The first Indo-German International Research Training Group in Chemistry with its spokespersons Prof. Frank Würthner (Head of the Center for Nanosystems Chemistry at the University of Würzburg) and Prof. Mahesh Hariharan (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram) brings together scientists from different disciplines to jointly explore “Photoluminescence in Supramolecular Matrices”(externer Link). The project is co-funded for an initial period of five years (2024 to 2029) by the DFG and the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST). Additional information on the project can be found on Gepris(externer Link).

Spokespersons:

Prof. Dr. Frank Würthner

His professorship is at the University of Würzburg. On their website, you can find more information on the Würthner Group: Organic Materials and Nanosystems Chemistry(externer Link).

Further information on his projects can be found on GEPRIS(externer Link).

 

 

 

Prof. Mahesh Hariharan

He is a professor for chemistry at the university IISER-TVM(externer Link).

Further information on his projects can be found on his webpage "Hariharan Group"(externer Link).

 

1) Could you describe the objective of your collaboration in one or two sentences?

The ability of organic molecules to emit light in the excited state is used in numerous applications – for example in medical imaging, analytical chemistry and physics. The aim of IRTG 2991 “Photoluminescence in Supramolecular Matrices” is to discover and investigate a new generation of luminescent functional materials whose emission properties (colour, intensity, lifetime) are tailored by interactions between the luminophore and its environment (= supramolecular matrix).

2) What results do you expect from these joint projects?

Twelve research groups from the University of Würzburg and eight research groups from IISER Thiruvananthapuram combine their expertise to address the question of how organic light-emitting materials are influenced by their surroundings.

In IRTG 2991, experts in the fields of luminophore and matrix design, structural and photophysical characterisation as well as theory will work together with the aim to better understand and develop novel photoluminescence materials based on innovative design concepts. Besides the scientific relevance, the education and promotion of researchers in early career phases is an important part of the project. A special opportunity for IRTG 2991 in this regard is the close exchange between researchers and doctoral researchers from different countries. Examples of applications of this topic include bioimaging and OLED (organic light emitting diode) devices, including TV screens and mobile phones.

3) How do the Indian and German teams work together?

Under the shared topic of “Photoluminescence in Supramolecular Matrices”, twelve sub-projects are addressed by teams of two or three doctoral researchers from IISER TVM and JMU Würzburg, together with their corresponding PIs. The teams are assigned based on complementary expertise to answer specific research questions. 

A total of 32 doctoral positions are associated with the IRTG 2991 programme, 16 at the University of Würzburg and 16 at the IISER Thiruvananthapuram, as well as two postdoc positions. During their doctoral studies, all students from India and Germany will spend an extended research stay at the partner institution, benefiting from complementary scientific expertise as well as from cultural exchange. Additionally, joint events like the start-up meeting at the IISER Thiruvananthapuram held in February 2025, and regular hybrid workshops that bring together the entire team are integral parts of the programme.

4) Would you tell us about how this collaboration started? How did you find out about each other and about each other’s work? What happened then?

The chemistry department of IISER TVM, an internationally recognised centre of excellence in photochemistry, and the University of Würzburg, with its renowned expertise in supramolecular chemistry and on light-matter interactions in dye aggregates, share a long-standing and successful history of personal interactions. This included guest professorships of several principal investigators of this research programme since 2004, when Frank Würthner first visited Kerala and got in touch with several of the Indian colleagues that now participate in IRTG 2991. With Mahesh Hariharan as the first guest professor at the newly established Center for Nanosystems Chemistry in Würzburg in 2016 and several MSc degree holders from IISER TVM in the following years starting their doctoral research in Würzburg, the interaction intensified substantially. 

Finally, IISER TVM director J. N. Moorthy, a former alumnus of the University of Würzburg (postdoc in 1995/96), initiated a Dual Doctoral Degree programme between the two institutions at the end of 2021, paving the way to apply for IRTG 2991 in response to the first call announced by the DFG and the DST in early 2022. 

5) Apart from the scientific results: are there interesting lessons learned you can share about collaboration, the mix of research cultures or about effects on you personally?

India is a very exciting country for scientific collaborations, with a rich culture and a curious and welcoming atmosphere. Experiencing the atmosphere of a campus university where life circles entirely around science education and research is a rather unusual experience for the German students. On the other hand, for the Indian students it is rather uncommon to carry out research in larger teams which is well established in the various research programmes in Germany supported by the DFG (Research Training Groups, Collaborative Research Centres, etc.). 

For a successful collaboration, the differences, e.g., regarding educational systems, funding and communication, need to be recognised and respected. In this respect, good personal connections between the partners are invaluable to ensure an open exchange of ideas and concerns, and to avoid misunderstandings and discontent. The art lies in finding arrangements where both partners can feel the benefit – scientifically as well as personally – that comes from joining forces. Only then can fruitful and long-lasting Indo-German partnership and friendships be established. 

The text was written by Prof. F. Würthner and Prof. Mahesh Hariharan and edited by Dr. Franziska Langer.
For further information please get in contact with us at: India@dfg.de(externer Link).

Further Information

For further information on the funding of international joint projects such as this one, please refer to the following pages:

• DFG and DST Announce New Funding Opportunity for Indo-German International Research Training Groups(interner Link)
• International Research Training Groups(interner Link)