UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
USask delegation in Germany to strengthen international partnerships

USask leadership and members the Saskatchewan Germany Office, Innovation Saskatchewan, and the Embassy of Canada hosted the Saskatchewan-Germany R&D Partnerships Forum as part of the Germany mission.

The delegation’s agenda centered on activities that built and strengthened ties with government, top research institutions, and private industry. Discussions with these groups focused on topics ranging from quantum technologies to agriculture and sustainability.

The mission featured meetings with world-class institutions including Goethe University, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development. The engagements are part of USask’s efforts to elevate new and existing student exchange programs and spearhead joint research innovations.

The tour also featured a one-of-a-kind forum that USask co-hosted alongside the Saskatchewan Germany Office, Innovation Saskatchewan, and the Embassy of Canada. The forum blended critical topics spanning continents and provided a unique opportunity for groups in government, academia, and industry to come together to respond to these international challenges. Guest speakers included representatives from world-leading organizations, including the University of Bonn, IBM Quantum, Nuclidium AG, Bayer AG, and LenioBio GmbH.

The international trip underscores USask’s commitment to be what the world needs and reflects the institution’s efforts to nurture and foster a global network that champions innovation.

QUOTES:

“The University of Saskatchewan is building relationships, sharing expertise, and pursuing innovative research partnerships in Germany. Our Saskatchewan Trade and Investment Office in Germany works hard to support institutions like the University of Saskatchewan, along with industry partners and Saskatchewan businesses in finding new opportunities. These international engagement efforts are making an impact, as Saskatchewan exports to Germany saw an increase of over 230 per cent in 2023. Last year, 23 Saskatchewan companies went to Germany to attend Agritechnica, resulting in over 867 trade leads and over 190 deals with anticipated sales of $18.8 million.”

Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade and Export Development and Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan

“USask is developing world-class research programs by building and strengthening partnerships with Germany. This mission presents an opportunity to respond to global challenges, leverage our strengths, and unlock new collaborative research opportunities.”

Peter Stoicheff, President, University of Saskatchewan

“To drive a sustainable economy and tackle challenges such as food and water insecurity through the use of advanced technologies, we need the connected input of industry, academia and international collaboration. This Germany mission is an essential piece in USask’s international efforts to enhance our research innovation.”

Baljit Singh, Vice-President Research, University of Saskatchewan

"We are pleased to collaborate with innovative organizations and companies in countries of strategic significance like Germany. Events such as the Saskatchewan-Germany R&D Partnerships Forum play a crucial role in fostering foundational relationships that not only support interests shared between Germany, Innovation Saskatchewan and our broader province, but also drive global innovation to new heights.”

Kari Harvey, CEO, Innovation Saskatchewan