Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research
The WISER (Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research) scheme, run by the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) under DST, lets women researchers with regular positions in India or Germany join an ongoing bilateral R&D project — without applying for a fresh grant. Indian awardees receive up to ₹12 lakh/year for 3 years plus travel support for a one-month annual research visit to Germany. Applications are accepted year-round at the IGSTC online portal.
About This Scheme
The WISER (Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research) scheme, run by the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) under DST, lets women researchers with regular positions in India or Germany join an ongoing bilateral R&D project — without applying for a fresh grant. Indian awardees receive up to ₹12 lakh/year for 3 years plus travel support for a one-month annual research visit to Germany. Applications are accepted year-round at the IGSTC online portal.
Full official description
The scheme “Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER)” aims to build scientific capacity, retain and promote women researchers in India & Germany by utilising complementary expertise in science, technology, innovation and research partnerships. This scheme is designed for women researchers holding a regular/long-term research position in academia/research institute/industry in India or Germany. Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), established by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany invites applications from women researchers in India/Germany to participate and collaborate in an ongoing R&D&I project without applying for fresh project grant in partnering countries.
Objective:
This programme intends to:
- Enhance the representation and progression of women researchers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
- Bring gender equity and inclusion in STEM research.
- Create avenues for networking, interaction and long-term research collaboration.
- Improve existing projects by adding an additional research component to get new and better results.
- Promote women to lead consortium-based bilateral projects for IGSTC programmes and other funding schemes.
Tenure:
The tenure of the grant is for 3 years or till completion of the project whichever is earlier and will cover one visit per year for a short stay up to 1 month.
Benefits
- For Indian awardees: up to ₹12 lakh/year for 3 years (covers research staff, consumables, contingency, and per diem in Germany)
- Travel support for Indian awardees: approximately ₹1 lakh/visit (including visa fee and insurance)
- For German awardees: up to €14,500/year plus approximately €1,500 travel support per visit
- One annual one-month research stay at the partner institution (covered)
- Grant duration: 3 years or until project completion, whichever comes first
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a woman researcher holding a regular or long-term position in an academic institution, research organization, or industry in India or Germany
- Open to all STEM disciplines with no age limit (preference for early/mid-career researchers)
- Applicant must secure written acceptance from a host research team in the partner country before applying
- Must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the head of their current institution
- Must commence the research visit within 12 months of receiving the award letter
How to Apply
Application Process:
Step 01: Applications are accepted throughout the year and eligible candidates can apply online. Step 02: If you are a new user, click on the ‘Create an Account” link at the portal and register yourself by filling details. Existing users can click on the ‘Login’ button. Step 03: Enter your email ID and password to apply for the scheme. Step 04: Fill out the application form completely and submit it.
Evaluation:
Applications will be evaluated by a Joint Committee based on merit and compliance with the eligibility conditions. Evaluation will be based on the credentials of the applicant, relevance to STEM, scope, feasibility, content, and quality of the proposed plan, expected outcome, and future potential. The decision of the Committee will be considered as final and binding.
Contact:
For queries Phone: +91-011-26543500 E-mail: wiser@igstc.org Mailing Address: Indo-German Science & Technology Centre Ground Floor, Block – II, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110016, India
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WISER programme?
Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) aims to promote women researchers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to join an ongoing R&D+I project without applying for a fresh project grant.
Who is eligible to apply for WISER?
Women holding a regular/long-term research position in academia/research institute/industry either in India or Germany.
Are Co-PIs allowed for WISER?
No, Co-PIs are not allowed.
What are the topics/research areas eligible for WISER?
WISER is open to all areas of STEM. Preference will be given to applied research projects.
What is the age limit for applying?
There is no age limit (preference will be given to Early/Mid-career researchers).
What is the tenure of the grant?
The tenure of the grant is for 3 years or till completion of the project whichever is earlier.
Can the tenure for WISER be extended?
No.
What is the nature of support under this scheme?
Indian awardee
Travel (including visa fee and insurance) approximately [?] 1 lakh Project cost up to [?] 12 lakhs/year (including research staff, consumables, contingency and per diem @ EUR 2300/month in Germany) German awardee
Travel (including visa fee and insurance) is approximately EUR 1500 Project cost up to EUR 14500/year (including consumables, contingency and per diem @ EUR 2300/month in India)
What is the host institute?
For Indian applicant: Host institute is the institute in Germany where an applicant can be a part of an ongoing research project. For German applicant: Host institute is the institute in India where an applicant can be a part of an ongoing research project.
How to find a host?
Applicants need to find the host (Indian/German) on their own. Host selection and receiving endorsement from the host is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
Is it necessary for a host to be a female?
It is not mandatory for the host to be a female.
How to apply?
Applications are accepted throughout the year and eligible candidate can apply online. https://indo-germansciencetechnologycentre.my.salesforce-sites.com/ApplicantDashboard?campaign=Landing_Page_Wiser
What is the deadline for the applications?
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
What are the formalities on completion of WISER grant?
On completion of the tenure, the awardee should submit a final report together with consolidated Statement of Expenditure/Utilisation Certificate to IGSTC in the specific format.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Educational certificates
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)/Endorsement letter from the head of the institution (present organization)
- Endorsement/consent letter from the host
- Details of proposed work
- List of publications
- List of Patents Filed/Granted
- Details of any other Notable Achievements
- Any other document, as required