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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is calling on the future Federal Government to provide new impetus and take decisive measures to further expand the internationalisation of universities and science. Germany will only remain competitive and economically strong as a centre of science and innovation with the targeted recruitment of international talent, the expansion of international academic cooperation and a welcoming culture.
"Together with our member universities, we are appealing to politicians ahead of the Bundestag elections to set a clear course for the future-oriented internationalisation of German universities and the academic landscape. In a geopolitically challenging world, attracting international talent as specialists and managers and expanding strategic university partnerships and global research and teaching collaborations are of crucial importance for Germany as a centre of science and innovation. In order to attract outstandingly qualified people to science and industry in Germany in the long term, a future federal government must send a clear signal: International students and academics are welcome in Germany and enrich our country," said DAAD President Prof Dr Joybrato Mukherjee.
Skilled labour for Germany
Germany's higher education system is demonstrably efficient and highly attractive. Around 405,000 international students are currently enrolled at German universities. In addition, almost 75,000 international researchers work in the German science system. This makes Germany one of the world's top countries, ranking second in the world for international researchers and third for international students. In addition, 65 per cent of international students plan to stay in Germany in the long term and make a significant contribution to Germany's economic performance after successfully completing their studies; the actual retention rate is already at the top level of Canada. These strengths must be systematically utilised in the coming years. The DAAD therefore calls for
• attracting the best-qualified international students and doctoral candidates through attractive scholarship programmes,
• improved support during their studies and more intensive language integration,
• targeted measures for professional networking with the German labour market.
"International students are an asset for Germany. But without targeted support, good study conditions and a welcoming culture, we will not be able to fully utilise this potential," emphasised Mukherjee. "Universities must be provided with appropriate funding in order to further increase their contribution to combating the shortage of skilled labour and contribute to successful integration."
Changed geopolitical conditions
The geopolitical framework conditions have changed drastically in recent years. Germany's close relations with the USA must be maintained, partnerships in the European Union and with the United Kingdom must be expanded, while new strategic partner countries such as India, which are investing massively in their education and science systems, are coming into focus. Science diplomacy can play a key role in deepening scientific exchange, building stable partnerships and relying on proven scientific networks in times of crisis. The DAAD therefore calls for
• the development of new funding instruments for cooperation with up-and-coming, dynamic scientific nations or regions,
• new impetus for successfully established collaborations, especially with direct European neighbours,
• more advice and support for universities in establishing and organising international partnerships.
The security policy dimension
The pressing issues of our time - from climate change and the energy transition to digitalisation, conflict resolution and social transformation - require science-based, international cooperation for possible solutions. Scientific exchange not only contributes to research excellence, the recruitment of experts and reliable networks, but can also help to stabilise partner countries, reduce poverty and migration and create prospects for crisis regions. "In these crisis-ridden times, science diplomacy and the science cooperation area are making resilient and important contributions to German security. Science is a 'hard currency' in foreign and security policy, and it is important to sustainably support this work, especially at German universities," said the DAAD President. The DAAD is therefore committed to providing targeted support for global university cooperation both in key future fields and as stabilisation and reconstruction measures in order to strengthen German security.
Reliable investments
International scientific cooperation secures Germany's innovative strength and competitiveness. But this requires reliable funding. The DAAD is therefore in favour of an annual increase in its basic funding of three percent in line with the Pact for Research and Innovation. "In our world, which is increasingly characterised by uncertainty, we need clear political support for academic exchange. This is the only way for Germany to remain a strong centre of science and innovation with global appeal," said the DAAD President.
If you have any questions, please contact
Michael Flacke
Head of the Press Office / Press Spokesperson - SB03
DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service
+49 228 882-454
presse@daad.de
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