Context: Recently, Union Minister for Science and Technology has launched the Women’s Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) program.
About WISER Program

• Launched by: Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC)
• Purpose: It is a first-of-its-kind programme that aims to promote women in the field of research and development through lateral entry.
• Features: The involvement in the program will be possible through lateral entry. There is neither requirement of break-in-career nor any age limit, and it will enable easy participation.
• Significance: The program will enable gender equality and women’s participation in Science and Technology.

What is Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC)?

• IGSTC was established by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany
• Objective: to foster innovation through Indo-German R&D networking including industrial research partnership in PPP mode.

What is the 2+2 Project?

• It is the flagship programme of the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC).
• Aim: To catalyse innovation-centric R&D projects by synergizing the strength of research/academic institutions and public/industry from India and Germany.
• Under the scheme, R&D projects will be supported through “2+2 Mode of Partnership” i.e. involvement of at least one research/academic institute and one public/private industry from both India and Germany.