Introduction

The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) invites paired proposals from women researchers in India and Germany for the Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) 2025 program. This initiative aims to foster innovation in STEM fields, address the underrepresentation of women in STEM, and build scientific capacity by leveraging complementary expertise and research partnerships. The program is open to all areas of STEM and offers funding for basic project requirements and research stays.

Scope of Work

The WISER program encourages collaborative research projects between Indian and German women Principal Investigators (PIs) in any STEM field. Each PI submits a separate proposal, and the collaboration involves a short research stay (up to one month) in the partner country per year for three years. Applicants are responsible for identifying their research partners and obtaining acceptance letters from their respective institutions.

Eligibility

The program is open to women holding regular or long-term research positions in academia, research institutes, or industry in India and Germany. There is no age limit. Each collaborating pair must consist of one Indian and one German women PI. Both PIs must submit separate online applications.

Budget and Duration

The grant covers basic project assistance (research staff, consumables, contingency) for both PIs and a one-month research stay in the partner country (airfare, visa, insurance, per diem). The maximum grant is ₹ 39 lakhs (€ 48,000) for three years, split between the Indian and German PIs.

Additional Information

The program aims to improve gender balance in STEM fields by supporting collaborative research projects between women researchers in India and Germany. The program provides funding for research activities and international collaboration.

Key Dates

Application Submission: February 1st to March 31st, 2025

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online through the WISER application portal. Each member of the collaborating pair must submit a separate application. Submissions by other means will not be accepted.

Contact Information

For queries:
Tel: +91-011-26543500
Email: wiser@igstc.org
Mailing Address: Ground Floor, Block – II, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110016, India

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