Saskatchewan, Germany sign agreement to boost research collaboration

Innovation Saskatchewan (IS) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance academic and research collaboration between Saskatchewan and Germany. 

The agreement reflects over five decades of cooperation in science, technology, and innovation between Canada and Germany, emphasizing life sciences, climate change, and clean energy.

Germany, recognized as a global leader in research and innovation and the fifth-largest submitter of international patents, is a critical partner for Saskatchewan. The DAAD, one of the world's most significant funding organizations for international researchers and student exchanges, will play a central role in fostering these collaborations.

"Saskatchewan has a world-class research community with access to unparalleled infrastructure, technology, and resources that drives innovation in key industries worldwide," Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Warren Kaeding said. 

"By working collaboratively and establishing new pathways between Innovation Saskatchewan and the German Academic Exchange, Saskatchewan and German researchers will be on the forefront of advancing research solutions to the world's evolving needs while creating economic opportunities across both jurisdictions."

This MOU aims to deepen Saskatchewan's relationship with Germany, a key trade and investment partner, and to enhance opportunities for the province's post-secondary institutions and research community. Germany is also home to one of Saskatchewan's nine international offices.

DAAD Secretary General Dr. Kai Sicks highlighted the significance of this partnership, emphasizing its potential to address global challenges. 

"The DAAD offers a variety of funding programs for students and academics from both countries, maintains an information centre in Toronto, and several guest lectureships in Canada," Sicks said. 

"However, given the high level of academic excellence in both countries, the potential of the bilateral relationship is far from being fully exploited. Especially in times of increasing geopolitical tensions, academic exchange and cooperation between Germany and Canada play a vital role in addressing global challenges and shaping a sustainable future. Through this MOU, the DAAD hopes to build on its partnership with Canada and create a solid and lasting foundation for collaborations between German universities and Saskatchewan."

Additionally, IS signed a three-year, $60,000 pilot agreement with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to support operational initiatives under the DAAD partnership. This funding will enable joint projects in fields such as health, synchrotron sciences, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, food security, nuclear and alternative energy, agriculture, and the environment. Key research institutions like the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and Canadian Light Source (CLS) will play prominent roles in these collaborations.

"The University of Saskatchewan continues to make global connections that benefit our students, our researchers, and the people of Saskatchewan," University of Saskatchewan President Peter Stoicheff said. 

"These types of international agreements enable us to work across borders to tackle the world's most urgent challenges, while also educating our future leaders and contributing to the advancement of Saskatchewan's economy."

The new agreements are expected to solidify Saskatchewan's position as a global leader in innovation and research while addressing pressing global challenges through international collaboration.