Part II: Cooperation Across Borders for Future Change
Continuing the momentum of the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier, the Lower Saxonian delegation, led by State Secretary Prof. Joachim Schachtner alongside Prof. Anne H. Anderson, Vice President of the RSE, engaged in a series of high-level meetings in Scotland to introduce the new funding scheme and strengthen academic ties.
Focus on Renewable Energy and Sustainability
A key highlight of the visit was a panel discussion on energy transitions at the University of Glasgow, where experts from both regions explored opportunities for cooperation in sustainable energy research. The event, titled “Collaborating for Sustainable Energy Futures,” was co-hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Solutions, Scotland Beyond Net Zero, and ECAS.
Prof. Jaime Toney, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Solutions, opened the session, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling the global energy crisis. This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Kate Symons, who introduced Scotland Beyond Net Zero. She stated, “Scotland Beyond Net Zero aims to catalyse research collaboration, empower communities, and inform policymaking to help Scotland achieve its ambitious targets. This discussion highlights the strengths of Scotland and Lower Saxony in clean energy technology and the necessity of strong collaborative efforts.”
A pivotal moment of the event was the panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Georg Schütte, Secretary General of the Volkswagen Foundation. Panellists, including Prof. Mercedes Maroto-Valer (Heriot-Watt University), Prof. Daniel Friedrich (University of Edinburgh), and Dr. Stephan Barth (ForWind), examined offshore wind energy, hydrogen technology, and policy frameworks essential for accelerating the decarbonization of energy systems.
Dr. Barth emphasized the partnership’s potential: “Scotland and Lower Saxony are two strong European regions that can effectively combine their expertise to address energy system transformation with smart and innovative solutions.”
Prof. Maroto-Valer underscored the need for synchronized efforts: “Transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon economy requires coordinated actions across stakeholders. Lower Saxony and Scotland share ambitious goals in offshore wind, hydrogen, and green innovation. By deepening collaboration, we can accelerate the green transition while delivering widespread economic and societal benefits.”
Prof. Daniel Friedrich echoed these sentiments, highlighting the broader impact of energy transitions: “Decarbonizing society affects everyone. It requires a concerted effort to develop and implement solutions that meet societal needs. By harnessing synergies, Lower Saxony and Scotland are well-positioned to lead in sustainable and practical energy solutions.”
The discussion underscored both regions’ commitment to pioneering solutions for a net-zero economy. Prof. Jaime Toney further reflected on the importance of transcending geopolitical boundaries: “Solving the climate emergency demands interdisciplinary and international cooperation. This event showcased the willingness to tackle energy challenges collaboratively, and I hope it leads to meaningful and equitable solutions.”
Strengthening Academic Ties and Broader Collaboration
Beyond energy research, the delegation met with university leadership at the University of Edinburgh, University of Stirling, and the University of Strathclyde. In addition to introducing the new funding scheme, discussions focused on expanding academic partnerships, PhD exchanges, and mobility programmes between Lower Saxonian and Scottish higher education institutions. All parties recognized the value of European connections and the importance of fostering new collaborations.
A Shared Commitment to Innovation
The visit reflected a strong mutual interest in international partnerships and knowledge exchange. The delegation was particularly impressed by the openness to collaboration among Scottish universities, despite challenges posed by Brexit and shifting geopolitical landscapes. Prof. Susanne Menzel, President of the University of Osnabrück and the Lower Saxonian State Rectors’ Conference, remarked: “Throughout our discussions, we sensed the deep commitment to cooperation at both the university and state levels. Scotland remains committed to Europe’s vibrant scientific community, even in the post-Brexit era. Likewise, internationalization is a priority for Lower Saxony’s science policy, making this partnership mutually beneficial. Beyond pragmatic reasons, the many discussions we had were marked by openness. These exchanges also touched on the geopolitical shifts and the rise of populist movements, highlighting the importance of collaboration in preserving democratic and scientific values.”
Dr. Georg Schütte reinforced this view, emphasizing the necessity of cross-border partnerships: “The great challenges of our time can only be tackled through international cooperation. We are therefore pleased to facilitate connections between excellent researchers from Lower Saxony and Scotland to address these pressing issues together.”
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Collaboration
As the visit concluded, both sides expressed optimism for the future of Lower Saxonian-Scottish academic collaboration. With the launch of the Lower Saxony-Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme in February 2025, the partnership is poised to build on shared expertise in renewable energy, sustainability, and advanced research.
Both regions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening academic ties, supporting innovative research, and fostering long-term partnerships. As global challenges intensify, the collaboration between Lower Saxony and Scotland serves as a powerful model for transnational scientific excellence. State Secretary Schachtner concluded: “Mutual inspiration in future research fields is crucial for driving change. May the joint funding programme mark the beginning of a successful Lower Saxony – Scotland partnership.” He extended an invitation for Scottish partners to make a return visit to Lower Saxony.
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