Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
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DWIH Excellence on Tour at Ahmedabad (Gujarat Science City, Nov. 15-22)
HCSA activities for DWIH “Excellence on Tour” at  Ahmedabad 
(Gujarat Science City), November 15th- 24th 2013


The “Excellence on Tour 2013/14” is an initiative by the German government and the German House for Research and Innovation (DWIH, New Delhi). After the inaugural tour in Hyderabad (April/May this year), the second event was held in Ahmedabad, at Gujarat Science City. As one of the consortium members of the DWHI New Delhi, the Heidelberg Centre South Asia (HCSA), has contributed to project activities at Ahmedabad in several forms:
  • Exhibition stall at the Pavillion
  • Presentation about Heidelberg University at DAAD event
  • Organisation of DWIH Joint Lecture Series “Humboldts Erben” (Humboldt’s Heirs)
  • participation during DWIH Board Meeting
Exhibition stall at the DWIH Pavillion
At the pavilion, HCSA displayed a few exhibits of print material from various faculties of Heidelberg University and also from the university’s Vice Chancellor’s Office (Rektorat). These provide information on courses offered, fee structure and other facilities offered, as well as about the university more generally. We have also showcased the University’s Academic Atlas, produced for its 625-year Anniversary in 2011, along with the university’s movie and the ‘UniverCity’ software, using two touch screens. These presentation provide detailed information about of the university’s History, Innovation, Excellence, Internationalisation and Strategy.


HCSA team (& Science Guide) interacting with students
Board Meeting of the Consortium Members of DWIH


“DWIH Info Days” (DID) - Study & Research in Germany!”
A major activity of informing students from Ahmedabad about study and research opportunities at major German universities was organised by the DAAD, the“DWIH Info Days” (DID) - Study & Research in Germany!”. This programme was carried out over two days, where info session of about 30 minutes were held by the Consortium partners. During her talk, the Resident Representative Dr. Elvira Graner provided a brief glimpse into the core features of studying and research at Heidelberg.
The presentation was followed by a Q&A (questions and answers) - session where students had the opportunity to inquire into specific fields of their interest. Generally, students were mainly interested in study and funding opportunities, but also in administrative formalities about how to apply for Heidelberg University.  
HCSA team (Dr. Elvira Graner) giving an introduction to local students (with Q&A session)

DWIH Joint Lecture Series “Humboldts Erben” (Humboldt’s Heirs)
Taking up the DWIH’s motto of “Germany, Land of Ideas”, this joint lecture series aims at paying tribute to the different facets of Humboldt’s academic achievements. Thus, it is our idea to bring together scholars from the fields of Natural and Social Sciences, as well as Humanities. Prominent speakers from India and Germany will address Humboldt’s contribution for their respective fields, including Intellectual History, Natural Sciences and Humanities.
The DWIH lecture series has been initiated by the Heidelberg Centre South Asia (HCSA). It is a joint event with our partners from the Goethe-Institute/Max Mueller Bhavan (MMB), the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), the German Research Foundation (DFG), and the DAAD. The Inaugural Lecture was held by Prof. Dhruv Raina (JNU) during the first Excellence on Tour in Hydearbad (May 1st 2013). The current lecture was given by Prof. Amita Chandra.

Humboldt’s Scientific Approach. Relevance in Today’s Context
Prof. Amita Chandra (University of  Delhi)

The expeditions and scientific discoveries of Alexander von Humboldt are well known and documented. While Humboldt started his education with finance, to prepare himself as a scientific explorer, he moved on to commerce, foreign languages, geology, anatomy and astronomy.  He also braced himself with the use of scientific instruments, something rare in those days. While on his travels, he enriched his experience with interaction and collaboration with learned men of the region. His work from the 18th to the mid-19th  century are evidence that the concepts or scientific buzz words like “multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary”, “borderless science” and “collaborative research” are being re-invented in the 21st century. The talk will focus on these aspects.

Amita Chandra teaches physics at the Delhi University’s Department of Physics and Astrophysics. She had her higher education at the Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Thereafter, she went to the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart, Germany, as an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral fellow. Her research interests are; ion conducting composites, fractal growth, chaos in electrochemical systems and ion track based electronic devices. She was the first Humboldt Ambassador Scientist to India (2006-12).


For further information:
www.dwih.in/content/dwih-new-delhi-excellence-tour-ahmedabad
Posted on 21 Nov 2013
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