Panel Discussion: German-Canadian Transatlantic Relations - Science, Security and Higher Education

Sometimes labelled as middle powers, Canada and Germany have navigated a shifting international order through multilateralism and trust whilst fostering knowledge-driven economies. Research-intensive universities like the member institutions of the U15 Canada and German U15 as well as funding organizations like the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) are central to this mission. By fostering talent, generating knowledge, and seizing new opportunities, they generate innovation, strengthen transatlantic dialogue and inform public policy. In light of today’s grand challenges –including rising geopolitical tensions, the questioning of a liberal-democratic order, climate crisis, questions of technological sovereignty and security, as well as the ethical implications of artificial intelligence – science diplomacy as a tool of trustful, knowledge-based international collaboration takes on an increasingly important role.

The panel discussion will consider opportunities and challenges, including research security, talent circulation, and the role of universities as diplomatic actors. By combining perspectives from science, policy, and international relations, the panel will aim to identify concrete opportunities to deepen German-Canadian academic cooperation while reflecting critically on the political frameworks that enable it – or impose boundaries.

Panelists:
Robert Asselin, Chief Executive Officer, U15 Canada
Professor Michael Hoch, Rector, University of Bonn and Chair, German U15
Professor Joybrato Mukherjee, President, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and Rector, University of Cologne
Professor Janice Stein, Founding Director Munk School, and Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management, University of Toronto