In a seminar held at the Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement (ILIA) Lecture Theater, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), on Tuesday, 30 January 2024, Her Excellency Gerda Winkler, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Brunei Darussalam, highlighted the potential for research collaboration between Germany and UBD. UBD Vice Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle, Assistant Vice-Chancellors and Faculty and Staff of UBD graced the event with their presence.

The seminar, titled “The Research Landscape in Germany,” showcased Germany’s rich history of innovation, from pioneering fuel cell technology to contributing to the development of one of the world’s first COVID-19 vaccines. Emphasising the critical role of research and development in sustaining a successful economy, Her Excellency highlighted Germany’s position as one of the world’s top investors in research and development (R&D).

Germany’s research and technology landscape, with approximately 400 research and innovation clusters and over 700,000 staff in R&D, offers diverse opportunities for collaboration. A total expenditure of over €1 billion (2021) in R&D by government and private sector makes up 3.1% of Germany’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

With an audience focused on post-doctoral scholars, the seminar provided valuable insights into the non-university research landscape in Germany, including institutions such as the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Helmholtz Association, and Leibniz Association.

Highlighting Germany’s commitment to international collaboration, Her Excellency emphasised the potential for partnerships with UBD. As UBD stands at the forefront of academic excellence in Brunei, fostering collaborations with German institutions could open new avenues for research initiatives, knowledge exchange, and joint projects.

The seminar aimed to encourage post-doctoral scholars from UBD to explore collaborative opportunities with Germany, fostering a deeper understanding of the thriving research environment. The event concluded with an open invitation for further discussions on potential collaborations between UBD and renowned German research institutions.