Authored by Elisabeth Malsch, PhD and Jessica Strattard Hamilton, CFRE
We had the honor of taking part in the 2025 Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Annual Meeting in Berlin, where Jessica and I joined fellow American Friends of AvH board members Sumit Ganguly, Dale Medearis, Matthew Roller, and Andrea Stith. It was my second Annual Meeting; my first was 20 years ago during my Humboldt fellowship. In many ways, the event is impervious to time. The sight of children from around the world playing lawn games together embodies hope for a peaceful and collaborative future and is almost as impactful as the awesome depth of knowledge and breadth of experience represented by the awardees in attendance from across the globe. For me, this year’s meeting carried a special resonance; it was a full-circle moment that underscored the continuum of the Humboldt experience—from individual fellowship to stewardship.
In his remarks at Bellevue Palace, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reminded us that:
The truth—in the sense of scientific knowledge and political honesty—needs the support of all of us more than ever.
His words resonated as both affirmation and challenge. At a time when truth itself is contested, science must serve as a steady anchor, and networks like those of the AvH are crucial to sustaining it. During one of my morning walks, I happened upon Checkpoint Charlie and was reminded of how quickly change can occur. Sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly—but always reshaping the landscape. The same is true of the global scientific environment. We must be vigilant, adaptable, and committed to building bridges where others see walls.
In addition to touring the Free University of Berlin, we joined the Round Table USA, an event coordinated by Katrin Amian to connect US Humboldtians and Fulbright scholars. Our discussions underscored the need to sustain our network and to create space for fact-based dialogue on issues ranging from climate science and history to diversity, politics, science diplomacy, and AI. Participants reflected on the mounting pressures on international collaboration, noting that US federal support for research and exchange is both declining and increasingly politicized, while philanthropic interest in transatlantic partnerships remains niche and competitive. At the same time, Germany is stepping forward with renewed vigor, as evidenced by the launch of the Global Minds Initiative. Alumni reaffirmed what many of us know to be true: the Humboldt fellowship often marks a pivotal turning point in careers, creating not just professional opportunity but a durable, values-driven network built on trust, reciprocity, and long-term investment in people.
Looking ahead, our conversations in Berlin pointed to several priorities: keeping alumni connected in meaningful ways, ensuring that transatlantic research pathways remain open and flexible, amplifying the voices of Humboldtians working under pressure, and cultivating the next generation of researchers who may otherwise hesitate to pursue international opportunities. These are not abstract goals but practical steps that AFAvH can help advance, serving as a transatlantic anchor in turbulent times.
Accordingly, we reaffirm that diverse perspectives and a vibrant network of connections are not only at the heart of the Humboldt experience but also the tools we must use to meet this moment. By fostering belonging among alumni, sustaining flexible pathways for collaboration, amplifying voices under pressure, and inspiring the next generation of researchers, we can ensure that the Humboldt Network continues to deliver impact across borders. In turbulent times, this commitment becomes not just valuable, but essential.
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