First in a series of DFG matchmaking events

(08.03.22) The kick-off event Water Nexus Research – challenges and strategies for a sustainable future marked the start of a series of theme-based matchmaking events with different countries and regions for UDIF-HAW, the DFG initiative aimed at reaching out to universities of applied sciences (UAS) whose application-oriented research is highly regarded in an international context.

The virtual matchmaking event is one element of a series of measures being implemented by the DFG to support the initiation of research partnerships and provide information about DFG funding opportunities.

Around 70 researchers from German UAS and Jordanian universities came together on 15 February 2022 to exchange their research priorities and ideas. The aim was to explore potential collaborative projects.

The event was opened jointly by the Secretary General of the DFG, Dr. Heide Ahrens, the Secretary General of the DAAD, Dr. Kai Sicks, and the Vice President of the HRK, Professor Dorit Schumann, who was able to contribute her knowledge of the Jordanian higher education and research scene as former Vice President of the German Jordan University (GJU). All three opening speeches stressed the enormous importance of highly specialised research at UAS, especially in areas of relevance to society at large – as reflected in the theme of the conference – as well as the value of bilateral cooperation. Dr. Muna Hindiyeh of the German Jordanian University (GJU) and Professor Christoph Külls, hydrologist at TH Lübeck, opened the academic part of the event with short keynote speeches in which they emphasised the relevance of the topic: Professor Külls explained the holistic approach of Water Nexus Research, which includes a broad spectrum of disciplines ranging from socio-political and psychological aspects to biological-technical and economic perspectives. Dr. Hindiyeh demonstrated the extent to which strategic aspects of governance and system-strengthening measures need to be taken into account in connection with this issue.

35 project presentations formed the core of the event. The spectrum of topics ranged from microbiological and environmental aspects to socio-political and psychological issues, always with reference to the challenges of sustainable water management.

The aim is to consolidate the newly established contacts with a follow-up event and a planned delegation trip so as to explore the potential of the collaborative project ideas that were generated.

Further details will follow shortly.

• Programme details

Contact

• Dr. Jennifer Gronau
  Tel. +49 (228) 885-2388
  udif-haw@dfg.de