Upon an invitation by the German Research Foundation (DFG), experts from Germany and the United States exchanged thoughts on the state of the transatlantic research relationship and possible ways to strengthen the partnership. The meeting took place on Thursday, August 28 at the National Museum of the American Indian and brought together around 30 representatives from science and research policy. Among the participants were high-ranking representatives from leading scientific organizations, funding agencies and academic institutions in the United States as well as the heads of Germany’s Alliance of Science Organisations.

This was the second meeting of its kind after a first transatlantic exchange on the topic of research security in August 2024.

The basis for this year’s round table were the current geopolitical shifts that require a reconsideration of international scientific collaboration. How the scientific collaboration between Germany and the United States could be expanded upon and remain resilient during this challenging period was discussed.

The participants from the United States and Germany agreed that there still needs to be a strong commitment to research collaboration and in supporting researchers throughout all career stages on both sides of the Atlantic. As the guardian and guarantor of scientific excellence, the transatlantic research community needs to emphasize its values and promote an environment where research can thrive. Since changes in one partner country always have effects that go beyond its borders, an open dialogue and coordinated strategy are essential to ensure the integrity of research ecosystems.

There was also agreement that the current transatlantic research partnership should be strengthened and at the same time new paths for research collaboration need to be developed, both bilaterally and globally. Beyond collaborating on research projects, these partnerships also lead to open and trustworthy communication, mutual respect and support, as well as the shared backing of independent, open and result-driven research. It is important that not only new research agreements between American and German partners are agreed upon, but that shared publications, conference invitations and the exchange and safety, integrity and security of research data is promoted even more than before.

Last but not least, German and US experts agreed on the concepts of brain circulation and increased communication. Independent of where cutting-edge research takes place, whether in the United States, Germany, or somewhere else in the world, what matters is that scientific progress builds on exchange of international talents and constantly improves the prospects of success in addressing important global challenges.

A broad range of actors from both countries participated at the event. From Germany, in addition to the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (AvH), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Helmholtz Association, the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), the Max Planck Society (MPG) and the German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat) as well representatives from German universities contributed to the discussion. From the United States, representatives participated from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), the US National Academies (NAS), the Association of American Universities (AAU) as well as representatives from US universities.