Earlier this week, German U15 delegation met with representatives of U15 Canada, the association of fifteen leading Canadian research universities including amongst others the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and the University of Ottawa. It was the first bilateral meeting of top universities from Germany and Canada. Both associations have committed to take their partnership to a new, strategic and long-term level and have agreed to intensify the cooperation between the member universities as well as between the two associations. This commitment is set out in a U15 Canada and German U15 Joint Statement.

 

The high-profile meeting brought together more than 20 university leaders. At the University of Ottawa in the Canadian capital, the focus was on the exchange of ideas about opportunities for joint research and discussions about science policy challenges. A special emphasis was placed on the topics of research security and sustainability. Discussions with Lloyd Longfield, Chair of the Standing Committee on Science & Research of the Canadian Parliament, and Dr Ailish Campbell, Canada's Ambassador to the European Union, were particularly valuable. Kai Gehring, German MP and Chair of the Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment of the German Parliament, gave a virtual address. At the invitation of the Germany’s Ambassador to Canada, Sabine Sparwasser, a dinner was held at the Ambassador's residence on Monday evening. The Chief Science Advisor of Canada, Dr Mona Nemer was also in attendance at the dinner. Following the delegation trip to Ottawa, a number of German universities went on to visit other Canadian partners.

 

Prof. Dr Georg Krausch, Chair of German U15 and President of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz:

“Science and research depend on exchange and cooperation across national borders. The first bilateral meeting between our two associations was a resounding success. I am very pleased that we will be working together even more closely and strategically in the future. The universities of U15 Canada are scientific powerhouses and are among the global leaders in future-oriented and cutting edge research fields. Moreover, we share the same values – a factor that is becoming increasingly important in view of the current geopolitical dynamics. Overall, the meeting holds great potential to further strengthen the cooperation between research-intensive universities in both countries.”

Chad Gaffield, Chief Executive Officer of U15 Canada:

“U15 universities in Canada are home to top researchers who are shaping world-leading research in their fields. Our universities are internationally facing, with strong partnerships and where Canadian research is having an outsized impact on how we tackle the pressing questions of our time” said Chad Gaffield, CEO of U15 Canada. “Today’s agreement represents the next step in forging closer international collaboration amongst the top research universities in Canada and Germany. Our hope is that by working closely together, we can continue to deliver research which is of real value to both Canada and Germany.”

 

German-Canadian scientific relations
Germany and Canada can look back on more than 50 years of close scientific cooperation, including in the fields of environmental, earth and agricultural sciences, health sciences, information and communication technologies. A few days ago, Prof. Dr. Katja Becker, President of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), visited Canada to sign a first Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

About German U15
German U15 represents 15 leading research-intensive universities that are among the most academically distinguished and internationally renowned institutions of the German science system. They are dedicated to outstanding research and excellent teaching and attract bright students as well as early-career and senior scientists from all over the world. German U15’s prime concern is to establish and promote the best conditions for university-based research, teaching, and transfer activities.

Press contact
Karin Kutter
Senior Officer Communication and Marketing
German U15 e. V.
Chausseestraße 111
10115 Berlin

+49 (0)30 2060491 184
presse@german-u15.de
www.german-u15.de
Twitter: @German_U15