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News: DAAD

New DAAD Secretary General takes up his office: Dr. Kai Sicks

Dr. Kai Sicks officially takes up his office as new DAAD Secretary General on Thursday morning (1 April 2021). He succeeds Dr. Dorothea Rüland, whose time in office at the world’s largest organisation for academic exchange came to an end in January.

Call: BMBF

Social science and humanities research on the social consequences of the Corona pandemic

[Deadline: 2021/5/31] The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is strengthening research on the social consequences of the Corona pandemic. Funding is being provided for projects in the social sciences and humanities that examine the long-term effects of the Corona crisis and the resulting challenges for society. Comparative approaches are welcomed. Research partners from Japan may participate with their own funds.

Call for Applications

DAAD-Visiting-Professorships

[Deadline: 2021/4/30] The Forum Internationale Wissenschaft (FIW) at the University of Bonn, Germany, invites applications for Visiting Professorships related to „Internationalization of Higher Education in Times of Global Crises“.

Toru Kumagai’s report on R&D trends in Germany

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development and Ethics: Seeking Human-Centric AI at a French-German-Japanese Symposium

March 19, 2021 [by Toru Kumagai] Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most keenly watched areas of cutting-edge technology in academia, industry, and government worldwide. Basic forms of AI have already been applied in many different fields—from the financial sector to social media and even online stores. AI is predicted to see further developments in the future, bringing significant benefits to humanity in a wide range of areas including manufacturing and medicine. However, there is a danger that if AI became autonomous to an excessive degree, the pursuit of economic benefits and efficiency might neglect ethics and human rights. In other words, humans need to constantly keep a firm rein on machines.

Call: BMBF, Saxony

Ideas competition “Science Creating Prospects for the Region”

[Deadline: 2021/4/30] The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the State of Saxony are organising an ideas competition to select concepts for two new large-scale research centres in the state. The best proposals will be considered further during a six-month conceptual phase and will receive funding of up to €500,000.

Science and innovation in Germany

Toru Kumagai’s reports on R&D trends in Germany

March 15, 2021 In collaboration with Mr. Toru Kumagai, a Japanese journalist living in Germany, we bring you the latest news on science and innovation in Germany. The previous articles are available below:

News

EFI Commission presents Annual Report on German Research and Innovation

March 12, 2021 The Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI), which advises the German Federal Government on Research and Innovation Policy, has presented the 2021 Annual Report.