The Paired Early Career Fellowship in Applied Research (PECFAR) 2026 is open. This program is for young researchers from India and Germany. Applicants must be pairs who want to build international collaboration and research networks. This fellowship financially assists researchers working on applied research projects. Fields covered are STEM-related disciplines. The programme improves research ties, promotes innovation, and fosters sustained cooperation.
About the Paired Early Career Fellowship in Applied Research
The PECFAR fellowship is a project of the Indo‑German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC). The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany, are behind this initiative.
The fellowship benefits researchers who have been in research positions for more than four years. Fellows conduct short research visits to host institutions in their partner country to perform research activities and participate in academic exchange events. The programme allows fellows to visit additional institutions in the host country for better research collaborations.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: 2,300 euros per month per fellow
- Maximum award: 4,600 euros and travel support of 1,500 euros
- Project duration supported: two months
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Who Can Apply for the Paired Early Career Fellowship in Applied Research
Eligible organisation types
- Young researchers in academia
- Research scientists in industry
- Holders of long‑term recognised research fellowships
- Postdoctoral scientists engaged in applied research
Registration or legal documents
- Completed the joint application by the paired researchers
- Resume of both applicants
- Letters of institutional support from host organisations
- Joint research proposal outlining planned activities
Project focus requirements
- Applied research in STEM fields
- Collaborative research plans between India and Germany
- Networking and partnership development activities
- Projects with innovation, research collaboration, and a technology focus
Geographic eligibility
- One applicant must be based in India and the other in Germany
- Both fellows must be able to travel internationally for research visits
- Participants must be willing to complete visits within 12 months of the award
Sector or thematic focus
- Science and technology collaboration
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Interdisciplinary applied research
- Innovation and research development activities
Application Process
- Get a research partner from India or Germany.
- Develop a joint research proposal with clear objectives.
- Gather required documents, including a resume and institutional support letters.
- Submit the joint online application through the IGSTC portal by the deadline.
- Wait for the fellowship committee’s review and selection decision.
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Required Materials
- Completed joint application form
- Resume for both applicants
- Joint research proposal
- Institutional letters of acceptance
Key Dates
- Application opening period: February 1, 2026
- Closing Date: March 31, 2026
- Selection announcement: To be communicated after application review
- Visit period: Fellows must complete their visits within 12 months of the award
Selection Notes
- The PECFAR Fellowship is very competitive
- Priority is given to research areas such as mathematics, statistics, and technology
- Individual applicants should not apply, as this is a joint program
Official Source of the Paired Early Career Fellowship in Applied Research
Application Page: https://www.igstc.org/home/pecfar_current_call