The Indo-Austrian Joint Research Projects Call 2026 represents a significant opportunity for Indian researchers and institutions to deepen scientific collaboration with Austrian counterparts. Launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, in partnership with Austria’s Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research, the call invites joint proposals across five priority thematic areas. With a submission window running from 20 April 2026 to 5 June 2026, the initiative aims to foster innovative research that addresses global challenges while strengthening bilateral ties in science and technology.
Background on Indo-Austrian Science and Technology Cooperation
India and Austria have maintained a longstanding partnership in science and technology, supported by inter-governmental agreements that facilitate researcher mobility, knowledge exchange, and joint projects. This latest call builds on previous rounds of collaboration, emphasizing areas where both nations possess complementary strengths. Indian institutions bring expertise in large-scale applied research and diverse talent pools, while Austrian partners contribute advanced infrastructure in precision sciences and data-driven methodologies. The programme operates within the broader framework of international S&T cooperation agreements, with the goal of creating sustainable partnerships that extend beyond individual projects.
Researchers at universities, research institutes, and higher education institutions in both countries are eligible to participate. The emphasis on emerging domains reflects strategic priorities for both governments, including digital transformation, sustainable development, and frontier technologies. By aligning with national missions such as India’s focus on self-reliance in critical technologies and Austria’s commitments to research excellence, the call positions participants to contribute meaningfully to global scientific progress.
Priority Research Areas for 2026 Proposals
The call outlines five key thematic areas open for joint submissions. These domains were selected to leverage mutual expertise and address pressing scientific questions:
- Digital Research Infrastructures, Research Data Management, Trusted Dataspaces: Projects exploring secure data ecosystems, interoperability standards, and ethical data governance.
- Astronomy, Astrophysics, Astro-particle Physics, Particle Physics: Collaborative efforts in observational astronomy, theoretical modeling, and particle detection technologies.
- Quantum Science and Technology: Initiatives advancing quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials, with potential applications in secure networks and precision measurement.
- Environmental and Earth System Sciences: Research on climate dynamics, biodiversity, geological processes, and integrated earth observation systems.
- Life Sciences and Biotech: Studies in genomics, synthetic biology, health innovations, and agricultural biotechnology tailored to regional needs.
Each area encourages interdisciplinary approaches and the involvement of early-career researchers. Proposals must demonstrate clear bilateral value, with distinct yet complementary contributions from Indian and Austrian teams.
Eligibility Criteria and Team Composition
Indian principal investigators must be affiliated with recognized universities, colleges, or research institutions under DST guidelines. Austrian counterparts submit through the OeAD – Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation. Teams typically include faculty, scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and students, with encouragement for gender balance and inclusion of young investigators. Proposals require a lead institution in each country and a detailed work plan outlining shared responsibilities, milestones, and deliverables over the two-year project duration.
Applicants should ensure alignment with institutional ethics and intellectual property policies. Cross-border teams are expected to outline mechanisms for data sharing, publication rights, and capacity building. The call particularly welcomes projects that integrate training components for PhD students and early-career faculty, enhancing the long-term impact on higher education ecosystems in both nations.
Funding Details and Budget Guidelines
Successful projects receive support primarily for researcher mobility, equipment, consumables, and joint activities. Indian teams can access up to INR 15,00,000 over two years through DST mechanisms, covering travel, workshops, and research expenses. Austrian partners receive up to EUR 15,000, focused on travel, accommodation, and limited material costs. Funding decisions prioritize scientific merit, feasibility, and the strength of the bilateral partnership.
Budgets must be justified with detailed breakdowns, and funds are released in phases tied to progress reports. This structure ensures accountability while providing flexibility for adaptive research. Institutions are advised to coordinate with their internal research offices early to align with grant management requirements.
Application Process and Key Deadlines
Proposals are submitted online via the DST e-PMS portal for Indian applicants, with parallel submissions required through Austrian channels. The call opened on 20 April 2026 and closes on 5 June 2026 at 11:59 PM IST (12 noon CET for Austrian submissions). Detailed guidelines, including proposal formats and evaluation criteria, are available on the official DST website.
Each proposal undergoes peer review by experts from both countries, with final selections announced later in 2026. Applicants should prepare comprehensive documents covering objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, risk mitigation, and dissemination plans. Virtual information sessions may be organized closer to the deadline to address common queries.
Implications for Indian Higher Education and Research Institutions
This call arrives at a pivotal time for India’s higher education sector, where internationalization of research is a key pillar of the National Education Policy and institutional rankings strategies. Participation can enhance university profiles, attract additional funding, and create pathways for student and faculty exchanges. Institutions with strong research cells stand to benefit by integrating these projects into broader internationalization plans.
Beyond immediate funding, successful collaborations often lead to follow-on grants, co-authored publications in high-impact journals, and technology transfer opportunities. For PhD-track researchers and early-career academics, involvement provides invaluable exposure to international standards and networks, supporting career advancement in an increasingly global academic landscape.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Impacts
University administrators view the call as a strategic tool for building research capacity without heavy capital investment. Faculty members highlight the potential for tackling complex problems that require diverse expertise, such as climate resilience or quantum-enabled healthcare solutions. Austrian partners similarly emphasize the value of India’s scale and talent diversity in accelerating their own research agendas.
The initiative aligns with global trends toward open science and responsible research practices. By prioritizing trusted dataspaces and ethical frameworks, projects can contribute to international standards that benefit the wider scientific community. Long-term outcomes may include strengthened policy dialogues between the two nations on science diplomacy and innovation ecosystems.
Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash
Future Outlook and Actionable Insights for Researchers
Looking ahead, the 2026 call sets the stage for sustained Indo-Austrian engagement, with potential for expanded thematic coverage in subsequent rounds. Researchers are encouraged to identify complementary partners early, perhaps through existing networks or platforms like the OeAD database. Preparing strong proposals now—focusing on clear deliverables, measurable impact, and capacity-building elements—will position teams competitively.
Institutions should consider hosting preparatory workshops or matchmaking events to facilitate team formation. Monitoring updates on the DST portal and OeAD site remains essential, as supplementary guidelines or extensions may be issued. Ultimately, engagement with this call offers a concrete step toward positioning Indian higher education as a hub for high-quality, collaborative research with European partners.
