In times when political alliances can no longer be taken for granted, the Berlin University Alliance and the University of Oxford are focussing all the more resolutely on long-term collaborations and are moving even closer together in the face of challenging conditions. Since the establishment of the Oxford Berlin Research Partnership in 2017, over 1,300 researchers from Berlin and Oxford have jointly initiated and implemented projects.

The Berlin University Alliance and the University of Oxford form two dynamic scientific ecosystems whose strategic research priorities complement each other perfectly. Together, the partners create cutting-edge research with high social relevance and sustainable impact. This applies both to research and to the area of innovation, which is being systematically developed as an integral part of the partnership.

Representatives from both sides came together in Oxford to discuss how to further intensify their collaboration. The Berlin delegation was led by Prof. Günter M. Ziegler, spokesperson for the Berlin University Alliance and President of Freie Universität Berlin. He was accompanied by Prof. Julia von Blumenthal (President of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Prof. Stephan Völker (Vice President Research at Technische Universität Berlin), Prof. Joachim Spranger (Dean of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin), Dr Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz (Managing Director of the Berlin University Alliance) and Prof. Beate Kampmann (Academic Director Oxford Berlin Research Partnership). The dialogue partners in Oxford included the Rector of the University of Oxford, Prof. Irene Tracey and Prof. Alex Betts (Local and Global Engagement Officer) as well as leading academics from various disciplines.

‘In these dramatic geopolitical times, we need strong connections in science and research, and German-British cooperation in the Oxford Berlin Partnership is becoming even more important. Our exchange in Oxford showed me once again how much the Oxford Berlin Research Partnership is valued on both sides and what potential the University of Oxford sees in future collaboration with Berlin as a centre of knowledge and innovation. In the Berlin University Alliance, we will now jointly develop further concrete projects on the basis of this lively and strong partnership,’ says the spokesperson of the Berlin University Alliance and President of Freie Universität Berlin, Prof Dr Günter M. Ziegler.

Dr Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz, Managing Director of the Berlin University Alliance, adds: ‘In these disruptive times, the shared mission and long-term commitment of our partnership is an important pillar for the future of science policy at both locations. Together, we strengthen each other in our contribution to shaping the major transformations of our time. We look forward to further developing our joint projects and opening up the annual joint symposium as a showcase and place for dialogue.’

The next symposium of the Oxford Berlin Research Partnership will take place on 30 September in Oxford on the topic of transfer and innovation. The Oxford Berlin Research Partnership will also be present again at Berlin Science Week from 1 to 10 November 2025.