How an Indian Chemical Engineer Secured the Fully Funded DAAD Binational PhD Scholarship for Research in Resource Recovery at HZDR Germany

Hii, I am Aratrika Ghosh, I am a PhD scholar from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India (IITD). I am a chemical engineer by profession. I was always inclined to work in the area of environment and resource recovery, which brought me to the Waste Treatment Laboratory (WTL) in the Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, IITD, for my PhD. During my PhD, I applied and received the DAAD, a binationally supervised doctoral degree research grant in the year 2023.

DAAD Scholarship Details

I applied and received the DAAD, Bi-nationally supervised doctoral degree research grant in the year 2023 and am currently working as a guest researcher in Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR). This scholarship pays me 1300 euros/month. I also receive an additional rent subsidy of 73 euros/ month. I also received (all expenses, including lodging and course fee, were beard by DAAD) a German language course for 2 months before the start of the scholarship tenure. DAAD also provided a pocket money of 460 Euros/ month for 2 months during the course. Further, DAAD also covers the health insurance for its scholarship recipients.

Educational Background

I am a chemical engineer by profession; I did my Bachelor of Technology in chemical engineering from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, India, with A CGPA of 8.34. I then did my Master's of Technology from the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, India, in chemical engineering with a CGPA of 8.44.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

My lab in my home institute already had a research collaboration with the research institute in Germany. One of my PhD supervisors, Dr. Rohan Jain, is from HIF, HZDR. I was lucky that way and therefore did not need to look for the host institute in Germany by myself.

The process for this scholarship follows filling up an application form on their portal along with submission of a 10-page-long research proposal. If the proposal is shortlisted, candidates are invited to a personal interview. The interview panel consists of experts from your home country as well as Germany. This fellowship requires no additional examination. Although I had previously achieved a TOEFL score of 109/120, which I included in my application and believe may have further strengthened my candidacy. Therefore, it is always beneficial to add whatever scholastic as well as extra-curricular achievements you have to your application

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship?

In preparation for the DAAD scholarship, I dedicated considerable effort to developing a compelling and academically rigorous research proposal. This involved multiple iterations and continuous refinement, supported by the valuable feedback of my PhD supervisor, Dr. Rohan Jain. His guidance was crucial in shaping the proposal to meet the expectations of the scholarship committee. I also received important scientific insights from Dr. Katrin Pollmann, Head of Biotechnology at HIF, HZDR, which significantly enhanced the proposal’s research quality and relevance. Their technical expertise played a key role in preparing me for the interview process, helping me communicate the core aspects of my research with clarity and confidence.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my proposal was unique as it dealt with resource recovery of critical elements, which focuses on sustainability and the circular economy. Apart from the above, I also had a work experience of 2.5 years in academics before my PhD, three publications by the time of the interview, good CGPA.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would prioritize starting my preparation earlier. While I invested substantial time in refining my research proposal and preparing for the interview, I realized that an earlier start would have given me more opportunity to explore additional resources and seek diverse expert feedback. I would have surely connected with former DAAD scholars actively to gain first-hand insights into their experiences and challenges.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

For anyone considering applying for a similar scholarship, my key advice is to believe in yourself and stay confident. The process will be demanding, but have faith in yourself. No one knows your work and proposal better than you do. Start planning early. Go through the scholarship’s information. Make sure your proposal clearly communicates the importance of your research and how it contributes meaningfully to your field. Don’t underestimate the value of feedback. Engage your supervisors, mentors, and peers throughout the process; their perspectives can help you refine your proposal and strengthen your interview preparation. Connect with scholarship recipients as their experiences can offer practical tips and a better picture of what to expect. Be detail-oriented with your application. Ensure all documents are complete, well-structured, and free from errors. Submitting a polished, on-time application reflects your professionalism and seriousness as a candidate.