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Wiss-Nama Newsletter July 2026
News from Indo-German Cooperation
DAAD Scholarship Certificate Handing-Over Ceremony
DAAD New Delhi organised a scholarship certificate handing over ceremony at the German Embassy New Delhi on June 4 in presence of Georg Enzweiler, Chargé d’Affaires and DAAD President Prof Joybrato Mukherjee. The DAAD has awarded 190 scholarships for India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, out of which the 50 students from Delhi were invited to take part in the event. The scholarships that were awarded are University Summer Courses, WISE – Working Internships in Science and Engineering, EPOS - Development-related Postgraduate Courses, PPGG – Public Policy & Good Governance, GSSP - Graduate School Scholarship Programme, KOSPIE, Research Stays, Reinvitation and Bilateral Exchange of Academics. It was an interactive event, where students were also informed about what to expect in Germany.
Indo-German InnoXchange Programme
The Indo-German ‘InnoXchange’ Programme is a bilateral programme of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), represented by its unit German Centre for Research and Innovation (DWIH) New Delhi and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. As the first activity under the programme, a delegation from India visited Baden-Württemberg in Germany from June 22 to 26, 2026, to explore potential Indo-German collaboration opportunities in innovation. The delegation consisted of incubator heads and deep-tech startup founders from diverse sectors, including Space Tech & Defence, Aerospace, Energy and Med Tech, along with officials from DAAD - DWIH New Delhi and DST. The delegation's visit spanned research and innovation institutions in Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg. The programme is implemented by Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) - Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. It aims to establish a systematic exchange format between the Indian & German deep-tech startup and entrepreneurship ecosystems, fostering collaboration among startups, incubators, accelerators, universities, and research institutions.
Upcoming events and conferences
Web-talk Series: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Advance SDG 15: Life on Land - DAAD Alumni for SDG
DAAD Regional Offices New Delhi and Jakarta are organising a online web-talk series on the topic “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Advance SDG 15: Life on Land” on July 13 and 14, 2026. This series will explore how AI can support SDG 15 and contribute to a more sustainable future with experts, researchers, and DAAD alumni.
Symposium: Risks, Intersectionality, and Inclusion in (Mega) Cities
Heidelberg University, University of Cologne, University of Bonn, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur) and University of Delhi, with support by DWIH New Delhi are organising a symposium on Risks, Intersectionality, and Inclusion in (Mega) Cities from July 27 to 29, 2026. It will convene researchers, policymakers, urban planners, civil society representatives, and early-career scholars from Germany and India to explore how risks emerge, are experienced, and are governed in rapidly urbanizing contexts. By fostering interdisciplinary exchange across STEM disciplines, the social sciences, and policy studies, it aims to promote more inclusive approaches to urban resilience, sustainability, and governance, while strengthening long-term Indo-German research collaboration.
Workshop: Cross-Cultural Psychology of Learning in the Age of AI: Research Innovations Bridging Cognition and Computational Curriculum Design
Max Planck Society (MPG), University of Cologne and Kannur University, with the help of DWIH New Delhi are organising a workshop on the topic “Cross-Cultural Psychology of Learning in the Age of AI: Research Innovations Bridging Cognition and Computational Curriculum Design” from August 31 to September 1, 2026 in Pune. The workshop will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping learning, cognition, curriculum design, and educational practice. Drawing on insights from psychology, anthropology, education sciences, and computer science, it seeks to promote Indo-German collaboration on responsible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive innovation in education in the age of AI.
Workshop: AI in Law: Navigating Techniques, Ethics, and Accountability
University of Cologne, Max Planck Society (MPG), Hertie School Berlin, and Centre for Communication Governance (CCG), National Law University Delhi, with the help of DWIH New Delhi are organising a workshop on “AI in Law: Navigating Techniques, Ethics, and Accountability” at the National Law University on September 1, 2026. The workshop will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming legal systems and judicial processes. Bringing together perspectives on AI governance, ethics, regulation, human rights, and digital justice, it aims to encourage Indo-German comparative dialogue, strengthen academic collaboration, and support responsible innovation in the legal field.
Workshop: Computational Modelling Meets Translational Oncology: An Indo–German Workshop Bridging Quantitative Sciences and Cancer Research
Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), IIT Kharagpur, KIIT University and IISER Kolkata, with the help of DWIH New Delhi, are organising a workshop on “Computational Modelling Meets Translational Oncology” in Kolkata from September 28 to 30, 2026. The workshop will bring together quantitative scientists, clinicians, and translational oncology researchers to advance data-driven innovations in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and precision medicine, while promoting sustained Indo-German scientific collaboration.
Workshop: Mechanisms of Cancer Genome Dynamics
University of Göttingen & Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, with the help of DWIH New Delhi are organising a workshop on “Mechanisms of Cancer Genome Dynamics” from October 12 to 16, 2026 at IISER Pune. This Indo-German Workshop will convene leading researchers from Germany and India to discuss recent advances in cancer genome research, including genome instability, DNA repair, replication stress, chromatin organization, and translational oncology. It aims to promote scientific exchange, explore new avenues for collaboration, and strengthen long-term partnerships between the University of Göttingen and IISER Pune.
Workshop: Physics of Near and Mid Ultraviolet Radiation from the Sun and Its Effect on Climate
Max Planck Society (MPG), University of Göttingen and Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, with the help of DWIH New Delhi are organising a workshop on “Physics of Near and Mid Ultraviolet Radiation from the Sun and Its Effect on Climate” at Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, on October 21 and 22, 2026. This workshop will examine the impact of solar ultraviolet radiation on Earth’s atmosphere, climate, and space weather, drawing on observations from the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) aboard ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission. It aims to enhance Indo-German collaboration in solar physics, climate science, and space research through knowledge exchange, advanced modelling, and discussion of future joint research directions.
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.
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.
July 7, 2026, 4:00 PM, Online
Chennai: Study and Research in Germany
This session is for students and faculty of SSN College of Engineering and Shiv Nadar University Chennai. They will get insights into the German research landscape, DAAD funding possibilities etc.
July 8, 2026, 10:30 AM, SSN College of Engineering
Chennai: Pre-Departure Meet for Winter Semester 2026
Open for students, with admission for winter semester to study at a German university. This event will provide valuable insights, tips, and networking opportunities to ensure a smooth transition to your new academic life in Germany.
July 15, 2026, 4:00 PM, Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, No.4, 5th St, Rutland Gate, Srirampuram, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600006
Web Session: Bachelors in Germany
Join this web session to know more about doing a Bachelors in Germany and get your questions answered too.
July 16, 2026, 4:00 PM, Online
Pune: Pre-Departure Meet for Winter Semester 2026
Open for students, with admission for winter semester to study at a German university. This event will provide valuable insights, tips and networking opportunities to ensure a smooth transition to your new academic life in Germany.
July 18, 2026, 11:00 AM, DAAD IC Pune, At Indo German Chamber of Commerce, 5th Floor, Boulevard Towers, 511, Sadhu Vaswani Chowk, Camp, Pune 411001
Online Session with German Universities
Learn more about study opportunities in Germany and interact with representatives of HWG Ludwigshafen and TH Mittelhessen.
July 22, 2026, 3:00 PM, Online
Web Session: Festivals & Celebrations in Germany: What Students Should Not Miss
Listen to and connect with the DAAD Young Ambassadors as they talk about their day-to-day life in Germany.
July 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.
July 29, 2026, 4:00 PM, Online
Bengaluru: Pre-Departure Meet for Winter Semester 2026: A series
Open for students, with admission for winter semester to study at a German university. This event will provide valuable insights, tips, and networking opportunities to ensure a smooth transition to your new academic life in Germany.
August 1, 2026, 10:00 AM to August 29, 2026, 12:00 PM, Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, 716, CMH Road, Indiranagar 1st Stage, Bangalore 560038
Calls for proposals
Internationalisation at Indian Higher Education Institutions – Cooperation Management & Strategic Partnerships
The DAAD Regional Office New Delhi will organise a workshop on “Internationalisation at Indian Higher Education Institutions – Cooperation Management & Strategic Partnerships” from 8–9 September 2026 at IIT Kharagpur, aimed at heads and representatives of international offices at Indian higher education institutions. The workshop will focus on strengthening institutional internationalisation, managing cooperation agreements, and developing international projects with an emphasis on Indo-German collaboration, while also covering DAAD funding opportunities, good practices in international cooperation, and proposal development tools such as objective setting, results-based frameworks, and monitoring systems. Selected DAAD alumni from Kharagpur will participate to encourage exchange between alumni and institutional representatives, and attendees will become part of the DAAD iHED network. The programme offers a platform to enhance expertise in international project development, share experiences, and expand professional networks, with participation limited to 25 selected applicants chosen by DAAD.
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
MSCA opens €399 million call for Postdoctoral Fellowships
The 2026 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships, part of Horizon Europe, opened with a €399.05 million budget, offering around 1,600 fellowships to support postdoctoral researchers worldwide in advancing their careers through international mobility and interdisciplinary research. Open to all research fields, including Euratom-related areas, the programme offers European Fellowships (up to 24 months in an EU or associated country) and Global Fellowships (12–24 months abroad plus a 12-month return phase in Europe). Fellows can undertake optional non-academic placements, access ERA Fellowships, and receive special support for returning, displaced, or career-restarting researchers. Applicants must hold a PhD, have up to 8 years post-PhD experience, and apply with a supervisor and host organisation, which can include universities, research institutions, companies, NGOs, hospitals, or government bodies.
Application deadline: September 9, 2026
5th Call for Dioscuri Centres of Scientific Excellence in Poland
The Max Planck Society (MPG) and the Polish National Science Centre (NCN) have launched their fifth call for Dioscuri Centres of Scientific Excellence in Poland, seeking to establish up to two interdisciplinary Centres in the Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, or Physical Sciences and Engineering. Each Centre is built around a distinguished researcher who will lead a high-profile research group funded with up to €300,000 annually for five years at a Polish university or institute with strong infrastructure and long-term support. The Centres will collaborate with a German partner, potentially from a Max Planck Institute, and receive guidance from an international Scientific Advisory Board. Funded by the Polish Ministry of Education and Science, the programme aims to enhance scientific excellence in Central and Eastern Europe.
Application deadline: September 15, 2026
Did You Know?
Among the 109 universities in Germany, 88 are public and 21 are private, showing a strong preference for public institutions in university education.