As part of the Initiative for a 2-stage Initiation of International Collaboration (I2I) in the neurosciences, all funded research teams from seven African countries and Germany were invited to Bonn for a two-day Forum: Connect & Exchange. The aim was to facilitate scientific and administrative exchange between the teams and with the DFG.

The first day began with a keynote speech by Prof. Christine Klein and her Nigerian colleague Prof. Njideka Okubadejo on the current status of their cross-continental Parkinson's research. During the course of the day, DFG President Prof. Katja Becker welcomed the participants and emphasised the particular relevance of German-African collaboration, especially in the neurosciences.

Afterwards, all nine research teams presented their preliminary projects in short pitches, followed by an interactive poster session for a more in-depth exchange. This gave the researchers the opportunity to give and receive feedback, learn from the experiences of other research teams and identify synergies. The second half of the day was dedicated to discussions at the administrative level. The scientists had the opportunity to share their experiences of various challenges in implementing international cooperation and to develop good practices and recommendations.

The second day broadened the perspective with a panel discussion on “The Future of Research Funding for African-German Research Collaborations”, which addressed topics such as (financial) dependencies on the Global North, aspects of equitable research partnerships, and the status and importance of curiosity-driven research on the African continent. The panel included experts from Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa and Tanzania, who together form the DFG Advisory Group “African-German Scientific Research Collaborations”. The Advisory Group consults with the DFG on tailoring funding initiatives and calls for proposals to the individual requirements of African-German research collaborations. The current focus of the Advisory Group is on integrating the existing I2I initiative into the DFG's expanded engagement within the framework of the Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI).  

Following the panel discussion, information was presented on further funding opportunities offered by the DFG and the DAAD. 

A list of the funded preliminary projects can be found on the website(interner Link).