On 23.-25. September 2015, the 3rd Research Alumni Conference of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation took place in Berlin in which KIT participated with a group of 4 international scientists. About 50 international guest researchers nominated by 23 winning facilities of the two bidding rounds "Research alumni strategies" and about the same number of representatives of the German host institutions attended the conference. A welcoming address by Dr. Thomas Hesse, Deputy Secretary General of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, followed by a festive dinner offered the opening of the event.
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| Photos: Humboldt Foundation/Ausserhofer |
During the following days current trends in the international scientific mobility were identified and extensive information provided on the German research landscape as well as a wide range of available programs. In addition, the researchers involved had the opportunity to network with like-minded people.
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| Photos: Humboldt Foundation/Ausserhofer |
During a panel discussion, key representatives in the German research funding system such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Max Planck Society, the Helmholtz Association, the Leibniz Association, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Robert Bosch Foundation presented funding programs for international scientists. The scientists then had the opportunity during the program item "Meet the Funders" to meet the representatives of the funding agencies face to face and to ask them questions.
In workshops, the universities’ representatives were informed about the research environment in the countries of origin of the scientists. They could also discuss with international scientists how the relationship with the host institution can be continued in future after the completion of the research project and what role research alumni can play in the recommendation of the research location Germany.
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| Photo: Humboldt Foundation/Ausserhofer |
As part of a networking session the project coordinators of the research alumni initiative at the International Scholars and Welcome Office informed the future research alumni of KIT on targeted offers as part of the initiative. The future research alumni had the opportunity to talk about their experiences as a visiting scientist at KIT and to discuss ways to continue developing individual services in the field of researchers’ mobility or which ways of interaction could be taken.
The conference ended with a guided tour of the Potsdamer Platz and a gala dinner at the Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal) of the former Hotel Esplanade at Potsdamer Platz.
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| Photo: Humboldt Foundation/Ausserhofer |