Foundation of a German-Japanese University Consortium

Heidelberg University, Göttingen University and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) will found a German-Japanese university consortium with three of the leading universities in Japan – Kyoto University, Osaka University and Tohoku University. The rectors and presidents of the six institutions signed the joint statement, wrapping up the two-day meeting in Heidelberg at the end of July. The Japanese Ambassador to Germany, Dr. Takahiro Shinyo, was also in attendance. Besides intensifying academic cooperation, the goal of the consortium is ensure the sustainability of cross-national activities and projects.

With the assistance the consortium, which is unique in the history of German-Japanese cooperation, the member universities want to make the exchange of information easier, expand collaborations in research and teaching, and promote the exchange of students, doctoral candidates and academics. Along with the rectors and presidents, numerous experts attended the meeting at Heidelberg University. After introducing their individual institutions, in particular their international orientation and research strengths, the participants split into topic-related work groups to discuss innovative forms of future cooperation. Topics ranged from behavioural economics and new materials for energy technologies to the use of mathematics in the life, material and business sciences. The plan is to appoint a main contact for the consortium on both the German and Japanese side and to solidify the merger in follow-up meetings.

The Robert Bosch Foundation funded the event, held within the framework of the “150 Years of German-Japanese Friendship” campaign. Over 100 participants attended. 

Contact
Communications and Marketing
Press Office, phone: +49 6221 542311
presse@rektorat.uni-heidelberg.de