The University of Leeds and the University of Hamburg’s partnership is characterised by a close alignment between our institutional strategies and position on global sector issues. This partnership leverages the strengths of both institutions to drive forward impactful projects and initiatives.
Our two institutions signed a strategic partnership agreement in October 2023, committing to addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges. These activities include contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and leading extensive research and teaching across a range of interdisciplinary areas.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Nick Plant from the University of Leeds underscored the significance of the partnership:
“Our planet and its people are facing unprecedented challenges and widening inequalities. By working together, we are embracing exciting plans to adopt open and collaborative practices of knowledge creation and dissemination with and for our local and global communities.”
Following a joint Leeds-Hamburg funding call in 2022, seven joint projects are currently underway in Humanities and STEM areas, including a project led by Dr Karen Forbes from Leeds’ School of Medicine and Professor Dr Sandra Blois from Hamburg. This project, focused on gestational diabetes during pregnancy, has received significant support from the Medical Research Council. It aims to develop new approaches to ensure successful pregnancies and potentially prevent future generations from facing obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. In addition to these projects, research collaborations continue to grow in Business, Medicine and Health, and Social Sciences.
Professor Dr Hauke Heekeren, President of University of Hamburg said of the partnership, “As a University of Excellence we want to become even more international. The strategic partnership with the University of Leeds is a crucial milestone. It adds a strong partner from the all-important United Kingdom to our network. Building bridges internationally and fostering transnational exchange is now more important than ever. I am delighted that we are pursuing this goal together with our partners in Leeds.”
The partnership between the University of Leeds and the University of Hamburg is further strengthened by their co-membership in the Knowledge Equity Network (KEN), which was established by the University of Leeds in 2022 and joined by the University of Hamburg in 2023. This network aims to transform academic culture through equitable partnerships, enhancing access to research and high-quality education.