Welcome
Wiss-Nama Newsletter October 2026
1. News from Indo-German Cooperation
1.1. Three Indian Researchers Awarded Prestigious ERC Starting Grants 2026
Three Indian researchers, Dr Shreeya Shetye, Dr Kaustubh Hakim and Dr Parth Chansoria, have received prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants in the 2026 competition. They are among 421 researchers selected to pursue ambitious frontier research projects across Europe, with each eligible for up to €1.5 million in funding. Supported through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, the grants enable early-career researchers to establish independent research programmes and teams. Dr Shetye, based at KU Leuven, will study magnetic fields, rotation and chemical processes inside ageing stars through her MERLIN project. Dr Hakim, working with the Royal Observatory of Belgium and KU Leuven, will investigate the composition and atmospheric signatures of sub-Neptune exoplanets through ExoGeochem. Dr Chansoria at ETH Zurich will develop ultrasound-based techniques for creating tissue-supporting structures directly at injury sites through his EchoPrint project. Their research spans stellar astrophysics, exoplanet science and regenerative medicine, demonstrating the diversity of India-linked scientific talent in Europe. The awards also highlight the growing connections between Indian researchers and Europe’s research ecosystem. The ERC, established in 2007, supports frontier research through schemes including Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, Synergy and Proof of Concept Grants. For researchers in India, ERC and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions offer valuable opportunities to pursue international collaborations and build research careers at leading European institutions.
1.2. The Brain Prize Lecture Cancer Neuroscience : A new approach to cancer
Heidelberg University in collaboration with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Research Foundation (DFG) organized the Brain Prize Lecture on September 25, 2026 at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The event featured Prof. Dr. med. Frank Winkler, 2025 World Brain Prize Laureate, who presented his research in cancer neuroscience. German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, H.E. Dr. Jasper Wieck, highlighted the importance of Indo-German cooperation in science, research and technology transfer. Prof. Dr. Marc-Philippe Weller, Vice-Rector of Heidelberg University, spoke about the university’s international academic and research networks. Prof. Dr. Chitra Sarkar of AIIMS Delhi introduced Prof. Winkler and his research. In his lecture, “Cancer Neuroscience: A New Approach to Cancer,” Prof. Winkler discussed findings from his work on glioblastoma. He explained how tumour cells can form interconnected networks within the brain and communicate with surrounding nerve cells. The research showed that signals from nerve cells can influence tumour behaviour and contribute to disease progression. The lecture highlighted emerging approaches in cancer research and the potential of neuroscience to contribute to new treatment strategies for glioblastoma. Around 300 scientists, clinicians, academics, researchers, PhD scholars and students attended the lecture.
2. Upcoming events and conferences
2.1. 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.
2.2. 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.
2.3. 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.
2.4. 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.
2.5. India-EU Digital Cooperation Conference 2026 in New Delhi
INSPACE, C-DAC and IIT Guwahati are organizing the India-EU Digital Cooperation Conference 2026 on 2–3 November 2026 at South Asian University, New Delhi, bringing together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and digital technology stakeholders. The conference aims to strengthen India-EU collaboration in digital technologies, innovation and policy. Key discussions will cover AI, digital public infrastructure, semiconductors, 6G, high-performance computing, digital trust, standardisation, upskilling and technology scaling. The event will also explore research and innovation opportunities through Horizon Europe, including potential collaborations under 2027 calls and future programmes from 2028 onwards. A key plenary session will examine how India and Europe can balance digital innovation with security, regulation and trust. An invitation-only policy roundtable will focus on translating India-EU digital commitments into practical initiatives, particularly in trusted AI and digital public infrastructure. Technical workshops and expert exchanges will further support knowledge sharing, research partnerships and collaboration among government, academia, industry and innovation communities. Participation in some parts of the programme is by invitation only.
2.6. 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.
2.7. DAAD Events
- Germany After School: Bachelor's Opportunities Explained
Join this web session to know more about doing a Bachelors in Germany and get your questions answered too.
October 15, 4:00 PM, Online
- Pune: GerMANY Opportunities
The participants will receive information about Bachelor, Master, PhD in Germany & DAAD Scholarships. The importance of learning the language and culture will be highlighted, along with opportunities to work in Germany.
October 17, 10:00 AM, S. M. Joshi Auditorium, S. M. Joshi Socialist Foundation, Ganjve Chowk, Navi Peth, Pune 411 030
- Engineering Your Future: Online Session with German Universities
Learn more about study opportunities in Germany and interact with representatives of FU Berlin, HS Nordhausen and HS Ravensburg-Weingarten, who will present short overviews of their study opportunities, admission requirements, academic strengths, and campus life.
October 21, 3:00 PM, Online
- Cracking the German Job Market: Tips for International Students
Listen to and connect with the DAAD Young Ambassadors as they talk about what it is actually like studying in Germany. Ravi Roshan Keshari, currently a Master student at Rhineland-Palatinate University of Technology Kaiserslautern-Landau and Shreya Kapoor, currently a working professional in Germany.
October 22, 2026, 4:00 PM, Online
- PhD Opportunities in Germany: Innovate, Discover, Lead
Join this web session to know more about doing a PhD in Germany and get your questions answered too.
October 28, 4:00 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.
October 29, 4: 00 PM, DAAD Regional Office New Delhi, DLTA Complex, R.K. Khanna Stadium, 1 Africa Avenue, New Delhi 110029
3. Calls for proposals
3.1. 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
3.2. University Summer Courses offered in Germany for Foreign Students and Graduates (HSK) 2026-2027
The DAAD University Summer Courses in Germany (HSK) 2026–27 scholarship supports international students in improving their German language and cultural knowledge. The programme funds participation in German-taught summer courses at recognised German universities and affiliated language schools. It is open to regular full-time bachelor’s and master’s students from all subject areas. Bachelor’s applicants must have completed at least two academic years and must not be in their final year. Applicants must generally have at least B1-level German proficiency under the CEFR. The scholarship provides a one-time scholarship allowance, travel allowance and health insurance.
Application deadline: October 30, 2026
3.3. 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
4. Did you know?
Germany funds higher education partnerships around the world. Over 37,000 agreements exist between higher education institutions in Germany and partners in over 150 countries.