Fields of Activity

The key responsibility of the International Bureau of the BMBF (IB) is to support stable international cooperation in the areas of education and research.

In this context, the International Bureau advises German institutions on the subject of international research cooperation and provides financial support for the development of new contacts and collaborations. In close cooperation with the DAAD, the International Bureau is also strongly involved in the conception, coordination and planning of BMBF activities aimed at advertising Germany as a key research location.

Measures and projects related to the development of the European Research Area (ERA) are becoming more and more important in the International Bureau’s work. In this way, the IB represents Germany's interests in the context of the increasing internationalization of the European Research Area and contributes to an improved coordination of the strategies of European countries towards third countries.

The International Bureau also supports the BMBF in its cooperation with European and multinational organizations (such as the OECD and UNESCO).

On behalf of the BMBF, the IB observes and analyses international research and education policy developments. This is a prerequisite for creating and developing cooperation strategies for the international implementation of the Federal Government's High-Tech Strategy and the Internationalization Strategy and for supporting an international benchmarking of German research policy. The IB creates, develops and maintains Internet pages and portals on international cooperation in research and education and is an important partner in the development of a new system for international research policy reporting.

In addition, it is responsible for coordinating programmes for the support of young scientists.

Other responsibilities include the planning and realization of international events.

  • Cooperation with other Countries

    The BMBF has commissioned the International Bureau (IB) with providing support to German universities, research institutes and small and medium-sized enterprises exploit the opportunities posed by international networking.
    [more] (URL: http://www.internationales-buero.de/en/793.php)

  • Promoting innovation in Germany

    Germany holds a prominent position in science, research and development, not only in Europe, but across the world. German companies are pioneers in developing innovative products, and “Made in Germany” is recognized as a sign of quality everywhere in the world. In our globalized world, scientific and technological advances are no longer isolated achievements that take place within national borders – they can only be accomplished by cooperating and exchanging ideas with leading experts from across the world.
    [more] (URL: http://www.internationales-buero.de/en/1880.php)

  • EU cooperation with third countries

    The European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (7th RFP) supports cooperation and coordination efforts between the research and funding activities of Member States (ERA-NETs) and aims to intensify the research policy dialogue between the European Union and other parts of the world (INCO-NETs). The IB, on behalf of the BMBF, is involved in various European activities.
    [more] (URL: http://www.internationales-buero.de/en/2953.php)

  • Multinational Organisations

    The International Bureau is responsible for multinational activities relating to the OECD, UNESCO and GBIF. The IB supports the BMBF in the organization of OECD science and technology committees. On behalf of the BMBF, the IB prepares multilateral meetings and conferences and participates in them or carries them out independently.
    [more] (URL: http://www.internationales-buero.de/en/795.php)

  • SME cooperation in research and technology of small and medium sized enterprises

    The “consultant for cooperation in research and technology” support innovating German SME-s and other German entities in identifying international innovation potentials and contacting key-players.
    [more] (URL: http://www.internationales-buero.de/en/3256.php)

  • Program in Support of Young Scientists - IPSWaT-International Postgraduate Studies in Water Technologies

    The IPSWaT (International Postgraduate Studies in Water Technologies) scholarship programme was launched in 2001. Its aim is to support highly qualified young students and young scientists from Germany and abroad who are interested in attending German universities to acquire Master’s degrees that are international in outlook, related to water technologies, and taught in English.
    [more] (URL: http://www.internationales-buero.de/en/789.php)

  • Potential Support for BMBF’s funding priorities “IWRM” and “CLIENT”: Assistance for Implementation - AIM

    The protection and sustainable use of water resources plays a decisive role for the future of humankind. That is why the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) funds the development of integrated planning tools for the sustainable use of water resources and the adaptation of water technologies to different climatic, ecological, economical and social conditions.
    [more] (URL: http://www.internationales-buero.de/en/2435.php)

  • The BMBF International Cooperation Portal

    In this age of globalization, it is more important than ever to give science and education an international focus in order to maintain or improve their performance. Global challenges can only be met successfully with the help of international and multilateral cooperation. Since 2002, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has been running internationale-kooperation.de, an initiative that offers opportunities for successful cross-border collaboration in research and education.
    [more] (URL: http://www.internationales-buero.de/en/1887.php)

Range of Activities of the International Bureau

The central tasks of the IB include the following: 

  • informing and advising German institutions about possible international research cooperation

  • providing financial support to German institutions for the establishment of new contacts and the cooperation with priority countries worldwide,

  • supporting the BMBF in the development of strategies and concepts for international co-operation,

  • participating in the planning and implementation process of the BMBF’s research and young scientist programmes within the framework of international cooperation,

  • analysing international research and innovation policy developments,

  • supporting the BMBF in the promotion of Germany as a key location for research and innovation,

  • developing strategies to internationalise the European research area,

  • participating in European coordination measures,

  • serving as an interface and contact person for international organisations, programmes and initiatives

  • planning and organising international conferences, forums, workshops and trade-fair appearances in Germany and abroad as well as

  • conceiving and operating the Internet presence and the web portal.