A Joint Research Alumni Initiative

The project team from the six participating universities and institutions is delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response to this project week—which is (so far) the first of its kind—for alumni researchers from around the world.

“It’s a pilot project and was a first for us,” explains Dr. Susanne Padberg of the University of Siegen, referring to the unique format and the collaboration in securing funding. “For the first time, we submitted a joint application to the German Academic Exchange Service and worked well together,” adds Jella Friedrich (University of Heidelberg). “Our goal was to specifically strengthen ties with our international research alumni and draw attention to them. The program was intended to be a lasting enrichment for them while also extending beyond their connection to the respective institution,” says Frank Hasenstab (University of Cologne).

To implement their ambitious plan, the universities of Siegen, Cologne, Heidelberg, and Münster joined forces with KIT and DFKZ and submitted the comprehensive proposal. It was a success. The approved funding made it possible to finance the week-long event for the 24 research alumni in Cologne and Heidelberg. The “alumni,” who had previously conducted research at one of the participating institutions, engaged in exchanges with scientists from the German university consortium and also gained insights into areas of excellence alongside internationally renowned experts.

The joint Research Alumni Initiative emerged after the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s initial funding for the networking efforts had been discontinued at the end of 2018. The question arose as to how cooperation among the participants could be integrated into everyday university life even without this funding. A working group was formed, from which a core team of six partners took the initiative to launch a joint project—and brought the DAAD on board through a successful application for a Research Alumni project week. Taking into account the priority areas of all participants, digitalization and health were chosen as the common thematic focus for the project week and the participating research alumni.

The core team of the joint Research Alumni Initiative, comprising the participating German universities and institutions, includes: Dr. Susanne Padberg (Alumni Relations, University of Siegen), Dr. Nina Fenn (Welcome Center, University of Siegen), Audrey Busch (Coordination of Research Alumni Strategy, University of Münster), Frank Hasenstab (International Office, University of Cologne), Jella Friedrich (Heidelberg Alumni International, Heidelberg University), Oliver Kaas (KIT INTL, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology), and Sally Böhm, Marion Gürth, and Dr. Barbara Janssens (DKFZ, Career Systems & Alumni Relations, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg).

The project week was funded by the DAAD with support from the Federal Foreign Office (AA) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The interviews were conducted by Martina Windrath, a freelance journalist based in Cologne.