Saarland becomes the center of the Francophonie: new jobs take off!

Saarland becomes the center of the Francophonie: new jobs take off!

Saarland University has launched a significant initiative in scientific Francophonie by setting up the only workstation for this topic in Germany. This new workplace, the “Cellule francophone en Allemagne”, is headed by Professor Claudia Polzin-Haumann and is assigned to the France Center of the educational institution. Saarland University reports that the facility is being set up in collaboration with the “Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie” (AUF).

The aim of the office is to promote and coordinate Francophone scientific activities. It is also intended to strengthen partnerships between the AUF member universities and other Francophonie actors. This is seen as crucial in order to increase the visibility of Saarland as an important location for science, business and culture in the Francophone region.

Collaborations and plans

The office will initiate new collaborations and projects that aim to strengthen science, business and culture in Saarland. One focus is on French within the German educational landscape and networking with Francophone countries in Africa and North America. A media report highlights that Saarland University is the only German university that is a member of the AUF, while the University of Technology and Economics (htw saar) is also seeking membership.

A meeting between Prof. Dr. Slim Khalbous (Rector of the AUF) and Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger on June 28, 2023 demonstrated the Francophone orientation of the educational and research landscape in Saarland. Rehlinger emphasized the importance of the French language for the region and the need to break down existing language barriers.

Support and networking

The new job receives financial support from theAuf, the Saarland state government and the Saarland University. In addition to the planned exchange activities at the university, a delegation, which also includes representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Science and cross-border universities, will take part in an exchange with the management of the German-French university (DFH).

The project is part of a larger network of university French and Francophonie centers in Germany, which consists of twelve academic centers, including the center in Saarbrücken. This network aims to intensify German-French university cooperation and promote cooperation between the partner universities. The network provides information about current and past events and supports the mission of the AUF, which unites over 1,000 universities in 119 countries.

Overall, the establishment of this office marks an important step in the promotion of Francophonie in Germany and underlines the role of the Saarland as a bridge-building region between Germany and the Francophone region.