Wales and Germany unite to explore research collaborations

The visit, organised by Global Wales in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD, brought together representatives from Aberystwyth University, the University of South Wales, Bangor University, Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University with universities from Bonn and Baden-Wűrttemberg. 

The Welsh universities began their visit in Bonn, where they were introduced to the German research landscape through insightful discussions with DAAD and the German Research Foundation (DFG) about international funding opportunities for collaborative projects. A session with KiWi (Competence Network for Open Science) delved into open science practices and research security followed by meetings with the University of Bonn. 

Delegates visited the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg and then travelled to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Baden-Wűrttemberg, where they explored innovative approaches to research and teaching.

As a strategic partner of the Welsh Government, strengthening and expanding key themes of collaboration in higher and further education with Baden-Wűrttemberg remains a priority. A dedicated networking day in Stuttgart facilitated connections between Welsh HEIs and universities from Baden-Württemberg, a leading region in European research and innovation.

Participants included the Media University Stuttgart, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, the University of Hohenheim, the University of Tübingen, Technical University Ulm, Reutlingen University, Offenburg University, Ludwigsburg University of Education, and Stuttgart Technical University of Applied Sciences.

Supported by Welsh Higher Education Brussels and Baden-Württemberg International, this event enabled discussions that covered key topics like the Horizon Europe programme and broader issues in research and innovation and staff and student mobility, highlighting mutual interests in sustainable academic collaboration.

The visit inspired several potential initiatives, and Welsh institutions are optimistic about future collaborations. These partnerships align with the goals of the Global Wales programme, which promotes Wales’ global academic and research presence and is funded by the Welsh Government via Taith.