Modern research is international! This requires good networking.

With its initiative Networking for Research at Universities of Applied Sciences (UDIF-HAW), the DFG is explicitly addressing UAS interested in international research collaborations or are already involved in collaborative research with partners abroad and would like to expand these.

Researchers form German UAS engage in a scientific exchange with international researchers at theme based virtual matchmaking events. The next stage then involves follow-up activities in order to intensify established contacts and get to know research conditions on site. Prior to the virtual matchmaking event, advise on DFG funding is provided in form of a virtual information event (potentially also involving the international partner funding organisation). Individual consultation is offered throughout the entire process.

To carry out projects, various DFG funding programmes are available, i.e. the Initiation of International Cooperation(interner Link) programme or the Individual Research Grants(interner Link) programme.

News

Networking Opportunities with Researchers from Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

In March 2025, the DFG launched the initiative “Networking for Research – German Universities of Applied Sciences and Researchers Worldwide” with Central Asia(interner Link). The aim of the initiative is to promote international collaboration between researchers from German Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) and from Central Asia — particularly from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The primary objective is to bring together researchers and offer a networking platform to develop joint activities in knowledge-driven research in the natural and engineering sciences. 

Researchers from Germany, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have been invited to participate in this initiative and to submit posters to be published in a posterbook for individual matchmaking with potential partners, reflecting their research ideas on the following three topics:

• Digitalisation and Smart Technologies
• Sustainable Urban Development and Smart Cities
• Renewable Energy and Resource Management.

As a result, we have accepted more than 230 posters: 44 from Germany, 91 from KAZ and 99 from UZB. Due to this overwhelming response, the publication of the posterbook will be rescheduled for August 2025 and online matchmaking will take place later in autumn this year. The success of the matchmaking will determine the next steps of the initiative, e.g. a delegation visit to Central Asia. Further information will be given in due course. 

Researchers who have already found cooperation partners are invited to refer directly to the DFG funding programmes. Please note that researchers in Germany, or those working at a German research institution abroad(interner Link), who have completed their academic training (a doctorate as a rule) are eligible to apply for DFG Research Grants(interner Link).

More Than 100 Researchers Connected: Virtual Matchmaking With Central Asia Successfully Concluded

In January 2026, three virtual matchmaking events were held under the UDIF-HAW initiative (Networking for Research – German Universities of Applied Sciences and Researchers Worldwide), bringing together more than 100 researchers from Germany, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The events marked the start of the networking process: researchers received input to help them identify suitable partners independently and initiate new collaborations. To the report(interner Link)

 

Further Information

We regularly send emails informing about upcoming events in the context of the initiative as well as about topics within the DFG that are relevant for UAS. If you wish to be added to the mailing list, please send us an e-mail to udif-haw@dfg.de(externer Link).

All important information on the DFG initiative UDIF-HAW can also be found in our flyer(Download).

On the following page you will find an overview of all DFG funding for universities of applied sciences(interner Link).