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Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research Grant Program (India and Germany)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The WISER program by the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) promotes collaboration between women researchers in India and Germany. Grants support STEM research partnerships, project execution, travel, and capacity building, with applications due by 31 March 2026.

About the WISER Program

The Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) program aims to strengthen scientific collaboration between women researchers in India and Germany. It is implemented by the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), a bilateral organization of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, Government of Germany. The program fosters long-term research partnerships, promotes women in STEM, and encourages innovation by leveraging complementary expertise.

Objectives

  • Build scientific capacity in STEM fields.

  • Promote career advancement of women researchers.

  • Foster long-term research networks and partnerships.

  • Encourage innovative, high-impact research outcomes.

Grant Details and Funding

The WISER grant covers project costs including research staff, consumables, minor equipment, overheads, and contingency. Funding amounts:

  • Indian Principal Investigator: Up to ₹39 lakh for 3 years.

  • German Principal Investigator: Up to €48,000 for 3 years.
    Travel support includes approximately ₹1 lakh for Indian awardees and €1,500 for German awardees, covering visa fees, medical insurance, and per diem during research stays.

Project Duration and Travel

Grants may be for 24 or 36 months with travel support for research visits between India and Germany.

  • 36-Month Projects: Minimum two, maximum three visits; one per year; total stay 30–90 days; each visit 10–45 days.

  • 24-Month Projects: Two visits required; total stay 20–60 days; each visit 10–30 days.

Application Mode

Proposals must be submitted in paired mode by two women Principal Investigators, one in India and one in Germany. Each pair defines:

  • Roles and responsibilities

  • Objectives and execution strategy

  • Expected outcomes

IGSTC provides a matchmaking tool to assist in finding research collaborators. Applicants are responsible for forming their pairs.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Women holding a regular or long-term research position in academia, research institutes, or industry.

  • Minimum five years of research experience.

  • Active employment or fellowship contract valid for more than four years from the application deadline.

  • Host institution must have an established R&D setup capable of managing research grant funds and hosting the paired partner.

How to Apply

  • Submit jointly online via the IGSTC Application Portal.

  • One applicant initiates the application as the primary applicant and adds the paired applicant’s details.

  • Both applicants complete their sections and fill the Paired Project Details section collaboratively.

  • Submit the completed application by 31 March 2026.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed by a joint committee based on:

  • Credentials and experience of the applicants

  • Relevance to STEM fields

  • Complementarity of expertise

  • Degree of innovation and feasibility

  • Quality of collaboration and work plan

  • Expected outcomes and long-term potential of the research partnership

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and project objectives.

  • Highlight innovation and expected impact in STEM.

  • Provide detailed work plan and methodology.

  • Demonstrate complementary expertise of the research pair.

  • Ensure eligibility and contractual requirements of both applicants and host institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply to WISER? Women researchers in India and Germany holding long-term research positions with at least five years of experience.
2. Can single applicants apply? No, submissions must be in paired mode with one Indian and one German Principal Investigator.
3. What is the maximum grant amount? ₹39 lakh for Indian PIs and €48,000 for German PIs for a 3-year project.
4. What expenses does the grant cover? Research staff, consumables, minor equipment, overheads, contingency, travel, visa, medical insurance, and per diem.
5. How long can projects last? 24 or 36 months, with corresponding travel requirements.
6. What is the application deadline? 31 March 2026.
7. How are proposals evaluated? Based on applicant credentials, STEM relevance, innovation, feasibility, collaboration quality, and expected outcomes.

Conclusion

The WISER program by IGSTC empowers women researchers in India and Germany to collaborate on innovative STEM projects. It provides comprehensive funding for research execution, travel, and capacity building, fostering long-term scientific partnerships and advancing gender equity in science. Eligible pairs should submit their joint proposals by 31 March 2026 to participate in this prestigious bilateral initiative.

For more information, visit Indo-German Science and Technology Centre.