DLR - Project Management - International Bureau

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International Bureau of the BMBF – Networking research and education across the world

The International Bureau at the PT-DLR supports the BMBF in its international activities, with the aim of networking research and education activities across the world.

The IB’s central responsibilities include the support and establishment of steady international cooperation in the areas of research and education. In this context, the International Bureau advises German institutions on the subject of international research cooperation and provides financial support for the development of new contacts and collaborations.

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Bildquelle: Internationales Büro des BMBF

International Bureau - Homepage

The International Bureau has been commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to strengthen the international ties of German universities, research institutes and enterprises with the ultimate goal of building competencies and fostering competitive advantages for industry and the research community in Germany in the areas of research and innovation. In doing so, the International Bureau is making an important contribution to cultivating an international dimension within the research programmes of the BMBF.

Bildquelle: Maria Valkova, Internationales Büro des BMBF

Cooperation with other Countries

On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the International Bureau supports German universities, research institutions and companies in the development of international contacts and networks. The IB's long-standing, excellent contacts in numerous countries are important for the further development of strategic partnerships. New developments are taken into account through the reorientation of the collaborative relations.

Exporting vocational training

Around the world, education and knowledge, and increasingly vocational education are identified and acknowledged as drivers of innovation, economic growth and prosperity. However, many countries are unable to meet the existing and still growing need for high-level qualifications within their own education systems. Demand, and thus the potential of international education markets, is therefore enormous, in particular in the field of vocational education and training.

BMBF portal Kooperation international

In this age of globalisation, science and education must be more internationally orientated than ever if they are to maintain and increase their efficiency. Today’s global challenges can only be successfully met in international and multilateral cooperation. Together with the initiative Kooperation international (previously: internationale-kooperation.de), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) has been offering opportunities to successfully develop cross-border collaboration in research and education since 2002. The International Bureau operates this site together with VDI-TZ on behalf of the Ministry.

Promoting innovation in Germany

Germany holds a prominent position in science, research and development, not only in Europe, but across the world. German companies are pioneers in developing innovative products, and "Made in Germany" is recognized as a sign of quality everywhere in the world. In our globalized world, scientific and technological advances are no longer isolated achievements that take place within national borders - they can only be accomplished by cooperating and exchanging ideas with leading experts from across the world. In order to support this goal, the attractiveness of Germany and its research activities in a number of selected fields of the High-Tech Strategy is being presented to important target countries under the heading "Research in Germany - Land of Ideas".

EU cooperation with third countries

The European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (7th RFP) supports cooperation and coordination efforts between the research and funding activities of Member States (ERA-NETs) and aims to intensify the research policy dialogue between the European Union and other parts of the world (INCO-NETs). The IB, on behalf of the BMBF, is involved in various European activities.

Multinational Organizations

The International Bureau is responsible for multinational activities relating to the OECD, UNESCO and GBIF. The IB supports the BMBF in the organization of OECD science and technology committees. On behalf of the BMBF, the IB prepares multilateral meetings and conferences and participates in them or carries them out independently.

Bildquelle: Dr. Erich Rathske, Internationales Büro des BMBF

Information centres and programmes

The International Bureau offers information, specific guidance, and grants to cover the costs of the preparation of projects for the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC) and the Science and Technology Centre (STCU). It participates in the International Water Resources Management (IWRM) funding priority by helping the collaborative project teams in the acquisition of additional logistical and financial support for later stages of implementation. In addition, it is in charge of the International Postgraduate Studies in Water Technologies (IPSWaT) scholarship programme.

Cooperation support

The International Bureau (IB), in close cooperation with the BMBF’s specialist departments and its project management organizations, supports the internationalization of German research institutions, universities, and innovative companies. In this way, it makes an important contribution to the realization of new Federal Government initiatives, such as the High-Tech Strategy, which aims to strengthen Germany’s position as an internationally leading research and innovation country.

Expired projects

Dialogue on Science for Sustainability (D4S)

The "Green Talents" programme derived from the so-called "Dialogue on Science for Sustainability (D4S)", an initiative the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) established with the emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS countries). D4S was started in 2008 and terminated in 2011. A series of structured research policy dialogues (conferences/workshops) on sustainability-related subjects took place during this time.