German Research and Innovation Tour—Illinois

American Friends of Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AFAvH) joined a delegation of senior representatives from Germany’s leading research and funding organizations—including representatives from the German Research Foundation (DFG), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Center for Research Innovation (DWIH) New York, Fraunhofer USA, and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience—on a Research and Innovation tour of Illinois.

Coordinated by the German Embassy’s Science and Technology office, this Midwest tour focused on opportunities to strengthen German-US cooperation in research, innovation, and higher education on priority areas such as quantum technologies, biotechnology, climate and energy transition, and advanced manufacturing. Throughout the tour, the delegation engaged with two globally recognized research universities: the University of Chicago (UChicago) and Northwestern University.

These institutions are internationally renowned for their leadership in cutting-edge research and innovation, strong industry partnerships, and vibrant academic ecosystems. Meetings highlighted opportunities for collaborative projects, faculty and student exchanges, and joint funding initiatives, while showcasing the Midwest’s role as a hub for technological advancement and scientific discovery aligned with Germany’s Global Minds Initiative and High-Tech Agenda.

This tour demonstrated Germany’s commitment to international cooperation and laid the groundwork for expanding German-US research collaboration. It successfully linked Germany’s funding instruments and research excellence with the Midwest’s innovation capacity, industry partnerships, and global academic leadership.