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Giant

About GIANT

GIANT brings together researchers from the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU) and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM) with the goal of establishing a structured, multidisciplinary exchange program in the field of functional nanosystems. The program aims to equip future scientists with interdisciplinary expertise, methodological skills, and intercultural competence for international careers.

In addition, the project promotes innovative educational formats that integrate international mobility and hybrid teaching methods, thereby promising broad access to high-quality STEM education. The focus of the first project phase, from May 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, is the piloting of initial joint teaching and learning offerings and the evaluation of success factors for a hybrid twinning program at the Master's level.

  • Promoting academic excellence in nanoscience
  • Establishing a structured, multidisciplinary exchange program
  • Training future scientists with interdisciplinary expertise
  • Developing sustainable solutions for global challenges
  • Creating innovative teaching formats using hybrid methods
  • Promoting international mobility
  • Establishing a joint Master’s program

May 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

During this project phase, activities will be implemented across four key action areas:

  • Research Internships: Up to 20 students from IISER-TVM and JMU will have the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in international teams during a typically three-month stay in one of the partner institution’s tandem laboratories. Participants will be supported by mentors at both institutions, fostering their academic and personal development. More information on funding conditions can be found [here].
  • Individual Mobility for Visiting Faculty: Researchers from IISER-TVM and JMU will organize public guest lectures, training sessions, and knowledge transfer events at the partner institutions throughout the project period. The goal is to strengthen collaboration in both research and teaching.
  • Development of Hybrid Teaching and Learning Modules: To ensure broad access to GIANT learning opportunities, synchronous and asynchronous hybrid formats will be developed in chemistry, physics, and biology. Students will be able to deepen their understanding of topics such as energy, sustainability, and climate through online preparatory modules and hybrid lab sessions conducted at both institutions. Pilot courses are expected to launch in late autumn 2025.
  • Cross-Campus Workshops on Intercultural and Academic Skills: In addition to subject-specific activities, the partners will offer workshops on intercultural and academic competencies for students, researchers, and academic support staff. These workshops aim to build the knowledge and skills necessary for the successful implementation of international programs.

Further announcements will follow.

The GIANT project by JMU and IISER-TVM is committed to the guiding principles of sustainable development (cf., JMU Sustainability Concept of 2024) — aiming for ecological responsibility, social equity, and economic viability.

Sustainability is implemented in the project through the following measures:

  • Sustainable Mobility: For all planned mobilities of students, researchers, and guest lecturers within the GIANT framework, resource-efficient modes of transport are prioritized. For international travel, direct flights are used whenever possible to reduce CO₂ emissions. Within Europe, train travel is preferred over air travel.
  • Virtual and Hybrid Formats: Project meetings are held virtually. Wherever feasible, the partner institutions rely on virtual or hybrid formats for meetings and events to minimize physical travel. Technical guidance is provided as needed to ensure accessibility for all participants.
  • Resource Conservation: Consumables and equipment for the project are procured in accordance with the principles of cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and ecological sustainability. This also applies to event materials and programs, which are distributed exclusively in digital form.
  • Sustainable Event Organization: Events are held at locations that are easily accessible by public transport. Catering prioritizes regional, seasonal, and vegetarian options from local providers who operate according to inclusive and sustainable principles.
  • Education for Sustainability: Sustainability topics are an integral part of GIANT’s teaching, learning, and research activities. All project participants are encouraged to act in an environmentally responsible manner.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Sustainable practices are part of the project reporting and are included in the project’s quality assurance procedures.

The GIANT project of the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM) is committed to promoting diversity (cf., JMU  Diversity Strategy 2023–2027).

This is implemented in the project as follows:

  • Equal Opportunities: The GIANT team ensures that all selection processes and decisions related to project activities are conducted fairly and objectively—regardless of gender, ethnicity, social background, or physical ability.
  • Intercultural Competence: GIANT events actively promote intercultural awareness, help reduce bias, and foster respectful interaction among participants.
  • Mentoring and Support: GIANT fellows benefit from a comprehensive mentoring program that supports both their academic and personal development.
  • Evaluation and Feedback: The implementation of GIANT is accompanied by regular evaluations to ensure the quality and diversity sensitivity of all measures. Feedback from team members and participants is always welcome and contributes to the continuous improvement of the program.