WISER

Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research

6.9/10

The scheme “Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER)” aims to build scientific capacity, retain and promote women researchers in India & Germany by utilizing complementary expertise in science, technology, innovation and research partnerships.

Central Composite

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Science And Technology

Nodal department: Department Of Science & Technology

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Women and Child, Education & Learning

Sub-categories: Financial Assistance, International education

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Woman, WISER, Germany, IGSTC, STEM

Details

The scheme “Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER)” aims to strengthen the participation of women researchers in India and Germany through collaborative research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The scheme supports women researchers holding regular or long-term positions in academia, research institutes, or industry. It is implemented by the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany. The scheme encourages networking, gender inclusion, research collaboration, and leadership opportunities for women in bilateral research projects.

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

  • The grant will cover basic project assistance (including research staff for the Indian awardee consumables and contingency) for the awardee in the parent country and a one-month research stay in the host country (single round-trip airfare visa fee medical insurance per diem for the stay). Indian Awardee: 1. Travel (including visa fee and insurance) approximately ₹1 00 000/-. 1. Project cost up to ₹12 00 000/- per year (including research staff consumables contingency and per diem @ €2300/month in Germany). German Awardee: 1. Travel (including visa fee and insurance) approximately €1500. 1. Project cost up to €14500/year (including consumables contingency and per diem @ € 2300/month in India)

The grant will cover basic project assistance (including research staff for the Indian awardee, consumables, and contingency) for the awardee in the parent country and a one-month research stay in the host country (single round-trip airfare, visa fee, medical insurance, per diem for the stay).

Indian Awardee:

  1. Travel (including visa fee and insurance) approximately ₹1,00,000/-.
  2. Project cost up to ₹12,00,000/- per year (including research staff, consumables, contingency, and per diem @ €2300/month in Germany).

German Awardee:

  1. Travel (including visa fee and insurance) approximately €1500.
  2. Project cost up to €14500/year (including consumables, contingency, and per diem @ € 2300/month in India).

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be working either in India or Germany.
  • Through this scheme, women researchers/entrepreneurs holding regular positions in academic/research institutions/industrial research organizations in India/Germany may apply to be a part of an ongoing R&D project of interest with acceptance from the host team.
  • The programme is open to all areas of STEM.
  • The programme has no age-limit (Preference to Early/Mid-career researchers).

Note 01: The applicant must define her role in the project, and provide details of the objective, execution strategy, and expected outcome.
Note 02: The applicant shall specify the value addition to the project in the host country.
Note 03: Choice and acceptance from the host is the sole responsibility of the applicant. The applicant should ensure an endorsement/consent letter from the host at the time of the application.
Note 04: The applicant shall submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC)/Endorsement letter from the head of the institution (present organization).
Note 05: The awardee shall commence her visit within 12 months from the date of the award letter.
Note 06: The awardee will abide by the conduct, rules & regulations of the host and the host country. IGSTC will not be responsible for the violation of any Rules and regulations by the awardee.
Note 07: The awardee and host must intimate IGSTC through email/letter in case of discontinuation by the awardee.
Note 08: The awardee must recognize and acknowledge IGSTC in all online/print documents, communications, reports, publications, conferences, theses, etc. on work emanating from the grant.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.9
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 5.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 9.0/10 Good
Literacy barrier 7.0/10 Challenging
Women inclusivity 9.0/10 Good
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility5.0
  • Financial impact9.0
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity9.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The WISER scheme promotes women's participation in STEM through collaborative research, but its complexity may hinder accessibility for some.

Key challenges addressed

  • Encourages women's involvement in scientific research
  • Facilitates international collaboration in STEM

Most beneficial for

  • Women researchers in STEM fields
  • Early and mid-career women professionals

Likely challenges

  • Finding a suitable host institution
  • Navigating the application process

Practical insights for citizens

While beneficial, the scheme may be challenging for those without strong institutional support.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to digital resources
  • Difficulty in finding suitable host institutions

Digital challenges

  • High digital dependency for application process
  • Potential lack of internet access in rural areas

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Need for endorsements and NOCs from institutions
  • Complexity in host selection

Awareness challenges

  • Limited outreach to rural women
  • Need for better communication of eligibility and benefits

Application analysis

Application mode
Online portal
Documents burden
Moderate, requires several endorsements
Verification complexity
Moderate, involves evaluation by a Joint Committee
Office dependency
Low, primarily online
DBT dependency
No direct benefit transfer involved
CSC support
Limited, primarily online application
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate, requires detailed application and host coordination

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Female-focused
  • Occupation reach Research and academia

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Composite
Benefit frequency
One-time grant for project duration
Benefit practicality
Moderate, dependent on successful application and host collaboration
Financial meaningfulness
High, significant funding for research projects
Long-term impact
Potentially high, fostering long-term careers in STEM for women

Plain-language guidance

WISER supports women researchers in STEM by funding their participation in collaborative projects in India and Germany. Applicants must find a host institution and submit a detailed application online.

Who should apply
Women researchers with regular positions in academia or industry.
Who may struggle
Semi-literate women and those unfamiliar with online applications.
Best application route
Apply directly through the online portal after finding a suitable host.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

Application Process:

Step 1: Applications are accepted throughout the year and eligible candidates can apply through the online portal
Step 2: 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 3: Enter your email ID and password to apply for the scheme.
Step 4: 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

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

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.

References

Guideline
https://www.igstc.org/home/wiser_basic_guidelines
Official Website
https://www.igstc.org/home/wiser_basic_guidelines

Apply

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Women and Child, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Eligibility for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Benefits under Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research is managed by Department Of Science & Technology and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Applications for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research.
Is Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research a central government scheme?
Yes, Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can students apply for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Is Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research only for women beneficiaries?
Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research is primarily intended to support eligible women beneficiaries through welfare assistance, financial support, skill development, healthcare, or social security initiatives.
Does Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research support self-employment or financial assistance for women?
Depending on scheme guidelines, Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research may provide loans, subsidies, training support, self-employment assistance, or financial welfare benefits for women.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.