Science in focus: Women strengthen research projects in Germany!

Science in focus: Women strengthen research projects in Germany!

On August 21, 2025, an important project started at the Indo-German Science and Technology Center, led by Dr. Shrutidhara Sarma is part of the WISER program. This program specifically promotes women in the fields of science and engineering. The initiative is a cooperation between the Institute of Microtechnology (IMT) at the Technical University of Braunschweig and the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur.

The focus of research is on flexible and stretchable strain sensors. To develop them, the team is working on an electronic evaluation system that processes signals from these sensors. In addition, special attention is paid to manufacturing technology, particularly the screen printing of sensors and the design of a printed circuit board (PCB).

International cooperation and resources

The WISER program is supported by the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Established with the aim of promoting innovation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the program offers financial support to women's researchers from both countries. This is done through basic project assistance, research stays and the provision of the necessary funds to carry out the projects.

Tuition fees are substantial, with a maximum funding of up to ₹39 lakhs for Indian principal investigators and up to €48,000 for German principal investigators. Despite some progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM disciplines, underscoring the importance of such support programs.

Positive experiences in Germany

One of the participants spoke positively about his experiences in Braunschweig. The people are hospitable and accommodation is easy to find in a short-term rental near campus. In addition, local public transport is well developed, which makes access to research resources in Germany easier. The availability of chemicals and special tools is also much better than in India.

However, the first few days also brought challenges. So having to use the stop button on the bus was an unfamiliar experience. In addition, finding restaurants with a good vegetarian offering was difficult, and the long daylight hours until around 10 p.m. initially took some getting used to. The participant also reported a new passion for opera music and enjoyment of German sweets.

He recognized the advantages of the German work-life balance and the clear working hours. A valuable tip for international students is to be open to German culture and to understand the unwritten rules of everyday life. Germany's public transport network is an excellent way to explore the surrounding area, with recommended destinations including the cathedrals in Berlin and the historic towns of Goslar and Wernigerode.

Thanks went to Andreas Dietzel, Sabine Kral-Aulich and Dr. Shrutidhara Sarma for the support and hospitality during the research period.