Israeli delegation visits BTU: Future of research cooperation!

Israeli delegation visits BTU: Future of research cooperation!

On March 5, 2025, a four-person Israeli delegation visited the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU). The delegation was led by Vice President Prof. Zeev Zalevsky, who traveled together with Prof. Alexander Fish, Prof. Leonid Yavits and Daniel Schuval. The BTU President Prof. Gesine Grande and the Vice President for Research and Transfer, Prof. Michael Hübner, warmly welcomed the guests.

The discussions included an exchange with the International Relations Office and the BTU research department. Signed agreements on further cooperation were also discussed during the visit. The delegation took the opportunity to visit facilities such as the chesco - Center for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus and the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) as well as the Energy Innovation Center (EIZ).

Growing bilateral cooperation

The collaboration between the BTU and the Bar-Ilan University (BIU) began in 2019, initiated by the Department of Computer Engineering under the direction of Prof. Michael Hübner. Since 2020, there has been an active exchange in the ERASMUS+ program, which focuses on computer science and chip design. Over the last few years, numerous exchange programs have been set up for students, scientists and employees.

A significant result of this cooperation is the newly developed double degree program in Micro- and Nanoelectronics, which was designed under the direction of Prof. Matthias Rudolph. This master's program aims to train highly qualified specialists in the field of microelectronics and to promote the mobility of students and scientists. Participants have the opportunity to gain international experience and obtain degrees from both universities.

Internationalization of universities in Germany

The importance of such international cooperation is also underlined by developments in Germany's higher education system. Internationalization has proven to be the key to increasing the attractiveness and competitiveness of Germany as a university and science location. In 2023, there were a total of 18,153 international collaborations between 312 universities in Germany, without including the ERASMUS programs. This number illustrates the dynamics and expansion of international relationships.

In the summer of 2024, the federal and state governments adopted a strategy for the internationalization of universities. The strategy aims to improve the attractiveness of the German university location for international students and researchers and to reduce hurdles to their recruitment and integration. The goals also include promoting high-quality experiences in an international environment and intensifying European and international university collaborations in research and teaching.

A further incentive for international cooperation is offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which provides various programs to support student exchanges and international study partnerships. This also includes the promotion of double degree programs, such as the recently launched program between the BTU and BIU.

Overall, the successful collaboration between the BTU and the BIU shows how complex and sustainable international projects can contribute to the further development of higher education. The new double degree program not only promotes the training of young talents, but also creates a strong network of international relationships.

Further details can be viewed in the official information from BTU: BTU, Erasmus+ and BMBF.