Expanding Co-operation: Universities in Bavaria and South Africa
11/11/2025At the beginning of November, Bavaria's Minister President Dr Markus Söder completed a government trip to South Africa. One of the topics discussed was the expansion of scientific cooperation. The University of Würzburg is also involved in this.
The main aim of the trip to South Africa was to expand international relations. Science and research are at the heart of this, existing collaborations were renewed and new ones established. The focus is primarily on the Bavarian partner province of Western Cape: "We both have a strong research landscape and are strong economic drivers. The Western Cape is virtually the Bavaria of South Africa," Söder is quoted as saying in a press release issued by the Bavarian State Government.
Partnership Agreement Concluded
Student and teacher exchanges, joint research projects and networking in the fields of technology and start-ups - the cooperation is to be organised in a variety of ways. There are plans to cooperate closely in the field of biotechnology in particular.
On the Bavarian side, representatives from several universities and colleges signed partnership agreements, including Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU).
"At JMU, we are convinced of the importance of international relations, especially with the African continent," said University President Professor Paul Pauli. "We are already strongly positioned here with the Africa Competence Centre. Biotechnology is also a focal point for us, which is why we see great potential in the cooperation," Pauli continued.
