(18.03.19) DFG India Office has presented its funding opportunities at Delhi University’s Physics department. In the event on 8 March on DU’s North Campus, DFG joined other German funders and universities such as DAAD, Alexander-von-Humboldt-Foundation, FU Berlin and Göttingen University.

The PhD students in the mixed audience were very interested in the opportunity for postdoctoral study at German institutions. “While most people look for existing postdoc positions online, DFG offers the possibility of designing your own project and of requesting funds for your own salary as the P.I.,” Matthias Kiesselbach, director of DFG New Delhi emphasized. He went on to explain that a German university has to commit to hosting the project, and that for this, it is always a great idea to attend international conferences and extend one’s academic networks. Contacts forged at scientific events are often the closest and the most durable.

Members of the faculty took note that DFG and the Department of Science and Technology, DST, are planning a joint project call in the fields of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry later this year. Professor Amita Chandra (Materials Sciences) welcomed this news: “This is exactly what is needed to further Indo-German research collaboration”, she said after the meeting, adding “it is particularly welcome in fundamental research.” Professor Akhilesh Tyagi (Biology), who invited the German organizations to DU, added that regular presentations by the various funders at DU would be very welcome. This invitation was readily accepted by the guests.