedure, visa procedures, scholarships etc. Following the presentation, the students can get their queries clarified in the interactive Q&A session.
Open for the students of Savitribai Phule Pune University
Pune: March 12, 2026, 11:00 AM, Department of Education, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Ganeshkhind Rd, Pune 411007
Research in Germany and DAAD Funding Possibilities
This session is specifically for faculty of SPPU. They will get insights into the German research landscape, DAAD funding possibilities, institutional co-operation etc.
Pune: March 12, 2026, 12:30 PM, Department of Education, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Ganeshkhind Rd, Pune, 411007
Study in Germany Day - Masters and PhD in Focus
The event will cover topics such as higher education in Germany (DAAD Bangalore), Indo-German relations (Carl Duisberg Association), the importance of the German language (Goethe Institut), visa procedures and career opportunities (German Consulate), and life and culture in Germany, followed by an interactive Q&A session. Students and research scholars exploring higher studies and research options are welcome to attend.
Bengaluru: March 13, 2026, 10:00 AM, KSIT Silver Jubilee Auditorium, 14, Kanakapura Main Rd, Raghuvanahalli, Bangalore City Municipal Corporation Layout, Bengaluru 560109
Calls for proposals
Molecular Systems Science and Engineering – Master at Heidelberg University
The Master’s program in Molecular Systems Science and Engineering (MSSE) at Heidelberg University provides an interdisciplinary education in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, and Molecular Life Sciences. Offered entirely in English, this four-semester, consecutive program starts in the winter semester and includes both compulsory and elective modules. In the first semester, students select from core subjects like Energy Conversion, Molecular Engineering, Biomaterials, and Nanosystems, alongside a specialization in areas such as Molecular Engineering or Life-Inspired Molecular Systems. In the second semester, students deepen their expertise in topics like Functional Organic Materials or Synthetic Biosystems, while gaining skills in Data & Project Management and Technology Transfer. The third semester emphasizes lab rotations at Heidelberg University and abroad, and the fourth semester is dedicated to the Master’s Thesis. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in research and development or PhD programs, with a focus on independent scientific research, lab techniques, and project management. The program also offers a part-time option and a fee of €161.10 per semester, with applications accepted through a lottery system.
Application deadline: March 15, 2026
Cologne International Forum Innovative Tandem Collaborations
The University of Cologne’s Cologne International Forum is inviting applications for the Innovative Tandem Collaborations funding program, which supports international research partnerships and innovative projects. This initiative fosters collaboration between one postdoctoral or advanced doctoral researcher from the University of Cologne and an international postdoctoral researcher based outside Germany. The program encourages novel, unconventional research formats and offers up to €15,000 in funding for research-related expenses such as travel, workshops, or short research stays. The goal is to establish long-term, sustainable international collaborations. Applications are reviewed twice a year by an interdisciplinary selection committee.
Application deadline: March 31, 2026
IGSTC Industrial Fellowships 2026
The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) is inviting applications for availing Industrial Fellowships. This programme is aimed at encouraging PhD students/researchers in S&T with an appreciable track record and aptitude for applied research and technology development. Fellowships are offered at two levels: PhD Industrial Exposure Fellowship (PIEF), for young researchers who have completed one year of PhD course in Science/Engineering from India and are below 28 yrs of age are eligible. The duration of the Fellowship is up to six months. Post-Doctoral Industrial Fellowship (PDIF) for fresh PhDs in Science/Engineering from Indian institutes/universities below 35 yrs of age and within 2 years of completion of PhDs are eligible. The duration of this fellowship is 12 months. Applicants would need to identify the industry/industrial research organisation in Germany and have to submit consent letters from the host industry in Germany and their mentor from India.
Application deadline: March 31, 2026
IGSTC WISER Programme 2026
The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) is inviting applications from women scientists for the programme ‘Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research – WISER’. This scheme for lateral entry allows women researchers in India and Germany to participate and collaborate in an ongoing research project in the other country without applying for fresh project grant in partnering countries. With this low-threshold offer for female scientists, WISER intends to build scientific capacity, retain and promote women researchers in India and Germany. Women researchers holding a regular position in academic/research institutions/industrial research organisations in India or Germany are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: March 31, 2026
IGSTC paired fellowship for early career researchers
The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) has launched the PECFAR (Paired Early Career Fellowship in Applied Research) programme that supports a pair of early career researchers to have a short visit to India/Germany for networking and exploring new avenues for collaboration in applied research. It is an excellent opportunity to start a career in research & innovation in a bilateral setup. A dedicated matchmaking platform has been established for interested researchers. Covered topics include Waste to Wealth and Sustainable Packaging.
Application deadline: March 31, 2026
Did you know?
The majority of German students are enrolled in Bachelors programmes at German universities, whereas Masters programmes have a majority of international students.