An Indian Student, Funded by the DAAD, Pursues his Ph.D. degree in Germany

Hello! I'm Himanshu Kachroo from India. I’m currently pursuing my PhD at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, and I am an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been awarded the prestigious DAAD Scholarship for 2024!

Starting soon, I'll be continuing my PhD research at the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) in Germany, as a Visiting Research Scholar. It’s always been a dream of mine to conduct research in a country like Germany, renowned for its technological innovations. Thanks to the DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees Research Grant, I now have the incredible opportunity to pursue a sandwich PhD.

This fellowship not only supports international academic collaboration but also strengthens the bonds between nations, like India and Germany, through meaningful scholarly exchange.

DAAD Scholarship Details

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees program, also known as the "Sandwich Model," is designed to support doctoral candidates from various countries who wish to pursue part of their PhD research in Germany. This program allows students to work on their doctoral thesis under the joint supervision of a German professor and a professor from their home institution.

Key Features of the Program

• Joint Supervision: The doctoral candidate is supervised by professors from both their home university and a German university. This provides the candidate with access to a broader range of expertise and research facilities.
• Sandwich Model: The candidate typically divides their time between their home country and Germany. They spend part of their doctoral studies at their home institution and another part at a German institution. This model allows the candidate to benefit from the academic resources and research environment in Germany while maintaining strong ties with their home institution.
• Funding: The DAAD provides funding for the duration of the research stay in Germany, which can range from 12 to 24 months. The funding generally includes a monthly stipend (1300 EUR), health insurance, travel allowances (1000 EUR), and, a research allowance (450 EUR).
  Eligibility: Candidates must be enrolled in a doctoral program at their home university. They must have a well-defined research project that requires the expertise or resources available at the German institution.
• Application Process: The candidate must apply with a research proposal that outlines their doctoral project and its significance. They need to secure acceptance from both their home institution and a German institution. The application process also involves submitting academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of the German supervisor’s commitment.
  Outcomes: Upon completion, the candidate receives a doctoral degree from their home institution. The German university may also confer an honorary degree or certification, depending on the agreement between the institutions.

Benefits of the Program

• International Exposure: Candidates gain valuable international experience, enhancing their research profile and future career prospects.
• Collaboration: The program fosters long-term academic collaboration between institutions in the candidate’s home country and Germany.
• Resource Access: Candidates benefit from advanced research facilities and academic resources available in Germany, which may not be accessible in their home country.
• Cultural Exchange: The program promotes cultural exchange and strengthens international ties between Germany and other countries.
  Educational Background

My academic journey advanced with a master’s degree in Bioprocess Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, where I graduated with a GPA of 8.5/10. During my master’s program, I engaged deeply with courses like Bioreactor Design and Downstream Processing, which were pivotal in shaping my expertise in bioprocessing.

Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering at IIT Delhi, where I’ve maintained a GPA of 9.11/10. My research is centered around critical areas such as torrefaction, climate change, waste valorization, and waste-to-wealth initiatives. Through this work, I’m exploring innovative ways to convert waste materials into valuable resources, contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection.

The interdisciplinary nature of my PhD has allowed me to deepen my understanding of both the technical and environmental aspects of waste management. By focusing on torrefaction and its role in reducing carbon emissions, I’m directly addressing the challenges posed by climate change. This research not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also positions me to make impactful contributions in the field of environmental engineering.

The knowledge and skills I’ve developed throughout my PhD journey have prepared me to tackle complex environmental challenges, and I’m eager to continue this work in a way that drives meaningful change in the realm of sustainable waste management.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarships and Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology?

I prepared for the DAAD scholarship with a deep focus on crafting a robust research proposal. This process involved extensive efforts and multiple revisions, guided by my PhD supervisor, Dr. Rohan Jain, and my host supervisor, Dr. Sabine Kutschke. Their continuous feedback was instrumental in refining the proposal to align with the scholarship’s expectations. Additionally, I received invaluable support from Dr. Katrin Pollmann, Head of Biotechnology at HIF, HZDR, whose insights helped strengthen the proposal’s scientific merit.

Moreover, my home university supervisor, Prof. Shaikh Z. Ahammad, and my PhD Chairperson, Prof. T.R. Sreekrishnan, who also serves as the Deputy Director of Operations at IIT Delhi, provided crucial technical insights. Their guidance was particularly beneficial during the interview preparation, ensuring that I was well-prepared to articulate the technical aspects of my research clearly and confidently.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would focus on starting my preparation earlier. Although I dedicated a significant amount of time to refining my research proposal and preparing for the interview, I realized that beginning the process sooner would have allowed me more time to explore additional resources, seek feedback from a broader range of experts, and perhaps even conduct preliminary research to strengthen my proposal further.

Additionally, I would have engaged more with current or former DAAD scholars to gain insights into their experiences and challenges. This could have provided me with a deeper understanding of what to expect and allowed me to better anticipate potential hurdles.

Overall, while I’m proud of the efforts I put in and the outcome, these adjustments could have made the process smoother and potentially enhanced the quality of my application even further.

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

My advice for those looking to apply for a similar scholarship is to start early and be thorough in your preparation. Begin by deeply understanding the scholarship’s objectives and aligning your research proposal with those goals. Make sure your proposal clearly demonstrates the significance of your research and how it contributes to the field.

It’s also crucial to seek feedback from your supervisors and peers. Their insights can be invaluable in refining your proposal and preparing for the interview. Don’t hesitate to reach out to current or past scholarship recipients—they can offer practical tips and share their experiences, which can be incredibly helpful.

Another key piece of advice is to be meticulous with your application. Ensure that all your documents are well-organized, error-free, and submitted on time. Pay attention to the details, as they can make a significant difference.

Lastly, believe in your research and stay confident throughout the process. It’s natural to feel nervous but trust in the hard work you’ve put in and the expertise you’ve developed. With persistence and careful preparation, you can make a strong ce for why you deserve the scholarship.