Universität Heidelberg and KIT Enter into Strategic Research Agreement

Photo: Hentschel

Pictured from the left: Prof. Dr. Bernhard Eitel, Rector of Heidelberg University, Prof. Dr. Horst Hippler, President of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Prof. Dr. Detlef Löhe, Vice President for Research and Information of KIT, and Prof. Dr. Thomas Rausch, Vice Rector for Research and Structure of Ruperto Carola.

On 27 October 2011, Heidelberg University and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) concluded a partnership of strategic research cooperation with the aim of intensifying their proven collaboration in various fields of investigation. The scientific institution they are co-founding will be known as the “Heidelberg Karlsruhe Research Partnership”. The framework agreement was signed in Heidelberg by the rector of Ruperto Carola, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Eitel, and the President of KIT, Prof. Dr. Horst Hippler.

According to Prof. Eitel, the specific respective competencies of scientists from Heidelberg University and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology will be consolidated to create a critical mass for internationally visible, cutting-edge research in groundbreaking fields.  “In the ‘Heidelberg Karlsruhe Research Partnership’, we’re laying strategic bridges in four major fields to make the best possible use of potential synergies between the two institutions”, added Prof. Hippler.

Heidelberg University and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have already been working together successfully for years in a number of scientific arenas. “Both partners hereby join their various types of development work in the spirit of mutual enrichment and a broadening of the scope of their responsibilities and activities”, the signed agreement states. With the “Heidelberg Karlsruhe Research Partnership”, Ruperto Carola and KIT intend to more closely tie their cooperation structurally in an institutionalised form as well as expand it.

The strategic bridges include organic electronics and synthetic biology. Essential questions of nature, technology and society will also be addressed, focussing on technological impact assessment, as well as the field of medicine and technology in healthcare, in particular translational medical technology. Another goal is more intensified support of young researchers.

The “Heidelberg Karlsruhe Research Partnership” will be led by a joint board of directors and supported by a research board. The setup phase will run until February 2012, with the initial projects launching in May.

Note to news desks:
A digital photo of the signing of the agreement can be obtained from the Press Office.
 

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