Focus on scientific cooperation with China
07/21/2026How can European universities achieve effective and responsible cooperation with China? A conference at the University of Würzburg on 28 and 29 September 2026 will offer opportunities for discussion, workshops and practical insights.
Cooperation with Chinese universities and research institutions remains important for many fields of science. At the same time, political developments, new legal requirements and value-based issues – such as academic freedom – are changing the framework for European cooperation with the People’s Republic of China. How can universities and researchers navigate these changes? And what skills are needed for successful and responsible cooperation?
These questions will be addressed at the international conference ‘Cooperation with China – Developing Competences and Structures in European Higher Education’, which will take place on 28 and 29 September 2026 at the University of Würzburg. It is being organised by the University of Würzburg’s China Competence Centre in collaboration with the KoWinChi programme “Competent Scientific Interaction with China”. The aim is to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and present concrete approaches to cooperation with China.
An opportunity for Europe-wide networking
The conference is aimed at researchers from all disciplines as well as academic support staff at universities and research institutions. Those invited include staff from international offices, research funding bodies, university management and administration. Participation is free of charge.
The programme features presentations, discussions and practical examples relating to academic cooperation with China. Topics include dealing with different academic and political frameworks, institutional strategies for international partnerships, and issues concerning research integrity and responsibility in international exchange. The event also offers an opportunity to network with participants from Germany and other European countries.
Date and venue
The conference will take place at the Hubland Campus of the University of Würzburg. It begins on Monday, 28 September 2026, at 10 am and ends on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at around 2 pm.
On Tuesday 29 September, Member of the Bundestag Nicolas Zippelius will give a presentation followed by a discussion. Zippelius has been Chair of the ‘Economic Cooperation and Development’ working group of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag since 2025. The panel is entitled: “How Can Politics, Academia and Society Benefit From a National Platform for Research Security?”
Further information on the programme and how to register can be found on the conference website: ‘Cooperation with China’ Conference
The KoWinChi programme is a joint project between the University of Würzburg and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg. It is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The aim of the programme is to prepare university staff for scientific collaboration with China and to provide knowledge about the Chinese scientific system, the legal framework and cultural characteristics.
Contact
Anastasia Kostromina, Project Co-ordinator, T +49 931 31-81205, anastasia.kostromina@uni-wuerzburg.de
