25 February 2025 at 10:30 am
Empowering early career scientists through New Zealand-Germany research collaboration
At least 25 early-career New Zealand researchers will embark on a journey to Germany to conduct joint research over the next two years through the Programmes for Project-Related Personal Exchange.
The third funding round of the New Zealand-German academic exchange programme, known as the Programmes for Project-Related Personal Exchange (PPP programme), has enabled five New Zealand research projects to undertake research with academic partners from Germany.
The following universities have formed partnerships:
- University of Auckland and University of Paderborn
Topic: Preparing students for a data science future using innovative teaching - University of Auckland and the Technical University of Dortmund
Topic: The development of contextual visual processing in the Ebbinghaus: illusion in children and its underlying neuronal basis (EBBI-KIDS) - University of Auckland and University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf
Topic: Perspectives of equitable medical education: a comparison between Aotearoa New Zealand and Germany - University of Canterbury and Westcoast University of Applied Sciences
Topic: Younger generations as reflexive agents of change: Motivating Generation (Gen) Z to participate in the voluntary sector - University of Otago and Helmholtz Munich
Topic: Modulation of central GIPR signalling to increase health during ageing
The programme invited researchers to think of a project that would particularly benefit from working with German academic counterparts. Research projects will run from 2025 to 2026, with work taking place in both New Zealand and Germany.
Acting Regional Director, Americas & Europe, Natalie Lulia, said the programme aims to strengthen the relationships between New Zealand and German academics and institutions.
“It opens up New Zealand researchers to a global network of academics.
“Since the programme’s beginning, we’ve seen awardees think forward and explore possibilities of further collaboration with their research partners” she said.
The PPP programme was established in 2021, when ENZ and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
The bilateral agreement between ENZ and the DAAD enables young academics to further their careers and expand their international research links. ENZ contributes funding to support New Zealand researchers, while the DAAD supports German researchers to travel to New Zealand.
Find out more about the PPP programme by visiting the dedicated page on our website.
You can also contact Olga Elli, Associate Director of Engagement, Europe at europe@enz.govt.nz.
