In a significant development for scientific collaboration, the UK and Germany have unveiled a new partnership aimed at enhancing research ties between the two nations. The announcement was made during a landmark meeting of the countries’ Science Secretaries at the Imperial College London’s White City Deep Tech Campus.
Germany’s Minister of Education and Research, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, and the UK’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan MP, came together to sign the Joint Declaration of Intent. This agreement pledges to expand and strengthen the science and research links between the UK and Germany, marking a new era of cooperative innovation and discovery.
The event also served as a platform for leading scientists from both countries to discuss and identify promising areas for R&D collaboration, such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, clean technology, and research security. A Strategic Working Group will be established to translate these high-level ambitions into actionable plans, ensuring the partnership’s goals are met with substantial outcomes.
Imperial’s President, Professor Hugh Brady, highlighted the importance of Germany as a key partner and expressed enthusiasm about the future collaborations in critical fields like AI, Quantum Technologies, Fusion, and Battery technologies.
Michelle Donelan, reflecting on the significance of the partnership, emphasized the UK and Germany’s shared strengths in science and technology, underscoring Germany’s role as a critical trading and research partner. This collaboration aims to harness these shared strengths for mutual benefit, particularly in the context of global challenges and opportunities.
Bettina Stark-Watzinger expressed optimism about the Joint Declaration of Intent, viewing it as a foundational step for close cooperation to bolster science and research efforts.
The event concluded with a tour of the White City campus, showcasing Imperial’s collaboration with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to support innovative organizations across various sectors. This partnership exemplifies how academic and local collaborations can drive forward groundbreaking research and technological advancements.
Imperial College London boasts a strong relationship with Germany, marked by numerous research collaborations and a vibrant German community within the campus. Notable partnerships include the strategic alliance with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and collaboration with BASF, the world’s largest chemical producer, highlighting Imperial’s role as a hub for international scientific cooperation.
The new UK-German science partnership, building on the framework of Horizon Europe, signifies a commitment to leveraging collective knowledge and expertise to address global challenges, fostering a future where collaborative research and innovation lead the way in scientific advancements.
