German Science and Innovation—Southwest Road Show

Germany is a powerhouse in science and innovation and a leader in research—ranking fourth worldwide in R&D spending. The diversity of the German research and innovation system is the basis for its success.

In April 2025, American Friends joined a delegation of German science and research organizations for a high-impact outreach tour across Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. Coordinated by the German Embassy’s Science and Technology Office, the delegation included DAAD/DWIH, DFG North America, and Fraunhofer USA. Over the course of five days, the group engaged with leadership, faculty, and international offices at five public universities, including Arizona State University and the University of New Mexico.

In Tempe, a joint reception co-hosted by American Friends and DAAD drew more than 40 participants—underscoring untapped demand for alumni programming beyond the coasts.

Universities hosted lab tours, seminars, and roundtables to highlight their research strengths and explore opportunities for collaboration with Germany. These engagements sparked meaningful dialogue around shifting US research priorities, administrative constraints, and the increasing emphasis on societal impact and resilience. At Arizona State, the delegation received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser facility, prompting discussion about future joint research possibilities. The University of Arizona offered a tour of the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab and Biosphere2, underscoring the depth and breadth of research infrastructure in the region.

The delegation also connected with political and industry stakeholders, including Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn and business leaders in Albuquerque and Phoenix. While higher education and research were not always central to their portfolios, there was clear enthusiasm for practical partnerships with Germany, particularly in innovation-related sectors. UNLV’s Black Fire Innovation Hub—a center for applied research in robotics, gaming, and smart cities—was a reminder of the Southwest’s unique assets and the importance of designing inclusive, future-oriented transatlantic programs. Throughout the tour, partners agreed that coordinated outreach amplified visibility and strengthened collective impact. The roadshow served as a model for regional engagement and underscored the value of shared strategy, both in activating networks and in advancing science diplomacy at the sub-national level.