A new programme has been launched to enhance the research capabilities and provide opportunity to early-career scientists & engineers with potential in their field to explore Indian & German research landscape on various aspects, including entrepreneurship, collaborative research, and innovation and sharing of lab facilities and infrastructure.

The programme will support early-career scientists & engineers who have the potential and zeal to network explore advances in their field of expertise & applied research with fellowships.

The fellowships called ‘Paired Early Career Fellowships in Applied Research (PECFAR)’ has been launched by the bilateral Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) established by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt of India, and the German Federal Ministry of Education (BMBF) to facilitate exchange of early-career Indian and German researchers.

PECFAR was launched on 01 February, 2022, jointly by Mr. S.K. Varshney, Head, International Cooperation, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt of India & Indian Co-Chair, IGSTC GB and Ms. Kathrin Meyer, Head of Division, Cooperation with Asia & Oceania (BMBF), Federal Ministry of Education and Research & German Co-Chair, IGSTC GB.

Both Co-Chairs welcomed the launching of the program and stressed that this program will be a unique opportunity for the young researchers of two countries. Mr. S.K. Varshney pointed out that the center will enable to provide match-making facility throughout the year. The program is on applied research so young researchers can involve more on the societal-relevant projects.

IGSTC would facilitate a match-making platform that will enable researchers to explore and interact with potential partners on both sides.

The programme will provide an attractive financial assistance as grants for the selected fellowship awardees from India and Germany.

More information on the programme, eligibility, guidelines, etc., can be found at www.igstc.org.