India and Germany join forces to support Women Researchers in R&D&I projects through IGSTC
In a significant move to empower women researchers, the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) announced the selection of ten women researchers from India and two from Germany for its ‘Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research’ (WISER) program. The initiative aims to promote collaboration and participation of women researchers from both countries in ongoing research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) projects. This announcement was made on the occasion of IGSTC’s 13th Foundation Day.
The selected researchers will receive financial assistance and will not be required to apply for fresh project grants in the partnering countries. This initiative aligns with the IGSTC’s mission to direct research efforts toward making a positive impact on society and people’s lives. S.K. Varshney, Head of the International Cooperation Division (ICD) at the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Co-chair of IGSTC, expressed the importance of research contributing to societal welfare during the inauguration of the program.
The fellowship provides these researchers with exposure to the German industrial ecosystem and applied research institutions for a period of 6 to 12 months. On the other hand, the WISER program facilitates the entry of women into research in science and technology, creating avenues for long-term Indo-German research collaborations, capacity building, and networking.
Additionally, IGSTC organized an outreach event attended by scientists and academicians from around 30 institutions in and around Delhi. The attendees were briefed about the available opportunities at IGSTC for Indo-German collaboration in science and technology. Success stories of IGSTC programs were also shared during the event.
Established by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) of the Government of Germany, IGSTC is a bilateral institution aimed at promoting collaboration in science and technology, focusing on applied research and technology development. Since its inception, IGSTC has supported 54 applied research projects, organized 55 bilateral workshops, facilitated capacity building through 82 industrial and early career fellowships, awarded 23 WISER fellowships for women researchers, and provided small ignition funding for 7 projects.
Over the years, IGSTC has successfully established a networking platform for Indian and German researchers and industry personnel, connecting over 6,300 individuals through its various programmatic activities. The center’s continuous efforts to foster collaboration and exchange between the two countries have contributed significantly to the advancement of science and technology in both India and Germany.
