The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) is pleased to announce the successful review of our longstanding memorandum of understanding with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Since 2011, the DFG and NSERC have provided ongoing support for a bilateral programme and exchange of PhD students between Germany and Canada within the IRTG-CREATE partnership, along with providing opportunities to fund joint research projects.

The DFG’s International Research Training Groups (IRTG) and NSERC’s Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) have been aligned to provide an enriched training and mentoring experience for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. The IRTG-CREATE partnership facilitates international mobility for early career researchers and fosters the development of important professional capacities. It has resulted in the establishment of nine German-Canadian joint initiatives, supporting over 400 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with collaborations between twelve Canadian and eleven German universities. 

Germany and Canada share a strong commitment to the spirit of freedom of research and to ethical principles, and this year marks another milestone in the countries’ strong partnership and friendship. This initiative is one of the many science and technology initiatives being celebrated as part of the 55^th anniversary of the signature of the agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Federal Republics of Germany on Scientific and Technical Cooperation. It is also a celebration of 75 Years of Canada-Germany Diplomatic Relations.
 

“Over the past fifteen years, the NSERC–DFG partnership has created exceptional opportunities for researchers in Canada and Germany to collaborate, train and innovate together. Extending our international memorandum of understanding further reinforces our commitment to global collaboration and ensures Canadian researchers are well positioned to succeed through strong, trusted partnerships,” said Professor Alejandro Adem, FRSC, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

“We are looking back at fifteen years of a highly reliable and successful NSERC-DFG partnership. It has not only led to productive German-Canadian research and training collaborations, but also fostered lasting transatlantic friendships, which are underlined by shared values. The DFG is committed to funding excellent research and is dedicated to strengthening and securing reliable framework conditions. We very much look forward to a continuous and thriving partnership with NSERC,” emphasised Prof. Dr. Katja Becker, President of the DFG