The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) of Germany have announced a project based Personnel Exchange Programme for young Indian and German scientists working in the fields of medicine, life sciences, health, nutritional sciences etc. The programme intends to intensify the interaction and the scientific cooperation between the two countries.

Special emphasis of the programme is on further academic training and specialisation of young scholars. The programme will commence in the year 2004.

Under this programme, grants will be offered only towards travel and living costs, (normally for 4 visits from each side spread over entire duration of the project) within the framework of well-defined and approved DST-DAAD research projects.

Faculty members (Scientists and Academicians) belonging to Universities, Deemed Universities and Research Institutes having permanent positions are eligible to apply for the programme.

In order to apply for such funding, investigators are required to have a concrete and sound research proposal on one of the following areas based on collaboration from both countries. The subjects considered are Agricultural, Veterinary and Forestry Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Geo Sciences, Mathematics, Theoretical Computer Sciences and Informatics, Medical, Life, Health and Nutritional Sciences Physical, Material and Chemical Sciences.

While the DAAD will grant to Indian participants an allowance up to euro 870 per month or euro 41 per day (if the stay is for less than 22 days) to scholars registered for Ph.D and up to euro 1840 per month or euro 82 per day (if the stay is for less than 22 days) for post- doctoral and senior scientists.

DST will pay to the German scientists Rs.12,000 per month with free accommodation or Rs.500 per day with free accommodation if the stay is for less than 25 days duration.

The last date for submission of applications for the year 2004 is 30th Nov 2003.