Objective

Growing economies with the current linear production and consumption systems are creating an imbalance in the environment and in the flow of materials and resources. Huge amounts of waste are generated as a result of anthropogenic activities, and the management capacities of these waste streams are already over the limit. With the climate challenges and the current increase in demand and shortage of resources, the handling of wastes requires circular approaches that permit the recovery of resources for a more sustainable economy. The conventional thinking about wastes “out of sight – out of mind” should be replaced by “waste-to-wealth” for a sustainable society. Efficient waste management systems are necessary to reduce pollution of water, air and soil, and for the protection of the natural resources and our ecosystems. Sustainable waste management is an important element towards a circular economy and the reduction of emissions. Moreover, it can enable a more just and healthy society.

Addressing sustainable waste and resource management requires an interdisciplinary and integrated approach that considers advances in research, technological implementations, reuse and recycling approaches, management and regulatory aspects, as well as the socio-economic and environmental considerations.

This edition of the IGCS winter school is focused on municipal solid waste management, plastic waste management, industrial waste management and responsible reuse of wastewater, wherein experts from India and Germany would share their experiences and best practices for a sustainable society.

It brings together Indian and German students who will jointly and interactively develop their skills with the following learning outcomes:

1. Develop a fundamental and holistic understanding of the different waste-to-value processes.
2. Evaluate different technologies for resource, materials and energy recovery from wastes from a sustainability and environment viewpoint.
3. Propose innovative and circular solutions to practical waste management problems.

Schedule

This Winter School will run for twelve days from February 21^st until March 4^th 2022 and will have two major work streams. The mornings and afternoons will be reserved for lectures and talks given by German and Indian academics and practitioners. The second workstream is dedicated to project work (see below).

Format

The school will consist of lectures, group works, panel discussions, excursions and intercultural exchanges.

In view of the ongoing pandemic situation, the Winter School 2022 will be held in a virtual format.

Participants

The course is open to German* and Indian Master and PhD. Students. Knowledge of sustainability topics is of advantage. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 30 (15 German /15 Indian). Selected participants will receive a scholarship of €240.00 for their participation in the virtual event.

*Non-German students and university graduates can apply if they are enrolled in a course of study at a German university with the aim of obtaining a degree at a German university. For more Information check DAAD-Website: Bewerbungen um ein Stipendium (German only).

Application

Interested students may apply through the 2022 Application Form. The application deadline is extended to 03. December 2021. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

The link is open from 19. October 2021 – 03. December 2021 7 PM CET/11:30 PM IST. You will need to register first before you enter the actual form. You can switch between German and English. Please read the instructions carefully, including the help notes that are attached to many entry boxes.

Please prepare the following documents to be uploaded through the form:

1. CV
2. Transcript of records of last completed semester/graduation certificate
3. Letter of recommendation from an academic supervisor. It should state your academic and personal qualifications for the participation of the school.
4. Enrolment certificate

Positive results will be announced by December 2021. We kindly ask you to refrain from inquiries about the application status in the meantime. Your data will be deleted if you were not accepted.

Contact

Please contact project coordinator Lisa van Aalst or Dr Anna Uffmann if you have any questions.

Organizers

IGCS Area Coordinators for Waste, Prof. Dr Vinu (IITM), Prof. Dr Martin Kranert (University of Stuttgart), and Dr Gabriela Garcés (University of Stuttgart).