University of Bayreuth intensifies cooperation with Stellenbosch University in South Africa

The 30-year partnership between the Free State of Bavaria and the Province of Western Cape has been strengthened by the establishment of a Bavaria-Western Cape BioTech Initiative. This was confirmed this week with a memorandum of understanding between the four universities of the Western Cape and several Bavarian institutions – including the University of Bayreuth – in the presence of Minister President Dr Markus Söder and his delegation with State Chancellery Minister Dr Florian Herrmann. 

Vice-President Prof. Dr Nina Nestler signed the initiative on behalf of the University of Bayreuth. Minister-President Dr Markus Söder emphasised the importance of the initiative: "Science and technology hold great promise for the future. We are starting a new chapter of cooperation between Bavaria and the Western Cape in South Africa. Together, our two countries live by the principle of progress through technology. I am convinced that science makes our lives better. With the High-Tech Agenda Bavaria, we are investing a total of six billion euros in future technologies and our universities and colleges. That is more than any other federal state in Germany. But the economy also benefits from the science partnerships. Only through innovation will we be able to preserve jobs and keep up with international competition."

During the trip, the partnership between the University of Bayreuth and Stellenbosch University was also strengthened with an additional bilateral memorandum of understanding. Scientists from both institutions are already cooperating successfully in a wide range of fields, from African studies to microbiology. The memorandum now lays the foundation for even more structured and intensive cooperation. 

Prof. Dr. Nina Nestler, Vice-President for International Affairs at the University of Bayreuth, says: "The fact that the University of Bayreuth can be part of the initiative is a great opportunity and another significant step in raising our international profile. And, of course, we are very pleased that the additional bilateral MoU has now formally paved the way for deeper cooperation with Stellenbosch University. 

The University of Bayreuth stands for excellent research and international networking. The fact that our focus on Africa is interdisciplinary is reflected in this partnership." The University of Bayreuth will continue to be actively involved in the Bavaria–Western Cape BioTech Initiative in the future and will also further expand scientific exchange with its South African partners.