IGCS serves as a platform for research and academic exchange for Masters students, Doctoral candidates, and Scientists. Since its inception in 2010, we have been facilitating exchange of more than 1000 scholars from German and Indian academic institutions who are dedicated in contributing towards climate science.
The Experience Report Series celebrates our alumni and their success under IGCS. Today we share the experience report of Fatima Bravo Lara who had their exchange period between 25. December 2023 until 05. March 2024 at the Department of Electrical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India under Prof. Dr. Krishna Vasudevan. Their home institution is the Department of energy process engineering and conversion technologies of regenerative energies at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany under Prof. Dr. Frank Behrendt.
Fatima was also a participant of the IGCS Summer School 2023, which for them highlighted the collaboration between #India and #Germany on renewable energy integration. This experience led to valuable connections, especially with Prof. Dr. Vasudevan, which facilitated the student’s later research exchange.
As a Master’s student in #UrbanManagement from #Mexico, studying in Germany, the opportunity to research in India provided a unique perspective on urban challenges in a rapidly growing country. The exchange allowed them to compare urban management practices and energy policies in Mexico, Germany, and India. They were struck by the rich intercultural environment at #IITmadras, where interactions with students from diverse backgrounds deepened their understanding of urban management.
The exchange exceeded expectations for them, offering not only technical insights into renewable energy but also a human connection to the culture and people of India. Key relationships, such as with a local colleague made the experience more meaningful. These experiences shaped their Master’s thesis on Smart and Active Mobility and reinforced their ability to operate across diverse cultural and economic contexts.
You can read their full experience report below where they emphasize the importance of embracing cultural experiences, which enriched both their academic and personal growth.
