© Stewart Attwood Photography 2025
Part I: A Memorandum of Understanding to Act
Scotland, United Kingdom
In February 2025, a significant step towards international academic collaboration was achieved with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lower Saxonian Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK) and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). This agreement underscores a mutual commitment to fostering cross-border research and innovation between Lower Saxony and Scotland. More than just a symbolic gesture, it sets the foundation for action, enabling joint interdisciplinary research projects through the new Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme.
This collaboration represents a major leap forward in German-Scottish scientific cooperation, with generous funding exceeding €1 million to support dynamic academic partnerships. The scheme, structured into two tailored streams, encourages both new collaborations and strengthens existing ones, fostering interdisciplinary approaches across all academic disciplines.
The signing ceremony, attended by Lower Saxonian State Secretary Prof. Joachim Schachtner, key representatives from the RSE, and university presidents from both regions, highlighted a shared commitment to building a long-term, impactful partnership.
Dr. Georg Schütte, Secretary General of the Volkswagen Foundation, emphasised the importance of cross-border collaboration, stating: “The great challenges of our time can only be met by working together across borders. We are therefore delighted to help bring together excellent researchers from Lower Saxony and Scotland to tackle these tasks together.”
ECAS played a crucial role in facilitating this collaboration and will continue to support institutions involved. ECAS academic directors, Prof. James Conroy and Prof. Markus Reihlen, expressed strong support for the initiative: “The Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme highlights the value of investing time in building trust-based networks that drive excellent research. Over the past five years, ECAS has played a key role in strengthening this alliance, connecting institutions and key partners. We look forward to the
new funding programme, which fosters cutting-edge collaboration and reinforces lasting academic ties across the North Sea.”
Prof. Angela Ittel, President of TU Braunschweig and Spokeswoman of the Permanent Commission for Internationalisation of the Lower Saxonian State Rectors’ Conference, emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership: “Strengthening and expanding cooperation between universities in Lower Saxony and Scotland at all academic levels, including administrative and governance structures, is a key priority. Establishing this partnership through a memorandum of understanding and a substantial funding scheme is a crucial and unique step forward. Our agreement lays a strong foundation for further collaboration, allowing us to strategically leverage synergies in key research areas.”
At the ceremony, State Secretary Prof. Joachim Schachtner reinforced the significance of the collaboration: “Our initiative underlines the importance of strengthening international networks to address future challenges together. This agreement paves the way for a mutually beneficial exchange that will strengthen research in both regions for years to come.”
He also expressed gratitude to Professor Anne Anderson, Vice-President of the RSE, for her instrumental role in making the collaboration and funding opportunities possible. The partnership focuses on key research areas such as energy, life sciences, education, mobility, and security policy. Notably, energy research remains a central priority, with representatives from the Energy Research Centre of Lower Saxony (EFZN) and ForWind joining the delegation. Future initiatives on renewable energy and sustainability are planned, supported by ECAS.
The MoU and the resulting Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme are not just milestones in academic collaboration but also testaments to the power of strategic partnerships. Attendees expressed optimism that many researchers in Lower Saxony and Scotland will seize this opportunity to engage in joint projects, further strengthening academic ties and fostering innovation across borders.
Stay tuned for Part II, where we explore the key discussions and engagements that took place during the delegation’s visit.
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