European Centre for Advanced Studies becomes central hub for scientific cooperation between Lower Saxony and Scotland

Lower Saxony's Minister of Science, Falko Mohrs, emphasizes: "Scotland is one of the most important partners for science in Lower Saxony. As the coordinator of this cooperation in research, mobility, and knowledge transfer, ECAS plays an important role. By developing it into the central hub of Lower Saxony-Scottish scientific cooperation, we are creating a strong, future-oriented platform for knowledge exchange and innovation across national borders. In doing so, we are not only strengthening Lower Saxony's visibility in the international scientific landscape, but also promoting joint solutions to the major challenges of our time."

The aim is to strengthen the transregional scientific area in the long term and to promote sustainable cooperation between higher education institutions in both regions.

The further development of ECAS is also based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lower Saxony State University Conference (LHK) and Universities Scotland (US), which was renewed in 2024, defining the energy transition, life sciences, educational sciences, mobility and its transformation, and security (policy) as thematic priorities for cooperation. The deepening of relations is given a special boost by the jointly initiated Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme, a funding initiative of the MWK, the Volkswagen Foundation, and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). ECAS accompanies this in close coordination with the participating partners, thus assuming a central coordination and communication role within the evolving scientific community.
 

New governance structure and strategic management

As part of the funding, a new governance structure is being established to ensure equal representation of all universities in Lower Saxony.

A steering committee—consisting of LHK Chair Prof. Dr. Susanne Menzel-Riedel (University of Osnabrück), spokesperson for the LHK's Standing Commission for Internationalization Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel (Technical University of Braunschweig), and ECAS Academic Director Prof. Dr. Markus Reihlen (Leuphana)—will be responsible for strategic management.

Angela Ittel is very much looking forward to working on the ECAS Steering Committee: "Together with our partners from Scotland, we want to initiate new activities in the coming years, further deepen the exchange between Lower Saxony and Scotland, and provide innovative impetus for education, science, and international cooperation. Deep, structured cross-border measures can make a decisive contribution to the resilience of both research locations and ultimately also protect our democracy and academic freedom.“

Susanne Menzel-Riedel adds: ”ECAS shows how international scientific relations can be systematically structured to strengthen research, teaching, and the promotion of young talent in the long term. What is particularly exciting is that both regions not only learn from each other, but also develop joint responses to socially relevant issues."
 

Continuity and expansion of joint formats

The popular Lower Saxony – Scotland Joint Forum remains at the heart of bilateral cooperation. Since 2020, the two-day networking event has offered university members from both regions a platform for exchange, project development, and new partnerships.

After the anniversary edition in 2024 at Leuphana, the Joint Forum will take place in Scotland for the first time in 2025 at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Discussion panels, thematic workshops, and project presentations are planned to promote exchange on current research questions and societal challenges.

Further information and the registration link can be found here: https://ecas-academia.org/joint-forum/.
 

Scientific cooperation with perspective

With funding from zukunft.niedersachsen, ECAS is becoming a future-oriented, stable, and visible hub for scientific cooperation between Lower Saxony and Scotland.

Markus Reihlen emphasizes: “The Center strengthens the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and people—thus making a lasting contribution to the international visibility and innovative strength of both scientific regions. We are delighted to be able to actively shape this development with Leuphana as the host of ECAS and in close cooperation with the Lower Saxony State University Conference.”