Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) Call 2026

Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), a bilateral organization of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), Government of Germany invites proposals in paired mode from women researchers in India and Germany to foster innovation in the field of STEM.

This program intends to build scientific capacity, and promote women researchers in India/Germany to build lasting research partnerships and networks by utilising complementary expertise in science, technology, and innovation.

Overview of program
• Through this scheme, women researchers/entrepreneurs holding a regular position with minimum of 5 years of experience in academic/research institutions/industry in India and Germany are invited to submit proposals in a paired mode in any area of STEM.
• The collaborating pair* will consist of women Principal Investigator (PI), one from India and one from Germany, who will submit a joint proposal seeking WISER support.
• The tenure of the grant will be for a period of up to 3 years (24/36 months).
• The grant will include funding for basic project requirements and travel expenses.
• The grant also includes one visit per year to the country of the counterpart of the Pair, for a stay up to 1 month.
• Applicants are solely responsible for identifying and forming their respective pairs. IGSTC offers matchmaking tool to discuss project opportunities and facilitate introductions between potential applicants from India and Germany. It is a 1:1 networking platform.

Financial Assistance
The grant will cover basic project assistance (including research staff, minor equipment, consumables, overheads and contingency) for the successful applicants in both countries and up to one month research stay each year in India/Germany (single round-trip airfare, visa fee, medical insurance, per diem for the stay). The maximum grant for three years will be up to ₹ 39 lakhs for an Indian Principal Investigator (PI) and Euro 48,000 for a German Principal Investigator (PI).

Who can apply?
• Women holding a regular/long-term research position in academia or research institutes/industry.
• No age limit
• Minimum 5 years experience in academia or research institutes/industry
• Active employment contract/fellowship valid for more than 4 years from the application submission deadline.
• Institutions/industry with established R&D setup, demonstrated ability to receive and manage research grant funds, and ability to host the paired partner with access to R&D setup.

How to apply?
Application must be submitted online via the “Application Portal” jointly by the both members of the collaborating pair. Submissions by other means shall not be accepted.

Link will be active from 1st February 2026 till 31st March 2026