Because excellent research thrives on the international exchange of expertise and ideas, the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) has established the Siebold-Collegium - Institute for Advanced Studies (SCIAS), which creates a distinguished forum for academic collaborations and debates across borders and disciplines.

Founded in 2016, SCIAS aims at

• promoting international and interdisciplinary exchange, dialogue and cooperation between outstanding visiting researchers and members of the JMU
• fostering integration of visiting researchers into academic and cultural life in Würzburg.

The Siebold-Collegium is named after Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796 - 1866) who earned a medical degree at the University of Würzburg. He spent many years in Japan, transferring European medical expertise to this country and bringing detailed knowledge of Japanese flora and fauna back to Europe.

Renowned international researchers who are cooperating with JMU faculty may be nominated as SCIAS fellows. SCIAS fellows benefit from a diverse programme combining opportunities for academic exchange with social and cultural events. They are housed in a beautifully restored 18^th century building located in the city centre.