Women in STEM Research Opportunity in Germany
This prestigious Women in STEM initiative offers a high-impact research opportunity in Germany and India through international collaboration. The WISER program supports women scientists and engineers by enabling long-term partnerships, funding, and mobility, making it an exceptional research opportunity for life science graduates and experienced researchers aiming to lead global innovation in STEM fields.
About the Organization
The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) is a bilateral organization jointly supported by the Government of India and the Government of Germany. IGSTC fosters innovation through international collaboration, making it a key enabler for Women in STEM, global research partnerships, and sustainable scientific advancement.
Organised by:
Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC). A bilateral organisation of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), Government of Germany
About the Programme
The WISER programme aims to strengthen scientific capacity and promote women researchers in India and Germany by fostering long-term research partnerships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). By leveraging complementary expertise, the programme supports innovation and sustained bilateral collaboration.
Submission Period: 1 February 2026 – 31 March 2026
Women in STEM Programme Overview
- Open to women researchers/entrepreneurs holding a regular position with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in academia, research institutions, or industry in India and Germany
- Proposals must be submitted in paired mode, with one Woman Principal Investigator (PI) from India and one from Germany
- Joint proposals are required for WISER support
- Grant tenure: Up to 3 years (24–36 months)
- Funding covers basic project requirements and travel expenses
- Includes one visit per year to the partner country for up to one month
Applicants are responsible for identifying their research partner. IGSTC provides a 1:1 B2Matchmaking tool to facilitate networking and collaboration.
Financial Assistance
The grant supports both Indian and German partners and includes:
- Research staff
- Minor equipment
- Consumables
- Overheads and contingency
- Annual research stay (up to one month) in partner country, including:
- Round-trip airfare
- Visa fees
- Medical insurance
- Per diem
Maximum Grant Amount (3 Years):
India: Up to ₹39 lakhs per Indian PI
Germany: Up to €48,000 per German PI
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be women holding a regular or long-term research position in academia, research institutes, or industry
- Have no age limit
- Possess a minimum of 5 years’ experience in academia, research institutions, or industry
- Hold an active employment contract or fellowship valid for more than 4 years from the application deadline
- Be affiliated with institutions/industry having:
- Established R&D infrastructure
- Capacity to manage research grants
- Ability to host the paired partner and provide access to R&D facilities
How to Apply for the Women in STEM Research Opportunity?
Applications must be submitted online via the Application Portal. The application must be submitted jointly by both members of the collaborating pair. Submissions through other means will not be accepted. The application link will be active from 1 February 2026 to 31 March 2026.
