Bielefeld rectors in international exchange: lofty goals in Asia!

Bielefeld rectors in international exchange: lofty goals in Asia!

Bielefeld University has further deepened its international connections to research and teaching in Asia. On the occasion of a trip that took place at the beginning of August 2025, Rector Professor Dr. Angelika Epple and Vice Rector Professor Dr. Michaela Vogt various universities in China and Japan. The main goal was to find new starting points for cooperation and to expand existing partnerships. This is part of the general strategy of German universities, which are increasingly engaging in international university cooperation in order to strengthen their study offerings and faculty structures abroad. international-hochschulkooperationen.de reports that transnational education is becoming a central component of these internationalization strategies.

In China, the Zhejiang University in Hangzhou and the exchange with Professor Dr. Tao Liu from the School for Public Affairs takes center stage. The aim was to further deepen the existing collaborations in the sociology department. In Japan, the delegates from Bielefeld University met with colleagues from the strategic partner university in Osaka. The new president of Osaka University, Professor Dr. Atsushi Kumanogoh, who has been in office since April 2025, was personally welcomed. These discussions primarily focused on research collaborations and the exchange of students and doctoral candidates.

Support from the DAAD and the DWIH

The Rector and Vice-Rector also took the opportunity to visit the branch of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Science and Innovation House (DWIH) in Tokyo. Further concepts and strategies for networking with other Japanese universities were discussed here. An exchange with Axel Karpenstein from the DAAD served the purpose of strengthening existing connections and discovering new possibilities.

An important part of the internationalized activities was the visit to the Diversity and Inclusion Center at Osaka University. The focus was on promoting an inclusive university culture and addressing LGBTQ+ issues. These aspects not only appealed to the participants in the delegation, but are also part of the values ​​that are upheld at Bielefeld University.

Long-term partnerships

The cooperation between Bielefeld University and Osaka University has existed for 15 years. A notable result of this collaboration is the joint doctoral process in the chemistry department that has existed since 2023. Bielefeld University congratulated the first doctoral student, Satoshi Horino, on receiving his double degree in February 2025. The connection between these two institutions is not only historical, but also future-oriented and has the potential to significantly enrich the research landscape of both universities.

As part of the trip, representatives from Bielefeld University presented the specific profile formation and research priorities at all the locations visited. This commitment aims to promote international networks and sharpen Bielefeld University's profile in global educational competition.