Category: Alumni & Community

IGCS serves as a platform for research and academic exchange for Masters students, Doctoral candidates, and Scientists. Since its inception in 2010, we have been facilitating exchange of more than 1000 scholars from German and Indian academic institutions who are dedicated in contributing towards climate science.

The Experience Report Series celebrates our alumni and their success under IGCS. Today we share the experience report of Nhyiraba Ato-Burns who had their exchange period between 15. February 2024 until 15. May 2024 at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, #Chennai, #India under the guidance of IGCS’ Area Coordinator for the Focus Area Waste Management for the Indian side, Dr. Vinu Ravikrishnan. Their home institution is the Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management (ISAH), Leibniz Universität Hannover, #Germany and their home supervisor is IGCS’ Area Coordinator for the Focus Area Waste Management for the German side, Dirk Weichgrebe, PD Dr.-Ing. habil.

Nhyiraba research exchange was motivated by an interest in India’s vast leather industry. They used this exchange as an opportunity to gather data directly relevant to their master’s thesis. Their fieldwork included visits to tanneries across #Ranipet, #Erode, and #Chennai, where they gained hands-on insights into advanced leather processing technologies.

Despite initial language barriers, Nhyiraba’s adaptability and commitment enabled them to successfully navigate challenges, deepening their research perspective.

During their stay, Nhyiraba also built a valuable network of mentors, industry experts, and fellow researchers. Their memorable highlights included participating in an IGCS workshop on #MSW treatment options, where discussions with industry leaders inspired new approaches to sustainable practices.

IGCS collaborated with the Goethe-Institut e.V. to host a series of sustainability workshops at IIT Madras from November 4th to 6th! These workshops aim to deepen participants’ understanding of key sustainability issues and foster collaborative discussions on innovative solutions aligned with the #SDG. This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting sustainable development through education, research, and international cooperation.

The workshops will focus on:

Nov 4: Energy by Dr. Khulud Alsouleman from Technische Universität Berlin& Water by Mr. Lukas Paul Loose from Kiel University

Nov 5: Human-Nature Relationships by Dr. Christoph Woiwode & Waste Management by Dr. Mozhiarasi Velusamy from Leibniz Universität Hannover

Nov 6: Circular Economy by Dr.-Ing. Mohammad Chehadé from RWTH Aachen University

These workshops engaged 20-30 students of age groups 13-15 on the pressing topics of sustainability challenges, with sessions lasting 3 hours each. The sessions gave the students opportunities to visit the campus and the labs along with integration of German language elements, with 25 minutes dedicated to vocabulary.

#Sustainability #IndoGermanPartnership #IGCS #GoetheInstitut #IITMadras #SDGs #EducationForSustainability #Workshops

The IGCS actively contributes to the exchange of knowledge by facilitating collaboration between students and researchers, aiming to generate innovative solutions for sustainability. It is a research hub dedicated to addressing pressing sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Research is one of the core pillars of IGCS and is reflected in a wide array of our activities and events. The centre’s research involves collaborations with various esteemed institutions across Germany and India.

Today, we are excited to present a research brief from our alumni, offering insights into the key areas where our efforts are focused. Dr. Smriti Saraswat was our exchange student who had their exchange period between 08. July 2024 until 08. August 2024 at the Department of Architectural Theory, RWTH Aachen University, Germany under Prof. Axel Sowa. Their home institution is the department of Architecture and Planning at Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India and their home supervisor was IGCS’ Research Associate Dr. Christoph Woiwode. Their research was on the topic of ‘Higher Education Collaborations for Developing Framework for Vibrant Villages and Sustainable Communities in the Himalayan and Alpen Regions.’

Dr. Saraswat’s research, focuses on creating a collaborative framework for sustainable communities in the mountainous Himalayan and Alpen regions. The study addresses the challenge of urbanization by promoting rural revitalization through partnerships, specifically under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-11 (sustainable communities) and SDG-17 (global partnerships). By fostering international collaboration among stakeholders in India, Germany, Nepal, and Bhutan, Smriti’s concept paper proposes strategies to harness local knowledge and resilience practices in these regions, thereby building frameworks for “vibrant villages” and sustainable, self-reliant communities.

You can read the full scholarship report here:

IGCS serves as a platform for research and academic exchange for Masters students, Doctoral candidates, and Scientists. Since its inception in 2010, we have been facilitating exchange of more than 1000 scholars from German and Indian academic institutions who are dedicated in contributing towards climate science.

The Experience Report Series celebrates our alumni and their success under IGCS. Today we share the experience report of Dr. Smriti Saraswat who had their exchange period between 08. July 2024 until 08. August 2024 at RWTH Aachen University under Prof. Axel Sowa. Their home institution is the Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India and their home supervisor is IGCS’ Research Associate Dr. Christoph Woiwode.

Smriti’s work focuses on on citizen engagement in various initiatives, including #SmartCity and Vibrant Village Development, #handicraft rejuvenation, and sustainable tourism in #Uttarakhand. Their research exchange with the IGCS included developing a concept note on higher education collaborations for such vibrant villages and sustainable communities in the #Himalayan and #Alpen regions. There, Smriti engaged with various professors and teams at RWTH Aachen, leading to initiatives and proposals for upcoming projects aligned with her concept.

Smriti highlights the value of cultural exchanges and interdisciplinary discussions, particularly enjoying her interactions during the IGCS Summer School, including a memorable lecture on circular economy in Mumbai. She aims to leverage the connections made during her exchange to foster interdisciplinary projects and enhance sustainable development initiatives in the #GlobalSouth, sharing insights with her academic and professional networks.

You can read her full experience report here:

The IGCS actively contributes to the exchange of knowledge by facilitating collaboration between students and researchers, aiming to generate innovative solutions for sustainability. It is a research hub dedicated to addressing pressing sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Research is one of the core pillars of IGCS and is reflected in a wide array of our activities and events. The centre’s research involves collaborations with various esteemed institutions across Germany and India.

Today, we are excited to present a research brief from our alumni, offering insights into the key areas where our efforts are focused. Geethanjali R V was our exchange student who had their exchange period between 15. May 2024 until 30. July 2024 at the Chair of Development Studies, Universität Passau, #Germany under Prof. Dr. Martina Padmanabhan. Their home institution is the Dept of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, #India under IGCS’ Research Associate Dr. Christoph Woiwode. Their research was on the topic of ‘Analysing the ecological interventions in the Thamirabharani river using a political ecology discourse analysis.’

Geethanjali studies the #Thamirabarani River, #TamilNadu, India’s only perennial river, which had traditionally supported irrigation and maintained groundwater levels for communities in #Tirunelveli and #Thoothukudi. However, more recently as a result of urbanization, cultural practices, and pollution have degraded the water quality standards.

Since 2011, efforts under the #SmartCity plan, and the community-driven ‘Nellai Neervalam’ project, aim to restore the river, although pollution issues continues to persist. The 2023 floods in the region, further highlighted the encroachment and excessive sand mining problems along the river.

In early 2024, a field visit to Tirunelveli revealed that while stakeholders broadly agreed on “restoration,” their definitions varied, often centered on river “cleanliness.” Geethanjali’s study expands on this; in understanding through discourse analysis.

IGCS serves as a platform for research and academic exchange for Masters students, Doctoral candidates, and Scientists. Since its inception in 2010, we have been facilitating exchange of more than 1000 scholars from German and Indian academic institutions who are dedicated in contributing towards climate science.

The Experience Report Series celebrates our alumni and their success under IGCS. Today we share the experience report of Geethanjali R V who had their exchange period between 15. May 2024 until 30. July 2024 at the Department of Development Studies, Universität Passau, Germany under Prof. Dr. Martina Padmanabhan. Their home institution is the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India under IGCS’ Research Associate Dr. Christoph Woiwode.

Geethanjali’s motivation stems from her deep personal connection to the Thamirabharani river, having witnessed its pollution over the years. This project allowed her to apply her knowledge of sustainability and political ecology to a cause she was passionate about. She pursued this project under the Global River Cities Network and, after a rigorous application process, received a scholarship to continue her research in Germany. Her main goals were to gain knowledge, engage in meaningful discussions, and develop her Master’s thesis. The research exchange experience, particularly the supportive environment and the constructive feedback from her research team, helped her refine her research approach and boost her confidence. She values the lasting friendships and learnings she gained during her stay in #Germany, and encourages others to apply for similar opportunities to experience personal and professional growth.

You can read her full experience report here:

IGCS offers scholarships to outstanding students and researchers from Indian and German academic institutions, who have excellent academic records, strong English and intercultural communication skills. Our students submit a specific research or work plan aligned with IGCS’ research themes, which they continue to develop through experience working abroad in collaboration with their advisor at the host institution.

Today, we introduce you to one of our scholar, Geethanjali R V, a tandem masters student from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India who worked under Prof. Martina Padmanabhan from the Universität Passau, Germany. She shares:

“I am Geethanjali, a Development Studies student from IIT Madras. My research area is the political ecological discourses surrounding the #Thamirabharani river in India. I was roped into the project as a part of the River Cities Network, through which I met Prof. Martina Padmanabhan. When I was invited to conduct my research in Passau with several other scholars working in the area, I was worried about the financial implications a two-month stay in Germany would have. My mentor here in India, Dr. Christoph Woiwode then introduced me to the IGCS scholarship. After an elaborate application process, I was informed that I had been offered the IGCS grant funded by #DAAD!

As I arrived in Passau, I was warmly welcomed by my professor and my other colleagues. They made sure I felt comfortable and also ensured that I could learn everything they had to offer in the time I was there. The research environment there was really top-class and I learnt a great deal about conducting qualitative research, the different tools I could employ and the structuring of a good research paper, which will be greatly useful as I progress in my career.

I am also extremely thankful to the IGCS team for being helpful in the whole process, and made sure to go the extra mile to even help me out with my visa documents, etc. The representatives were always prompt in answering to my never-ending questions and I never once felt like I was alone in this whole process.

Beyond the academic aspects, my stay in #Germany offered a rich cultural experience. I have always wanted to work in an inter-disciplinary environment, and this exchange provided me with exactly what I wanted. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and exploring the country’s vibrant history and traditions broadened my perspectives and enriched my personal growth and I will take these experiences with me wherever I go, as I move forward with my career.

This experience has been truly transformative, and I am excited to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to my future endeavours.”

The IGCS actively contributes to the exchange of knowledge by facilitating collaboration between students and researchers, aiming to generate innovative solutions for sustainability. It is a research hub dedicated to addressing pressing sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Research is one of the core pillars of IGCS and is reflected in a wide array of our activities and events. The centre’s research involves collaborations with various esteemed institutions across Germany and India.

Today, we are excited to present a research brief from our alumni, offering insights into the key areas where our efforts are focused.

Fatima Bravo Lara was our exchange student who had their exchange period between 25. December 2023 until 05. March 2024 at the Department of Electrical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India under Prof. Dr. Krishna Vasudevan. Their home institution is the Department of energy process engineering and conversion technologies of regenerative energies at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany under Prof. Dr. Frank Behrendt. Their research was on the topic of ‘Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency within the New Academic Complex at IIT Madras.’

The research focuses on improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system at the New Academic Complex (NAC) at IIT Madras, as part of India’s energy transition and carbon neutrality efforts. A collaborative study between IIT Madras and TU Berlin assessed the current state of the HVAC infrastructure at NAC, identifying challenges, such as ineffective temperature control, inefficiencies during low occupancy, and structural issues related to condensation.

The research methodology involved visual inspections, surveys, and data analysis. Findings revealed issues like excessive cooling at night, interrelated temperature changes between rooms, and energy consumption remaining high despite low occupancy. The study proposed several recommendations: implementing energy-saving measures, optimizing nighttime HVAC operations, and upgrading equipment for efficiency. A cost-benefit analysis was also suggested to prioritize energy-saving initiatives.

In conclusion, while NAC has made strides in energy optimization, further improvements in HVAC infrastructure and operation could enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and support IIT Madras’s sustainability goals.

Manikandan S, was a research grantee from the University of Kerala, at RWTH Aachen University from 01/10/2023 until 31/12/2023. Starting as the participant for the IGCS #WinterSchool in 2022 and again in 2023, he applied for the IGCS Grant for 2023 under IGCS’ Prof. Klaus Reicherter for his research on “Interstitial water-sediment characteristics from the tsunami affected areas of Kayamkulam and Edava-Nadayara Estuary, Southwest coast of Kerala, India.” His home supervisor is Dr.Jaya D.S.

The research from our grantee was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Klaus Reicherter focuses on the interstitial water-sediment characteristics post-tsunami along the Kollam and Alappuzha shoreline on India’s southwest coast. Interstitial water, found between sediment particles, is crucial for aquatic ecosystems due to its role in the exchange of dissolved species. This study is significant due to the severe impact of tsunamis and other natural disasters like the Ockhi cyclone in 2017 and the 2018 flash floods on this region.

You can read their Research Brief in their Scholarship Report below:

About IGCS

IGCS awards scholarships to students and researchers whose projects on sustainability issues benefit from a research exchange to India or Germany. The scholarship consists of a mobility grant and an accommodation grant.

For more information visit our Grants Info. Page