Description

The Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) program is an initiative by the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) to support women researchers in India and Germany. Established under the collaboration of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany, this program aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields by empowering women researchers to collaborate on ongoing R&D&I projects.

Why WISER Matters: Women in STEM

Despite significant progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Societal barriers, lack of resources, and limited opportunities have historically hindered women’s growth in these fields. The WISER program seeks to address this imbalance by:

• Retaining talented women researchers in STEM.
• Encouraging cross-border collaboration in science and technology.
• Leveraging complementary expertise between India and Germany.
• This initiative represents a crucial step toward fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in scientific research.

Degree Level

IGSTC Germany and India Women in Science and Engineering WISER Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Masters, PhD, Research level programs at The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC).

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• STEM Field
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics

Research Scope

• Applicable to all areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
• Requires collaboration with an ongoing R&D project in a partnering country.

Benefits

Tenure and Financial Assistance

• Duration: Up to 3 years or until the completion of the project, whichever comes first.
• Funding: Covers basic project assistance, including:

1. Research staff (for Indian researchers).
2. Consumables and contingency funds.
3. One short-term visit (up to 1 month) to the host country annually.
4. Travel and Stay Expenses: Single round-trip airfare, visa fees, medical insurance, and per diem for the research stay.

Maximum Funding:

• ₹ 39 lakhs (Indian researchers).
• €48,000 (German researchers).

Benefits of WISER: Building a Supportive Ecosystem

The WISER program offers multiple benefits to women researchers:

• Global Exposure: Participants can collaborate with leading experts in their field, gaining valuable international experience.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections with diverse research teams and institutions.
• Skill Enhancement: Promotes knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to female students from Germany and India.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to women holding regular/long-term research positions in academia, research institutions, or industries in India or Germany.
• Preference given to early to mid-career researchers.
• No age limit, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants.

Application Procedure

The application process for WISER is streamlined and user-friendly:

• Identify a Project: Collaborate with an ongoing R&D project in India or Germany.
• Application Submission: Complete the online application form. Apply Online
• Required Documents: Follow the guidelines provided in the WISER Application Format and User Manual.
• Applications are accepted throughout the year, ensuring flexibility for researchers.

Conclusion: Promoting Women in Science and Technology

The WISER program is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women researchers in India and Germany. By fostering international collaborations and providing financial assistance, this program ensures that women in STEM can thrive, innovate, and contribute to the global scientific community. If you're a woman researcher seeking opportunities to make a difference, the WISER program could be your next big step.