India-Austria S&T Cooperation – Call for Proposals 2026

Indian faculty/scientists at public/private universities or national labs in regular employment and active research. Must have an Austrian collaborator. One PI and max two Co-PIs per project. Those within 5 years of retirement may apply; early career researchers get preference. Only one application per PI.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), India and the Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research, Austria invite Indian and Austrian faculty/scientists/researchers to submit proposals for Joint Research Projects to promote bilateral scientific collaboration. Open thematic areas include: (1) Digital Research Infrastructures, Research Data Management, Trusted Dataspaces; (2) Astronomy, Astrophysics, Astro-particle Physics, Particle Physics; (3) Quantum Science and Technology; (4) Environmental and Earth System Sciences; (5) Life Sciences and Biotech. Funding covers international travel, accommodation, per diem, and limited consumables/contingency. No manpower/staff or instrument costs are supported. No institutional overhead. Research stays in both countries are obligatory. The Indian PI must collaborate with an Austrian PI for a joint project. Evaluation is based on scientific merit, methodology, expected outcomes, collaboration justification, and alignment with national priorities. Funding decisions will be announced by December 2026 / January 2027 by the India-Austria Joint Commission.