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Wiss-Nama Newsletter September 2026
News from Indo-German cooperation
Indo-German Research on Floating Photovoltaic Systems
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla, India, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in renewable energy research. The partnership will support joint research projects, co-supervision of master’s and PhD students, and academic exchange programs, with a particular focus on floating photovoltaics and agrivoltaics. The collaboration aims to address shared challenges surrounding floating PV, including permitting, public acceptance, economic viability, long-term reliability, and environmental impacts. The MoU builds on an Indo-German Science and Technology Center (IGSTC) Early Career Research Fellowship involving Alexander Graef and Dr. Manish Kumar. Kumar visited German research institutions in 2025, while Graef spent five weeks in India in spring 2026 conducting research, particularly at HPU. These exchanges laid the foundation for the broader institutional partnership.
Upcoming events and conferences
2.1. 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 September 8–9, 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 has passed.
2.2. ECR: Indo-German Workshop on Scientific Computing & AI for the Sciences
The DAAD is organising an Indo-German Workshop on Scientific Computing & AI for the Sciences on October 3, 2026 at IIT Tirupati in hybrid mode. This workshop is a one-day event for master’s students, PhD scholars, post-docs, and faculty exploring how mathematical modelling, numerical methods, AI, and scientific computing are advancing research across plant stress biology, PDEs, numerical analysis, physics-informed neural networks, and GPU-accelerated computing. Featuring German and Indian researchers from early-career to senior academic levels, the workshop aims to encourage interdisciplinary exchange, international research collaborations, and discussion of emerging computational methods, while particularly highlighting research opportunities and academic pathways in Germany for students and young researchers.
2.3. 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.
2.4. 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.
2.5. Indo-German Research Day
DWIH New Delhi is organising a virtual Indo-German Research Day on October 28, 2026. Participants get to explore the Indian and German research landscape further and dive into discourse of international research cooperation and policy. They will meet research institutions, universities, funding bodies & international agencies and discover opportunities for mobility funding for your research stays and projects across disciplines.
2.6. 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) and National Law University Delhi with support from DWIH New Delhi, are organising a workshop on AI in Law on October 30-31, 2026. The workshop will examine the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in legal systems and judicial processes. Through interdisciplinary discussions on AI governance, ethics, regulation, human rights, and digital justice, the workshop aims to foster comparative dialogue, strengthen Indo-German academic cooperation, and advance responsible innovation in the legal domain.
2.7. 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
- Pune: Study and Research in Germany (MIT-ADT University)
In this session students will get insights into the German research landscape, DAAD funding possibilities etc. The session also provides practical guidance on planning your academic journey and offers participants the opportunity to have their questions answered.
Open for students of MIT Art, Design and Technology University
September 8, 2026, 11:00 AM, MIT Art, Design and Technology University
- Masters in Germany: Pathways to a Global Career
Join this informative session to explore Masters degree opportunities in Germany and learn why more than 500,000 international students have chosen Germany as their study destination.
September 8, 2026, 4:00 PM, Online
- Tirupati: Higher Studies & Research in Germany (IIT Tirupati)
Students and researchers will be guided about opportunities in Germany - Eligibility criteria, types of universities, various master courses, types of PhD, scholarships, application procedure, visa procedures etc. It will be followed by a Q&A session.
Open for the students at IIT Tirupati
September 11, 2026, 2:00 PM, IIT
- Bengaluru: Higher Studies and Research in Germany
In this session students will get insights into the German research landscape, DAAD funding possibilities etc. The session also provides practical guidance on planning your academic journey and offers participants the opportunity to have their questions answered.
September 11, 2026, 3:00 PM, DAAD Information Centre Bangalore, At Indo German Chamber of Commerce 403 Shah Sultan, 4th Floor, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru 560052
- Bengaluru: Research and Funding Opportunities in Germany (JNCASR)
Students and researchers will gain insights into study and research opportunities in Germany, including eligibility, universities, master’s programmes, PhD options, scholarships, and application procedures. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A to address participants’ queries.
Open for students at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre For Advanced Scientific Research Bengaluru
September 15, 2026, Conference Hall, JNCASR, Rachenahalli Lake Rd, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064
- Germany After School: Bachelor's Opportunities Explained
Join this informative session to discover undergraduate study opportunities in Germany and learn why thousands of international students choose Germany each year for their higher education.
September 17, 2026, 4:00 PM, Online
- Engineering Your Future: Online Session with German Universities
Learn more about study opportunities in Germany and interact with representatives of two to three German universities, who will present short overviews of their study opportunities, admission requirements, academic strengths, and campus life.
September 23, 2026, 3:00 PM, Online
- New Delhi: Study and Research in Germany
In this session students will get insights into the German research landscape, DAAD funding possibilities etc. The session also provides practical guidance on planning your academic journey and offers participants the opportunity to have their questions answered.
September 24, 2026, 4:00 PM, DAAD Regional Office New Delhi, DLTA Complex, R.K. Khanna Stadium, 1 Africa Avenue, New Delhi 110029
- What It's Really Like to Study at a German University
Listen to and connect with the DAAD Young Ambassadors as they talk about what it is actually like studying in Germany. Apeksha Singhal, currently a Master student at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Senuri Jayawardena, currently a Master student at University of Hamburg, Germany and Rahul Dogra, currently a PhD student at TU Darmstadt, will share their experiences on living and studying in Germany.
September 24, 2026, 4:00 PM, Online
Calls for proposals
3.1. Max Planck Mobility Grant
The Max Planck Mobility Grant supports highly qualified early-career researchers affiliated with institutions in their home countries by enabling research stays at a chosen Max Planck Institute (MPI) for at least four weeks per year over three years, fostering long-term scientific collaboration and networking. Candidates can be nominated up to ten years after completing their PhD by an MPI Director or Research Group Leader and may include assistant professors, group leaders, postdoctoral researchers, and, exceptionally, final-year doctoral candidates. The grant provides an annual budget of €5,000 to the host MPI, covering eligible monthly scholarships (€1,650/month for final-year doctoral candidates and €2,700/month for postdocs), economy-class travel between the researcher’s home country and Germany, local travel in Germany, and potentially research consumables. Funds are managed by the host MPI, may be carried over to the following year, but cannot be paid directly to the grant holder. Former Max Planck Partner Group Heads and former Max Planck Mobility Grant holders are not eligible.
3.2. 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
3.3. 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
3.4. The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling
The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling (IMPRS-ESM) is a joint PhD programme of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) and Universität Hamburg (UHH), focused on understanding Earth system processes, dynamics, and improving climate prediction. The programme provides an international, English-speaking research environment, access to advanced facilities and high-performance computing at the German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ), and opportunities to work within international research groups. PhD candidates receive individualised supervision and mentoring, academic training, funding for relevant courses and conferences, and financial security through a three-year doctoral contract. Students also benefit from annual research retreats, strong peer and supervisor interaction, and extensive administrative support, with the PhD degree awarded by Universität Hamburg.
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
3.5. Postdoctoral programme at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG)
The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) in Cologne is offering a two-year Postdoctoral Researcher position in social sciences. The position is part of the new Research Group on Technology and Statehood, which examines how governments pursue technological competitiveness and participate in global technology races, with potential research areas including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, digital infrastructure, and digital twins in public administration. Research projects focusing on Brazil, India, or other decolonized contexts are particularly encouraged. Applicants from all nationalities are eligible if they completed their PhD within three years before the starting date. The successful candidate can pursue an independent research project within the group’s scope and will receive a salary and benefits under TVöD E13, working primarily at the MPIfG in Cologne.
Application deadline: September 18, 2026
3.6. DAAD Young Ambassadors 2027
DAAD invites students and young professionals with study or research experience in Germany to promote German education opportunities. Selected ambassadors will share their experiences, inspire others, and participate in outreach activities through presentations and events. Applicants must be nationals of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, or Sri Lanka. Candidates should have studied or currently be studying/researching at a German institution. Applicants must be under 32 years of age as of 1 January 2027. Selected participants must attend the online Young Ambassadors Training Workshop in November 2026.
Application deadline: September 30, 2026
3.7. Call for Applications 2026: Study Visits for Academics - Artists and Architects
The DAAD scholarship programme for university teachers in the arts aims to promote artistic cooperation with German host institutions, with funding provided by the German Federal Foreign Office. University teachers in architecture, fine art, film, design, visual communication, performing arts, and music can apply for funded study visits at state or state-recognised universities in Germany, including visits involving multiple host institutions, to develop artistic collaborations. The scholarship may be awarded only once within a three-year period.
Application deadline: October 7, 2026
3.8. Call for Applications 2026: Re-Invitation Programme for Former DAAD Scholarship Holders
The DAAD Re-invitation Programme for Former Scholarship Holders enables eligible DAAD alumni to return to Germany for research or professional working projects while maintaining and strengthening connections within the global DAAD alumni network. It is open to former DAAD research grant or study scholarship holders who received Federal Foreign Office-funded support for more than six months, as well as former East German scholarship holders who studied in Germany for at least one year. Funding supports one- to three-month research or working stays at German universities, non-university research institutes, or, for professionals outside academia, institutions in business, administration, culture, or media; visits may involve multiple host institutions. The grant must begin in 2027, is non-renewable, and can be received only once within three years.
3.9. ERC Starting Grant 2027 Opportunities for Early-Career Researchers
The ERC Starting Grant 2027 supports talented early-career researchers who aim to become independent research leaders in Europe. Researchers of any nationality can apply if they have completed their PhD within ten years before 1 January 2027 and submit an excellent research proposal. The grant welcomes projects from all research fields through a bottom-up approach, without predefined themes. Research must be conducted at an eligible host institution in an EU Member State or associated country. Successful applicants can receive up to €1.5 million for five years, with additional funding available for eligible costs. Researchers can build international teams and collaborate globally. The grant provides an opportunity for emerging researchers to lead innovative research and strengthen their careers in Europe.
Application deadline: October 14, 2026
3.10. PhD in Astrophysics
The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) on Astrophysics is a joint PhD programme involving the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics (MPA), University Observatory Munich at LMU, and the European Southern Observatory (ESO). It is one of the major astrophysics research centres, covering a broad range of topics including planets, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. The programme offers approximately 25 PhD positions each year across various astrophysics research areas, with students benefiting from access to world-class telescopes, leading research facilities, and an international scientific environment.
Application deadline: November 1, 2026
Job Vacancy
The DAAD Regional Office in New Delhi is looking for a full-time Programme Officer – Scholarships to coordinate and administer scholarship programmes across India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The role involves managing selection committees and applicant interviews, supporting Indian and German academic panels, preparing communications and event content, analysing scholarship data, collaborating with academic and research networks, and advising students and researchers on studying in Germany and DAAD funding opportunities, particularly at the PhD and postdoctoral levels. Applicants should have at least a Master’s degree (PhD desirable), 5+ years of professional experience in the international higher-education sector, strong knowledge of both German and Indian higher-education and research systems, proficiency in AI tools and Microsoft Office, excellent English (C1+) and good German (B2+) communication skills, along with strong organisational, intercultural, communication, teamwork, and independent-working abilities; Indian nationality or a valid Indian residence/work permit is required.
Application deadline: September 18, 2026
Did you know?
For international students, the field of Engineering is more popular at German universities. 43.1% of all international students in Germany study Engineering.