Paired Early Career Fellowship in Applied Research (India and Germany)

The Paired Early Career Fellowship in Applied Research (PECFAR) supports early career researchers from India and Germany in collaborative STEM research. This fellowship offers opportunities for short-term research visits, professional networking, and financial support for travel and living expenses. It aims to foster cross-border innovation and applied research collaborations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Designed for joint research opportunities, the fellowship encourages networking and collaboration across institutions, exploration of applied research projects, and professional development. By prioritizing innovation and practical research impact, PECFAR strengthens long-term Indo-German research partnerships.

Applicants must be early career researchers in academia, research institutions, or industry, holding at least a Master’s degree in Science or a four-year Bachelor’s in Engineering. PhD candidates with an employment contract are eligible. Applicants must have at least 18 months of employment or fellowship tenure from the application deadline and be a maximum of 40 years old at the time of application. Preference is given to German applicants with more than 4 years of professional experience. Proposals must focus on applied STEM research and applicants must apply as paired researchers (one from India, one from Germany).

The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of €2,300 (pro rata based on duration of stay), a travel grant of €1,500 covering round-trip airfare, visa fees, medical/travel insurance, and local networking visits. The stay lasts 1–2 months in the partner country.