Welcome
Wiss-Nama Newsletter March 2026
News from Indo-German cooperation
Indian Ambassador to Germany Ajit Gupte discusses strengthening Indo-German Science and Technology cooperation with Dr. Silke Launert
On March 20, 2026, Indian Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte, engaged in an important discussion with Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology & Space, regarding the future of Indo-German Science & Technology cooperation. This meeting comes as part of India's ongoing efforts to deepen its collaborative ties with Germany, particularly in the realms of innovation, scientific research, and technological advancements. They highlighted the importance of student exchanges and fostering academic collaboration and innovation between the two nations. Both parties also focused on FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) and the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre, key platforms that facilitate collaborative research and technological advancements. Additionally, they discussed joint bioeconomy initiatives, which aim to harness the potential of biotechnology and sustainable solutions for mutual benefit. Strengthening these avenues not only promises to accelerate scientific progress but also enhances overall bilateral science and technology ties between India and Germany, paving the way for a more robust and forward-looking partnership.
Upcoming events and conferences
Indo-German Research Day
DWIH New Delhi is organising a virtual Indo-German Research Day on May 29, 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 soon.
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.
Innovators Connect – Tandem 2026
Innovators Connect – Tandem is a two-week immersive program designed for young researchers and early-stage start-up founders from India and Germany from November 16-26. Organized by DWIH New Delhi, the program includes workshops, mentoring, networking, and intercultural training, offering participants exposure to start-up ecosystems in both countries. 30 selected participants will collaborate in teams to develop innovative ideas and technologies, receiving support from partner incubators in India and Germany.
Call for applications will open soon.
DAAD Events
Web Session: Masters in Germany
Join this web session to know more about doing a Masters in Germany and get your questions answered too.
April 7, 4:00 PM, Online
Web Session: Bachelors in Germany
Join this web session to know more about doing a Bachelors in Germany and get your questions answered too.
April 16, 4:00 PM, Online
Online Session with German Universities
Learn more about study opportunities in Germany and interact with representatives of Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Hochschule Coburg and KIT (Carl Benz School & HECTOR School)
April 22, 3:00 PM, Online
Web Session: How I Found Internships & Student Jobs in Germany
Listen to and connect the DAAD Young Ambassadors Devanand Yadav, Raj Prasad Rauniyar and Sakshi Kaul and get to know all that you need about finding jobs and internships in Germany.
April 23, 2026, 4:00 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.
April 29, 4:00 PM, Online
Calls for proposals
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
20 Senior Fellowship Positions at College for Social Sciences and Humanities
College for Social Sciences and Humanities is offering up to 20 Senior Fellowships at the aimed at excellent international scholars in the social sciences and humanities. The fellowship provides an opportunity for established researchers to undertake an interdisciplinary research stay in Essen, collaborating with the University Alliance Ruhr. Applicants must propose a joint research project with a “tandem partner” from a UA Ruhr institution. The fellowship, lasting six months, will host up to ten fellows each intake period, with stays beginning in March and September 2027. Eligibility includes a PhD, recognition as an international scholar, and excellent academic achievements. Selection will be based on research excellence, project quality, and the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration. Fellows will engage in academic exchange, contribute to the UA Ruhr network, and work on independent research projects.
Application deadline: May 15, 2026
Campus Conversations
Q1. Could you please tell us about your role at the India office and how it contributes to the university’s global outreach efforts?
Ans. I oversee TUD Dresden’s strategic partnerships in the Global South, with a focus on India, particularly in research, innovation, and startups. I helped establish the India office, including staff recruitment and strategic planning, supported locally by Mr. Bibhu Mishra and Ms. Rhiya Cyril. The office, part of the Saxon Science Liaison Office India (SSLOI), represents all 15 Saxony higher education institutions. It strengthens global outreach by enhancing student recruitment, facilitating bilateral mobility, and fostering academic and innovation collaborations between Saxony and India.
Q2. TUD Dresden University of Technology (TUD) is known for its diverse academic programs and research initiatives. Tell us more about them.
Ans. TUD Dresden is a leading German research university and a University of Excellence since 2012, with around 29,000 students—including over 20% international—and 6,500 doctoral researchers. It offers 119 programs, including 26 English-taught Master’s and 26 double/joint degrees. TUD hosts five DFG Clusters of Excellence and excels in AI, microelectronics, advanced materials, biotechnology, and health sciences. With over 100 patents and around 20 spin-offs annually, it provides a dynamic environment for research, innovation, and collaboration, including opportunities for Indian researchers.
Q3. What are some of the key highlights of the university that Indian students should know about?
Ans. TUD Dresden provides a highly international, research-focused environment, with Indian students among the largest international communities on campus. As a founding member of the Dresden-concept (DDc) alliance, TUD collaborates with 43 institutions through joint research groups, technology platforms, and appointments, fostering interdisciplinary innovation. Dresden is an attractive research hub in Germany and the EU, offering a high quality of life, affordable accommodation, safety, and a vibrant international community, with an active Indian student association supporting a strong sense of belonging.
Q4. What specific opportunities does TUD offer for Indian students (scholarships, research collaborations, exchange programs)? Do you have MoUs with Indian institutions?
Ans. TUD Dresden, together with its industry partners and the Dresden-concept network, offers international students diverse opportunities in study, research, and innovation, including exchange programs, dual degrees, joint research, PhD collaborations, and scholarships. Initiatives like the Saxon Student Mobility and Science Ambassador Programmes support academic exchange with India. TUD has a strategic transCampus partnership with IIT Madras, formal collaborations with IITs, AIIMS, and BITS Pilani, and is the sole German partner in the HERITAGE Network connecting 14 Indian and 14 European universities.
Q5. Are there any new developments or initiatives that Indian students can expect from TUD in the coming years?
Ans. The transCampus partnership with IIT Madras enables interdisciplinary collaboration in areas like microelectronics, AI, medicine, sustainable engineering, transport, and entrepreneurship, with plans to expand joint academic programs for Indian students. The ABCD global center is extended until 2031, and German-taught bachelor’s programs support long-term career integration. A new lifelong learning model will offer continuous development, while the Startup Exchange Initiative provides international experience and market access. Indian students can expect increased mobility, research collaboration, and engagement in emerging fields.
Did you know?
Germany spends around 132 billion euros on research and development, which is about 3.1% of its GDP.