GERMAN UAS VISIT

In September 2024, SULSA and Research Innovation Scotland partners, had the great pleasure of hosting a delegation of 23 academics from German Universities of Applied Sciences for a week-long tour of Scotland and its Higher Education Institutes. This trip was part of the German Research Foundation (Deutsches Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) Networking for Research Initiative, a year-long programme to support the internationalisation of German Universities of Applied Sciences.

After settling on Health and Environment as the theme for networking with researchers in Scotland, we hosted a virtual matchmaking event with 55 participants from Scotland and 37 from Germany. Following on from this, we held a funding information session in May, so participants were well informed of opportunities before expressing their interest to travel to Scotland for a week-long delegation visit.

We were delighted to welcome 23 academics from 17 German Universities of Applied Sciences and six members of DFG staff, including DFG Vice President Prof Karin Jacobs. The visit began in Edinburgh where SULSA members the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University showcased the excellent research in Health and Environment being pursued. We brought together key players in Scotland’s research and innovation ecosystem for a networking reception opened by Minister Graeme Dey, Prof Jacobs and SULSA Director, Dr Alison McIntosh.

Minister Graeme Dey said: “Meeting with the German Research Foundation is another example of our ongoing collaboration with European partners in both research and education. Our discussions were underpinned by a shared commitment to making a difference in our society and how enhanced collaboration can help tackle a number of global health and environmental challenges. This partnership will ensure that Scottish universities and German universities of applied sciences can drive real world impact.” 

Our second day of the visit was hosted by the University of Strathclyde where they, alongside SULSA members University of Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of the West of Scotland highlighted the breadth and diversity of research in Scottish HEIs. The newest members of Research and Innovation Scotland, the Alliances for Research Challenges, also had an opportunity to share their work and ambitions for international collaboration.

The delegation then hit the road traveling to St Andrews where we were welcomed by guests from the University of St Andrews, the University of Dundee and the James Hutton Institute. Despite our best efforts, the rain prevented us from getting a few rounds in at the old golf course. From here, we travelled up to Inverness where we were hosted by the University of the Highlands at their Life Sciences Innovation Centre. Guests from the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University also travelled across to share their cutting-edge research in health and environment, as well as Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

After returning to Edinburgh on Thursday, we enjoyed a delegation dinner and a chance to connect more informally (and highlight the great seafood available from Scottish shores). Our final day was co-hosted by the Data Lab where they introduced their strategic priorities for their next round of funding. The German General Consul, Christiane Hullmann joined us for this final day to share her excitement for international research collaboration between Scotland and Germany and speak about the work the consulate and government are doing to alleviate barriers.

SULSA would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our members, researchers, and partners who supported this visit and gave the delegation such a warm Scottish welcome. We would also like to thank the DFG for trusting us as the European partner for their Networking for Researchers Initiative. Follow on events, will include a virtual deep dive into international collaboration and mobility funding.

Please contact A.Hughes@SULSA.ac.uk if you would like to learn more or get involved with our international endeavours with Germany.