Lower Saxony – Scotland
Joint Forum 2025
ECAS invites you to the Lower Saxony – Scotland Joint Forum 2025, which will be hosted at the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) in Scotland on 27. + 28. November 2025.
The Joint Forum has been bringing together members of higher education institutions (HEIs), research organisations, policymakers, and experts in diverse fields from both regions for many years. Through inspiring panel discussions and workshops, participants expand existing partnerships, share their vision and develop new cooperative ideas.
Day 1 of the Joint Forum will focus on inclusive expertise exchange, with the two following panel discussions led by experts from various disciplines:
- The Democracy of Knowledge and the Importance of International Research Collaborations
- The Significance of Knowledge Exchange in a Transregional Context (Beneficiaries of the Research and Innovation Scheme)
Day 2 of the event will see four interesting workshops, providing impetus for new ideas and partnerships. Interested persons may still apply to host their own workshop (see Open Call below).
For more detailed information, please see: The Official Invitation.
Why attend?
Network
Connect with academics, staff and students from renowned higher education institutions, politicians and experts from industry in both regions.
Collaborate
Explore avenues for interdisciplinary cooperation and initiate research partnerships.
Learn
Gain insights from experts, discover innovative projects, and expand your knowledge horizon.
Engage
Participate in discussions, exchange ideas, and be part of shaping the future of academia.
Register now
Please click on the button below to register for this year’s Joint Forum, taking place on Thursday, 27 November + Friday, 28 November 2025 at the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Participation is free of charge. Registration is open until Sunday, 9 November 2025.
Programme – Day 1 (Royal Society of Edinburgh)
Arrival, Registration, and Coffee
Welcome Address
Angus Robertson
Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
German Consul General
Vice President for Research, The Royal Society of Edinburgh
Head of Division Europe, International Affairs, Lower Saxonian Ministry of Science and Culture
Panel I: The Democracy of Knowledge and the Importance of International Research Collaborations
Introduction
This panel will set the scene for a critical examination of how scientific knowledge is created, validated and disseminated. Invited speakers from various fields, including science policy, regional and national governance, ethics, communication, sociology and international relations, will discuss the strategies and approaches needed to overcome the complex challenges of joint knowledge production through collaborative initiatives, particularly in times of global misinformation and scepticism.
Within the context of Lower Saxonian–Scottish cooperation, this panel will promote transparent dialogue between partner regions by strengthening shared responsibilities among scientists, policymakers, and civil society to ensure that science remains a public good: open, reliable, inclusive, and responsive to diverse communities.
Moderation:
TBA
Further information will be published soon
Speakers:
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Coffee Break
Panel II – The Significance of Knowledge Exchange in a Transregional Context (Beneficiaries of the Research and Innovation Scheme)
Introduction
The second interdisciplinary panel will put particular focus on the pursuit of joint research projects within the framework of the Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme as a strategic facilitator of international knowledge exchange. This initiative strengthens the partnership between the regions by providing structured funding for selected collaborative projects at the following different stages:
- Development track offers seed funding for early-stage initiatives,
- Excellence track supports established collaborations to enhance their long-term impact.
The panel will feature the first cohort of beneficiaries, drawn from higher education institutions and other research-related organisations in both regions. In a dynamic format, teams will present their projects, share their experiences, and discuss first lessons learned and best practices for collaboration in the form of short pitches.
By showcasing projects supported by the Research and Innovation Scheme, the panel aims to emphasise the value of regionally anchored, globally oriented research cooperation. Beyond project presentations, the panel will foster reflection and dialogue addressing interdisciplinary challenges, trust-building, and efficient resource utilisation.
Moderation:
Vice President for Research, The Royal Society of Edinburgh
Speakers:
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Further information will be published soon
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Closing Remark
TBA
Further information will be published soon
Reception
TBA
Further information will be published soon
Optional & Self-Paying Dinner
TBA
Further information will be published soon
Programme – Day 2 (Royal Society of Edinburgh)
Arrival & Registration
Welcome & Input on the Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme
TBA
Further information will be published soon
Workshop 1
Further information will be published soon
Workshop 2
Further information will be published soon
Workshop 3
Further information will be published soon
Lunch Break
Workshop 4
Further information will be published soon
Workshop 5
Further information will be published soon
Workshop 6
Further information will be published soon
Closing Address
TBA
Further information will be published soon
About
The Joint Forum is an annual, two-day networking event developed and organised by the European Centre for Advanced Studies in collaboration with a different higher education institution (HEI) in Lower Saxony or Scotland each year. In 2025, the event will be hosted at the prestigious Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) to celebrate the recently formed partnership between the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK), the Volkswagen Foundation, and the RSE, as well as their joint funding programme, the Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme.
With yearly attendance figures of over 100 participants, the Joint Forum provides an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones. Over the past years, interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Lower Saxony – Scotland Tandem Fellowship Programme and the development of the first joint White Paper have further expanded and solidified engagement in mutual exchange across the North Sea and the shared academic and political landscape.
Venue
The sixth edition of the Lower Saxony – Scotland Joint Forum 2025 will be held at The Royal Society of Edinburgh.
The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is an organisation that recognises, supports and mobilises expertise from across academia, business and public service for the benefit of Scotland and the wider world. It has over 1,800 fellows from a range of disciplines and among the most distinguished in their fields. These excellent researchers engage and connect nationally as well as internationally to share knowledge and tackle the most pressing challenges of the modern world.
