Category: News

IGCS Summer School 2024 Kicks-off

Posted on by in News

We kicked off another iteration of our flagship program, the IGCS Summer School 2024, hosted by RWTH Aachen University in the beautiful city of #Aachen, #Germany.

Each year, we handpick 30 outstanding international applicants—15 from German universities and 15 from Indian universities—to learn, discuss, and collaborate on critical topics related to the environment, sustainability, and climate change. This year, our focus is on the transformative concept of the Regenerative #Urban Futures — #CircularEconomies and Societies.

On behalf of the entire IGCS team, we are thrilled to welcome these brilliant minds from around the world and are eager to see the great ideas and solutions we will create together.

We would like to take this space to appreciate the organising team this year- Prof. Martina Fromhold-Eisebith from RWTH Aachen University, Ashwin Mahalingam from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Dr. Christoph Woiwode from Technische Universität Dresden, our team from the International Office RWTH Aachen University– IGCS Project Coordinators Ms. Lisa Van Aalst, Dr. Anna Kathrin Uffmann, IGCS Project Assistant Mr. Marvin Greiß and Mr. Rahul Govind Rajkarnikar for their dedication to this project. Thank you!

Stills from IGCS Summer School 2024 Aachen

Manikandan S | IGCS Grantee Scholarship Report

Posted on by in Alumni & Community, News

Manikandan S, was a research grantee from the University of Kerala, at RWTH Aachen University from 01/10/2023 until 31/12/2023. Starting as the participant for the IGCS #WinterSchool in 2022 and again in 2023, he applied for the IGCS Grant for 2023 under IGCS’ Prof. Klaus Reicherter for his research on “Interstitial water-sediment characteristics from the tsunami affected areas of Kayamkulam and Edava-Nadayara Estuary, Southwest coast of Kerala, India.” His home supervisor is Dr.Jaya D.S.

The research from our grantee was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Klaus Reicherter focuses on the interstitial water-sediment characteristics post-tsunami along the Kollam and Alappuzha shoreline on India’s southwest coast. Interstitial water, found between sediment particles, is crucial for aquatic ecosystems due to its role in the exchange of dissolved species. This study is significant due to the severe impact of tsunamis and other natural disasters like the Ockhi cyclone in 2017 and the 2018 flash floods on this region.

You can read their Research Brief in their Scholarship Report below:

ScholarshipReport_IGCS23_ManikandanSDownload

About IGCS

IGCS awards scholarships to students and researchers whose projects on sustainability issues benefit from a research exchange to India or Germany. The scholarship consists of a mobility grant and an accommodation grant.

For more information visit our Grants Info. Page

Manikandan S | IGCS Grantee Experience Report

Posted on by in Alumni & Community, News

Manikandan S, was a research exchange scholar from the University of Kerala, at RWTH Aachen University from 01/10/2023 until 31/12/2023. Starting as the participant for the IGCS #WinterSchool in 2022 and again in 2023, he applied for the IGCS Grant for 2023 under IGCS’ Prof. Klaus Reicherter for his research on “Interstitial water-sediment characteristics from the tsunami affected areas of Kayamkulam and Edava-Nadayara Estuary, Southwest coast of Kerala, India.” His home supervisor is Dr.Jaya D.S.

He shares with us his experience report accounting his experience at the RWTH Aachen University, and Aachen City which was supported by the IGCS. He talks about moments that significantly improved his research skills and widended his global perspective and more! Manikandan’s experience report exemplifies IGCS’ core vision of harnessing the transformative power of international academic collaboration in climate science and sustainabilty.

ExperienceReport_ManikandanS_WebDownload

About IGCS Grants

IGCS awards scholarships to students and researchers whose projects on sustainability issues benefit from a research exchange to India or Germany. The scholarship consists of a mobility grant and an accommodation grant.

For more information visit our website: https://www.igcs-chennai.org/grants/

Akshaya | IGCS Student Testimonial

Posted on by in Alumni & Community, News

The IGCS takes pride in sharing testimonial videos from our recent exchange scholars, where our researchers share first hand academic and cultural experience in their host country.

Today we share the accounts from Akshaya T R who stayed with us at RWTH Aachen University, Germany from 02.12.23 until 01.06.24. Akshaya shares her impression of Germany, research motivation and overall experience with the IGCS.

About IGCS Grants:

IGCS awards scholarships to students and researchers whose projects on sustainability issues benefit from a research exchange to India or Germany. The scholarship consists of a mobility grant and an accommodation grant.

For more information visit our website: https://www.igcs-chennai.org/grants/

New Project for IGCS Focus Area Landuse

Posted on by in Lan Use / Rural and Urban Development, News

Focus Area Landuse introduces ARiSE Chennai – Agroecology, Resilience, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship.

IGCS announces an exciting Focus Area Landuse, Urban/Rural Development project. Funded with Rs. 20 Lakhs under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by our partner company Solverminds Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Chennai. This 18-month-long project addresses one of humanity’s key grand challenges at the interface of rapid urbanization, particularly, how to make food production and consumption more sustainable, secure, just, and resilient.

Together with our partner organisation, Chennai Resilience Centre, we are looking forward to implementing the overarching objective of the project, which is to develop a strategic vision of peri/urban agroecology for the metropolitan region of Chennai that enhances climate risk resilience and sustainable development through an entrepreneurial approach, with the longer-term vision to create an urban food council. This project further builds on previous research in the Peri-Cene project by the IGCS Landuse area, which identified agroecology as a high-potential, sustainable, adaptive development pathway to address climate change and disaster risks.

Decorative Image: Focus Area Landuse

Furthermore, the workshop “Exploring Food System Transformation in the Chennai Region” laid the seeds for creating a stakeholder network. Additionally, this was built on a research collaboration with Die Agronauten, Freiburg, in Germany, including a co-authored IGCS Research Brief outlining several recommendations.

Contact IGCS’ Dr. Christoph Woiwode (woiwode@igcs-chennai.org) for further information.

About IGCS Cooperation

IGCS is a source of inspiration and skills for proactive sustainability transformation in research and teaching activities. The sustainable use of resources in times of climate change and forthcoming societal challenges is a pressing task. The centre offers valuable human capital and solutions for various global challenges. It equips international talents from German and Indian universities. It collaborates with companies and NGOs to accept this challenge. IGCS welcomes liaison with new partners to tackle the present global challenges together.

IGCS Organized Indo-German Workshop with IIT and CSIR-CLRI

Posted on by in News, Research

The IGCS’ Indo-German workshop, in collaboration with CSIR-CLRI and Indian Institute of Technology, Madras was successfully organized on March 4-5, 2023 at IIT Madras.

Our Focus area Waste Management team comprising of Dirk Weichgrebe, PD Dr.-Ing. habil. , Prof. Vinu Ravikrishnan, @Dr. Dr. Mozhiarasi Velusamy have organized the Indo-German Workshop in collaboration with Dr. Srinivasan SV from CSIR-CLRI.

Team Photo
IGCS Focus Area Coordinators for Waste Management
The IGCS' Indo-German workshop, in collaboration with CSIR-CLRI and IIT M was successfully organized on March 4-5, 2023 in Chennai, India.
Token of Appreciations
Panel Disucssion
Token of Appreciations
Indo-German Workshop Group Photo
Indo-German Workshop Group Photo

IGCS, IITM & CSIR-CLRI is proud to have Dr. J Radhakrishnan IAS, Chennai city commissioner as our chief guest. They were present for the inaugural session of the Indo-German Workshop.

We thank our chief guest for his remarkable words and interests for improving the city’s waste management. And, their interest motivated the entire group to work further forward to create detailed regional concepts towards sustainable waste treatment.

We are happy to have wide range of participants/speakers i.e. Scientists, Regulatory authorities, NGOs, Waste management companies etc.

Panel discussion 1 centred to understand the needs of the smart city in the aspect of waste management. This panel discussion was moderated by Dr. B. Chandrasekaran, Distinguished Scientist CSIR and Former Director, CSIR-CLRI.

Similarly, Our panel discussion 2 also provided an opportunity to build joint project concepts moderated by Dr. Dirk Weichgrebe, Leibniz University, Hannover. We as an IGCS team strongly believe that we will take it forward to the next level with the potential speakers to move forward towards achieving SDGs and National missions on waste utilization and cleaner technologies.

We greatly thank Dr. Khulud Alsouleman, Ms. Marissa Catherine, Ms. Nhyiraba Ato-burns, Ms. Anusree N, Ms. Madhumidha M, Ms. Nishanthi R, for helping the event organization. IGCS greatly thank our chief guest, speakers and participants once again for the success of the event.

About IGCS Cooperation

IGCS is a source of inspiration and skills for proactive sustainability transformation in both research and teaching activities. The sustainable use of resources in times of climate change and forthcoming societal challenges is a pressing task. With the center’s offers and valuable human capital and solutions for various global challenges, the centre equips talents from German and Indian universities and collaborates with companies and NGOs to accept this challenge. IGCS welcomes liaison with new partners to tackle the present global challenges together.

IGCS Land Use Focus Area awarded Peri-Cene Project

Posted on by in Lan Use / Rural and Urban Development, News

Dr. Christoph Woiwode, together with Prof. Sudhir Chella Rajan (IIT Madras) has been awarded a new research project entitled “Peri-Cene Tamil Nadu – Growth Management and Climate Change Adaptation in Peri-urban Madurai and Coimbatore”.

Having completed the previous Peri-Cene project with a focus on periurbanization in Chennai, the Government of Tamil Nadu had taken interest in developing a similar methodology for the smaller cities in the state. Consequently, the State Land Use Research Board, part of the State Planning Commission, funds this 14 months long study with approx. Rs 32 Lakhs (Euro 35,000).

This project will study the dynamics and processes of peri-urbanization in the tier-I cities of Madurai and Coimbatore. Its main objective is to develop a ‘blueprint’ methodological approach for the analysis of peri-urbanization on which tailor-designed recommendations for interventions can be proposed. Key thematic areas in focus are challenges of urban sprawl, labour migration, and issues of growth management in the context of climate change and sustainable development. Three main components comprise the overall research design. First, collecting data on peri-urbanization which will also assist in defining the peri-urban for each of the two selected cities in terms of its spatial extent and qualitative characteristics. Second, document the dynamics and features through the visualisation in maps and other scenario modelling tools (e.g. Gamification and Agent Based Modelling) that may also be used for decision making support and communicating findings. Third, a mapping of stakeholders in conjunction with an analysis of governance institutions to determine potential development scenarios and transformation pathways.

It is expected that the outcome will benefit several government authorities, such as Madurai & Coimbatore Urban Development Authorities; Dep. of Environment & Climate Change; Water Resources Dep.; Dep. of Agriculture; Dep. of Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply; Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Dep.

IGCS Summer School 2024, Announced

Posted on by in News, Summer & Winter School

IGCS has announced its Summer School for the year of 2024 and it will be held at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. The school will follow the umbrella theme of Regenerative Urban Futures and focus on Circular Economies and Societies.

Regeneration, surpassing sustainability, emphasizes the capacity to recover and evolve beyond existing conditions. The concept extends to diverse urban contexts, encompassing not only cities but also rural areas experiencing rapid urbanization. Despite the growing promotion of circular practices, regionally adapted approaches are often overlooked, hindering outcomes. The IGCS Summer School aims to address these challenges, facilitating collective exploration of place-specific socio-economic conditions for achieving circularity in urban areas. Through lectures and workshops, students from India and Germany will engage in mutual learning on the economic and societal aspects of circularity, leveraging cities’ potential as hubs for sustainable practices.

IGCS Summer School 2024 Information Flyer
IGCS Summer School 2024, Information Flyer

🔍 What to Expect:

  • Gain insights into the concept of regeneration and its significance in today’s urban landscapes.
  • Explore the diverse facets of urbanization, from bustling city centers to periurban areas, all under the lens of the Anthropocene.
  • Delve into the challenges and opportunities of circular economies, examining strategies like reduce, reuse, and recycle.
  • Engage in interactive workshops and lectures led by experts from around the globe.
  • Collaborate with like-minded individuals to brainstorm innovative solutions for more sustainable cities.

📅 Key Details:

  • Theme: Regenerative Urban Futures – Circular Economies and Societies
  • Dates: 22.07.2024 – 02.08.2024
  • Application Deadline: Wednesday, 17th April 2024, 7:00 PM CET / 10:30 PM IST
  • More information about the school: here

If sustainable urbanization piques your interest, this school could be a perfect fit for you. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, build lasting relationships, and engage with experts from various countries. They’ll delve into the challenges, solutions, and pathways for urban agglomerations to enhance their sustainability. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of the IGCS Summer School 2024!

Apply now and join us in shaping the future of urban sustainability.

Pictures from IGCS Summer School 2023 in Berlin
Pictures from IGCS Summer School 2023 in Berlin
Pictures from IGCS Summer School 2023 in Berlin

IGCS Team from Focus Area Water Management, Publishes Paper Linking Rainwater Harvesting and Catchment Water Balance in South India

Posted on by in News, Research

The team consisting of IGCS Area Coordinator for the Focus Area Water Management, Prof. Dr. Nicola Fohrer, IGCS Alumni Dr. Nariman Mahmoodi and Dr. Chaogui Lei, and PD Dr. Paul D. Wagner from the Department of Hydrological and Water Resource Management at Kiel University, along with former IGCS Area Coordinator Prof. Dr. Balaji Narasimhan from the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Madras, published a paper in Wiley‘s Hydrological Process, Volume 38, Issue 2, Feburary 2024. The team’s research is on the topic of “Enhancing hydrologic modelling through the representation of traditional rainwater harvesting systems: A case study of water tanks in South India.” (Read Here)

The study delves into the intricate dynamics of water management in South India, where strong wet and dry seasons prompted the development of water storage structures and diversions such as traditional water tanks alongside large dams. Despite their crucial role in irrigation, groundwater recharge, flood control, sediment reduction, and overall hydrological processes, these smaller water tanks have been overlooked in catchment modelling studies due to limited spatial information. Precise knowledge of such tanks and their spatial distribution can be recognized through remote sensing techniques. The team addresses the data scarcity, by using satellite imagery to quantify the hydrological properties of these water tanks. Leveraging the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+) model, the research aims to enhance the representation of hydrological processes by integrating detailed information on water harvesting systems. By evaluating the impact of incorporating water tanks into the model, the study seeks to advance our understanding of hydrological processes in the region and improve streamflow simulations for informed water resource management.

Image by bearfotos on Freepik

Shivam Dwivedi IGCS Grantee Testimonial | First Multilingual Media Publication

Posted on by in Alumni & Community, Announcements, News

Shivam Dwivedi, was an IGCS grantee from the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India. Shivam recently completed their research exchange program at RWTH Aachen University, and Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany under the mentorship of Prof. Olivier Guillon and Dr. Mariya E. Ivanova. Their research focuses on Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells, exploring innovative solutions for storing renewable energy.

Shivam gives their testimonial on their motivation to applying for the IGCS grants, tips and hints on what to focus on, and what to expect from your research exchange in Germany.

As a part of our mission here at IGCS, we want to advance science by fostering inclusivity, expanding accessibility, and promoting cross-cultural collaboration. In today’s world, characterized by linguistic and cultural diversity, it’s essential to bridge these differences and connect researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts.

This is why we are launching our first multilingual media publication. Our goal is to reach a wider audience and transcend linguistic boundaries. Breaking down language barriers is crucial as it enables researchers from diverse linguistic backgrounds to actively contribute to and engage with the global scientific community. This fosters a more equitable and inclusive research landscape.

By embracing linguistic diversity in scientific communication, we not only enrich the research landscape but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge for the benefit of society as a whole.

Watch the full testimonial video below: