Annual Report of UA Ruhr's North America Activities 2024

University Alliance Ruhr Releases 2024 Activity Report: Now Available for Download

The University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Activity Report! This comprehensive document highlights the year’s achievements, collaborations, and initiatives that have shaped the transatlantic connections between the Ruhr universities and their North American partners.

In the past year, UA Ruhr has continued to foster innovation and academic exchange through joint research projects, new partnerships, and successful events, further strengthening the bond between Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, and the University of Duisburg-Essen and North America.

Whether you’re a researcher, student, partner, or supporter of UA Ruhr, this report offers valuable insights into our ongoing commitment to international collaboration and academic excellence.

Download the 2024 Activity Report [here] and discover how UA Ruhr is driving progress and innovation through global connections.

International Senior Fellowship Program

Call for Applications

INTERNATIONAL SENIOR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 2026/2027

The College for Social Sciences and Humanities is an Institute for Advanced Study established in 2021 as part of the Research Alliance Ruhr, a joint initiative of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University under the umbrella of the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr). Based in Essen/Germanyin the heart of the Ruhr region, one of Europe’s densest and most vibrant science landscapes, the College offers an excellent academic environment for outstanding international researchers who seek to work on a self-selected research project in close collaboration with local tandem partners from the UA Ruhr.

The international Senior Fellowships will be awarded for six months and may start on 1 March 2026 or1 September 2026.

Application Requirements

Senior Fellowships will be awarded to advanced and well-established senior researchers (preferably R4 level) who

• are active members of a foreign university or research institution (both at the time of application and during the fellowship),
• have an outstanding research profile in the social sciences and/or the humanities (proven primarily by a significant track record of excellent publications),
• have completed their doctorate at least six years prior to their application, and
• seek to initiate or intensify research collaboration with a fellow researcher from the UA Ruhr.

As the Senior Fellowship Programme is based on the principle of collaboration, applicants are required to identify a matching tandem partner from the UA Ruhr prior to their application.

Tandem Partnerships

Tandem partnerships can be established with advanced, highly experienced senior researchers (at least R3 level) from one of the three member universities of the UA Ruhr (University of Duisburg-Essen, Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University) working in the fields of social sciences and/or humanities. In addition to being an integral part of a joint research collaboration during the fellowship, the tandem partners will actively integrate the international Senior Fellows into the academic landscape of the UA Ruhr.

More information for potential tandem partners can be found here: www.college-uaruhr.de/fellowship/application/tandem-partners.

Financial Arrangements

Depending on the Fellow’s individual situation, the College for Social Sciences and Humanities is able to offer the following funding options:

• Fellows who are granted leave of absence with continued payment of their salary from their home institution receive a general allowance of €3,050 per month, a family allowance of €250 per month (if applicable), and a mobility allowance of €125 per month to cover relocation costs (all amounts pre-tax).
• Fellows who are granted leave of absence without continued payment of their salary from their home institution can be funded by means of a compensation agreement within reasonable limits (usually equivalent to a W3 professorship with approximately €7,100 pre-tax per month). Alternatively, Fellows may receive a monthly grant of €5,000 (pre-tax).
• If necessary, the College can also cover, within reasonable limits, the costs for a substitute of the Fellow at the home institution. This option cannot be combined with other funding options.

To support research collaboration between the Senior Fellows and their tandem partners, each fellowship includes a project budget of €7,500 max. (€1,250 per month) for joint workshops, conferences, publications, etc.

Travel expenses for arrival and for departure after the fellowship will be reimbursed in accordance with the guidelines of the State Travel Act of North Rhine-Westphalia. Visa costs will be reimbursed entirely. Costs for accommodation and health insurance and other expenses need to be covered by the Fellows.

Facilities

All Senior Fellows have a dedicated office in the College facilities at their disposal. The facilities available include well-appointed meeting and conference rooms equipped with modern technology, enabling (hybrid) events such as workshops, lectures, and conferences. The College provides individual support services for its Senior Fellows, including IT support, a library service, and support by a Fellow Manager and Event Coordinator.

Expectations

During their fellowship, the international Senior Fellows are expected to

• live and work in the Ruhr area,
• be present at the College at least three days per week (Tue - Thu),
• actively take part in the weekly colloquium as well as in other academic activities of the College (conferences, lectures, reading groups, etc.),
• collaborate with the tandem partner on a regular basis, and
• organise at least one event (e.g., workshop, lecture, seminar) with the tandem partner.

The Senior Fellows are also expected to acknowledge the College for Social Sciences and Humanities in talks and publications related to the fellowship.

The working language at the College is English, proficiency in German is not mandatory.

Location and Academic Environment

Based in one of the densest and most diversified science hubs in Europe, the College for Social Sciences and Humanities offers its international Senior Fellows excellent conditions for interdisciplinary research and manifold opportunities for academic exchange and networking. For more than 14,000 researchers, the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) provides a conducive framework for cutting-edge research and cross-university, interdisciplinary collaboration: it harbours 21 collaborative research centres, 17 research training groups, and dozens of research projects funded by the German Research Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research or the European Research Council.

All member universities of the UA Ruhr maintain close ties with prestigious national and international research institutions, such as the Max Planck Society and the Leibniz Association, and European university networks, such as Aurora and UNIC. Furthermore, the Senior Fellows will be in close contact with the interdisciplinary research professorships and junior research groups of the College. Fellows may also profit from various local collaborative research centres in the social sciences and humanities and partnerships with other research institutions, such as the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen. A large variety of renowned museums, theatres, galleries, archives, and other cultural institutions adds to the attractive environment of the Ruhr region.

Other German university cities such as Düsseldorf, Cologne, or Münster are within short reach. Several destinations in bordering European countries Belgium, the Netherlands, France, or Switzerland are only a few hours’ travel away.

More information about the University Alliance Ruhr: www.uaruhr.de

Research Alliance Ruhr

As part of the UA Ruhr, the Research Alliance Ruhr was founded in 2021 to concentrate excellence in different research fields: along with the College for Social Sciences and Humanities, the four Research Centres “One Health Ruhr – From Molecules to Systems”, “Chemical Sciences and Sustainability”, “Trustworthy Data Science and Security”, and “Future Energy Materials and Systems” form its constituent parts. The Research Alliance Ruhr is financed by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

How to apply

Applicants are asked to submit their application via the online form: www.college-uaruhr.de/fellowship/application-form.

Applications must include:

• an abstract of the planned research project (up to 2,500 characters incl. spaces)
• a brief outline of the planned research project and the intended tandem collaboration (written in English, up to 10,000 characters incl. spaces)
• information on the preferred period of the fellowship
• information on the preferred funding option
• the name of the potential tandem partner and a letter of intent in which the partner confirms their commitment to collaborate with the applicant during the fellowship
• the desired outcome/goal of the fellowship and tandem collaboration (e.g., joint conference, publication, grant proposal)
• CV (incl. a list of the applicant’s five most important publications)

The application deadline is 25 May 2025 (23:59 CEST).

The selection of Fellows will take place in July 2025, selected candidates will be informed shortly thereafter. The selection committee may conduct interviews via video conference as part of the selection process.

For detailed information on the international Senior Fellowship Programme, please read the FAQ.

With questions regarding the international Senior Fellowship Programme, please contact Sophia-Helena Zwaka (e-mail: fellowship@college-uaruhr.de, phone: +49 201 183-6543).

Call for Applications: Intern in New York City

🚀 Intern in New York City with University Alliance Ruhr! 🌍✨
Are you a student at Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, or the University of Duisburg-Essen?
Looking for an exciting international experience that combines higher education, transatlantic collaboration, and hands-on project management?

UA Ruhr North America is offering a 6.5-month internship in New York City!

🗽 What’s in it for you?
✅ Gain insight into international science diplomacy
✅ Support flagship fellowship programs
✅ Manage events, social media & press relations
✅ Receive a scholarship of up to $1,500/month

🎯 Who should apply?
🔹 Advanced students (min. 3 semesters)
🔹 Fluent in German (native level) & English (C1)
🔹 Strong skills in communication, project management & social media
🔹 Passion for education policy & transatlantic collaboration

📅 Internship period: October 1, 2025 – April 15, 2026

📩 Apply by March 15, 2025 → Check here for more information 

Join us in shaping transatlantic academic connections! 🌎✈️

Launching the BU-TU Dortmund Research Network

On October 11-12, Boston University (BU) welcomed a delegation from TU Dortmund University for a two-day workshop and reception to kick off the new BU-TU Dortmund Research Network. This initiative is designed to foster collaboration in key research areas such as membrane biological chemistry, high-energy theory, and quantum condensed matter physics.

The event began with a reception at BU’s Kenmore Room, attended by Dr. Sonja Kreibich, Consul General of Germany to the New England States. Senior BU leaders, including Senior Vice President Ken Olliff, Associate Dean Sean Mullen, and CAS Research Director Kathleen Shannon, also joined the gathering. Sponsored by BU’s Office of the Vice President for Research, the reception provided an opportunity to discuss shared goals and the exciting potential of this transatlantic partnership.

Leading the delegation from TU Dortmund was Professor Matthias Schneider, who spoke about the importance of collaboration in tackling complex scientific challenges and advancing research across disciplines.

The workshop featured presentations from prominent researchers at both universities, including:

Professor Michelle Sander (BU, Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Professor Jan Kierfeld (TU, Physics)

Professor Herre Jelger Risselada (TU, Physics)

Professor Joerg Debus (TU, Physics)

Professor Masha Kamenetska (BU, Chemistry/Physics)

Professor Bjoern Reinhard (BU, Chemistry/Physics)

Professor John Straub (BU, Chemistry)

In addition to faculty presentations, early-career researchers also played a key role.

TU Dortmund students Annabelle Sömer, Anna M. Mendel, and Michael Gutnikov shared their work and collaborated with BU researchers, including Dr. Panagis Samolis, a postdoctoral fellow in the Sander lab, and Nick Russo, a BU Physics graduate student in Professor Kevin Smith’s lab.

The BU-TU Dortmund Research Network marks an exciting new chapter in international collaboration for both universities. By combining expertise and resources, BU and TU Dortmund aim to make significant contributions to fields like membrane biological chemistry, quantum physics, and high-energy theory.

Events like this don’t happen without a lot of support behind the scenes. Thanks go to BU’s Physics staff, including Robyn Kinch, Grace Lillibridge, Christina Crabtree, and Mitch, as well as Rose Deshon, Carolina Gonzalez-Aller Winslow, and Sarah Flanagan from BU’s Office of the Provost, for ensuring the event ran smoothly as well DFG and UA Ruhr.  

The BU-TU Dortmund Research Network is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see how this collaboration grows in the years to come.

International Summer Program (ISP) 2025

Discover an Unforgettable Summer at TU Dortmund University’s International Summer Program 2025!

Greetings from TU Dortmund University in Germany! We are thrilled to invite students worldwide to join our International Summer Program (ISP) 2025, a unique and enriching study abroad experience taking place from May 29 to July 31, 2025.

The ISP offers students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in academic excellence, cultural exploration, and personal growth. Here’s why the ISP 2025 should be on your summer calendar:

Highlights of the International Summer Program (ISP)

1. A Unique Academic Setting
   Unlike many summer programs, the ISP runs during TU Dortmund’s regular summer semester. This ensures a focused and immersive academic experience.

2. Diverse Course Tracks
   Participants can tailor their studies by choosing courses from three exciting tracks:

   • Engineering
   • Humanities
   • Entrepreneurship
     All courses are taught in English!

3. Research Opportunities
   Students can enhance their experience by engaging in research projects, either part-time alongside courses or full-time for deeper immersion.

4. German Language and Culture
   Whether you're a beginner or already familiar with the German language, the ISP provides opportunities to learn and advance your skills. Plus, the cultural program ensures a rich experience beyond the classroom.
   
    

Comprehensive Program Package

For a program fee of €2,200, participants enjoy an extensive service package, including:

• Comfortable accommodation
• Comprehensive health insurance
• A public transport ticket for seamless travel
• A vibrant cultural program and excursions
• Pick-up service from Dortmund’s central train station
  
   

How to Apply

Nominations and applications are open from now until February 15, 2025.

• Nominations: Submit via email.
• Student Applications: Complete the online form.
  
   

Get in Touch

For more information don’t hesitate to contact us at summerprogram@tu-dortmund.de.

Join us for an unforgettable summer at TU Dortmund University—where academic pursuit meets cultural adventure!

Don’t miss this opportunity—apply now and take the first step toward an extraordinary summer in Germany.

Find all the information about our program here. 

Entrepreneurship Academy 2025 DWIH San Francisco

Women in Entrepreneurship Program: Applications Now Open

We’re excited to share that applications are now open for the Women in Entrepreneurship program, a unique hybrid initiative brought to you by DWIH San Francisco and GUILD Academy.
This program is designed to inspire and empower women on their entrepreneurial journeys, combining practical learning with incredible networking opportunities in one of the world’s leading innovation hubs.

What to Expect
The program has two parts:

1. Online Academy (May 6 – June 24, 2025): Over eight weeks, participants will gain essential entrepreneurial knowledge through virtual sessions.
2. In-Person Experience in San Francisco (September 1–5, 2025): Ten finalists will be invited to the Bay Area for an intensive, hands-on program curated by GUILD Academy. This in-person experience offers unparalleled access to workshops, networking events, and the vibrant entrepreneurial community of Silicon Valley.

Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from anyone with a connection to the German academic landscape—whether you’re a current student, researcher, or alum of a German university, technical college, or research institute. German citizenship or residency is not required.

The application fee is €50, and if selected for the in-person program, participants will only need to cover their flight and some meal costs.

Ready to Apply?
Visit this link for full details and application instructions.

Call for Applications Future's Fellowship Program

Futures Fellow program stands as a competitive fellowship initiative designed for researchers affiliated with Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen. Through the program, our goals are: Empowering early to mid career researchers (including Junior Professors) to elevate the quality of their portfolios; Granting the broader US scientific community access to a wide spectrum of research subjects from UA Ruhr institutions and centers; Fostering stronger bonds between our research centers and partner institutions through ongoing and reciprocal exchanges.

Highlights:

• 90 days in North America!
• Upto 22,000 euros in qualified reimbursements! 
• Develop and/or strengthen transatlantic international research partners!

Learn More: https://uaruhrfellowships.org/futures-fellow/ and Apply Here!

Germany Today 2024

Germany Today 2024

New Opportunities and Challenges for German Universities: Adapting to Enrollment Changes, Matching New Job Market Expectations, and Embracing Diversity in the Student Body

June 16 – June 22, 2024

Frankfurt, Heilbronn, Stuttgart, Reutlingen, Augsburg and Munich

• Call for Applications 
• Application Form 

DAAD invites representatives from universities, research institutions and funding agencies in the United States and Canada, as well as colleagues from the fields of education policy and politics, to join us for our “Germany Today” Information Tour 2024.

DAAD’s information tour “Germany Today” is designed to give participants a broad overview of Germany’s higher education landscape. This includes:

• ➢ An overview of Germany’s higher education and research systems
• ➢ An update on current developments, innovative projects, and structural reforms
• ➢ Details about BA and MA programs, as well as PhD training at various institutions
• ➢ Information on funding opportunities for academic exchange and institutional cooperation

This year’s tour will focus on the opportunities and challenges faced by German universities in the broader context of society, the workforce, and a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.

For Germany, as an aging society with a growing skills shortage, attracting international students and scientists and integrating them successfully into society and the labor market is of prime importance. Universities play a pivotal role in this context. Additionally, the evolving demands on the German business model, coupled with changing expectations from employers and employees, spark discussions on the competencies required for successful economic and societal development.

The Germany Today 2024 tour provides a platform for participants to engage in the exchange of best practices, effective methodologies, and lessons learned between German hosts and North American guests.

Greening the Blue

Last Friday, six students from Lehigh University visited the United Nations, followed by a visit to the German Consulate General New York. #GREENINGTHEBLUE is an initiative to engage the missions in the transition towards greater sustainability. #Lehigh is helping make the German House more sustainable!
The partnership between TU Dortmund University, which is one of our three German universities, and Lehigh has been engaging and fruitful for over 20 years. Therefore, we are happy to support in #GREENINGTHEBLUE!

Thank you for your visit - Exciting times ahead!

To learn more please contact intern@uaruhr.de.

More information will be uploaded in the coming months.