At the invitation of the German Research Foundation (DFG), the third German-American roundtable aimed at strengthening transatlantic research relations took place in Washington, D.C., on August 19. Around 35 high-ranking experts from the United States and Germany exchanged views on the significance of these partnerships and the important role universities play in fostering them.

Against the backdrop of recent developments in science policy in both the United States and Europe, as well as a challenging geopolitical environment, DFG president Professor Katja Becker emphasized that the commitment to transatlantic research cooperation remains as strong as ever on both sides of the Atlantic. Universities form the backbone of both countries’ research and higher education systems. They are not only places where new scientific knowledge is continuously generated, but also where the next generation of early-career researchers and citizens are educated, supported, and given the opportunity to develop their ideas, creativity, and sense of responsibility. They will shape the future of science, technology, and society in our countries.

“We enjoyed very substantive discussions at our roundtable in an open and trusting atmosphere, often building on conversations from the two previous DFG roundtables. Formats like this repeatedly demonstrate just how strong, reliable, and resilient the transatlantic partnership between researchers in the United States and in Europe, particularly in Germany, has become over the course of decades. We are determined to further strengthen German-American research relations and to work together with our partners and friends to tackle the major challenges of our time,” Becker said.

“The transatlantic partnership,” Becker continued, “is indispensable to progress and innovation. Only by working together can science and research be sustained and advanced for the benefit of society. Open dialogue and coordinated strategies are prerequisites to safeguarding the integrity of research ecosystems worldwide.”Representatives from both countries emphasized that the transatlantic partnership is characterized by a high degree of mutual trust and respect. Both sides share a common understanding of the important role scientific research plays and of the researcher’s responsibilities and objectives in the world. This includes developing responses to global questions, working together to address them, and advocating for rational discourse in a free and open society.

Turning to the particular role of universities in both countries in expanding strategic alliances, the roundtable began with perspectives from higher education research. Professor Dr. Anna Kosmützky (Leibniz Center for Science and Society, Leibniz University Hannover), whose research includes the competitive positioning of universities in an international context, used her keynote address to highlight the growing importance of strategic cooperation for a transnational research system.

Many of the experts in attendance agreed: universities and university networks—such as the Clusters of Excellence funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments—could play an even greater role in the future, building on personal connections and long-standing collaborative relationships. Participants also highlighted the importance of independent research as well as individual mobility at all career stages, promoted by initiatives like the recent German Federal government’s Global Minds Initiative Germany.

The event brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders from both countries. From the DFG’s perspective, the strong interest shown by policymakers from Germany underscores the central importance of transatlantic relations to both the federal government and the German states. The shared commitment to promoting scientific excellence is also reflected in strategic alliances—an important foundation for Germany’s role as a strong international partner in science and research.

In addition to the German Research Foundation, Germany was represented by the Helmholtz Association, the German Rectors’ Conference and the Max Planck Society; representatives from German universities and the U15 also contributed to the discussion. From the United States, representatives participated from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Council of University Research Administrators, the US National Academies, and the Association of American Universities as well as representatives from US universities such as Harvard University, Arizona State University, George Mason University and the University of Chicago. A delegation of ministers from the Wissenschaftsministerkonferenz represented the German federal states of Bavaria, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Hesse, Lower Saxony and Saarland at the DFG roundtable.