German research giants TU9 and U15 seek academic exchange in Hong Kong

A delegation of 17 senior leaders and presidents from elite German institutions, which comprises the prestigious TU9 and German U15 alliances, will begin a two-day visit to Hong Kong on Tuesday to seek strategic academic exchange.

The mission arrives as Hong Kong aims to refine its position as an international nexus for STEM and postgraduate excellence, facilitating a landmark dialogue between European research leadership and Hong Kong’s emerging scientific talent.

The visit features two main events: specialised seminars titled “German PhD & Fellowship Roadshow – Take your science research to the next level in Germany,” organised in partnership with the Croucher Foundation.

The participating universities form the backbone of Germany’s research and industrial strength. They regularly rank among the world’s top institutions and produce researchers who have earned major honors, including Hong Kong’s own Shaw Prize.

For Hong Kong scholars, this landscape offers a uniquely competitive environment where academic freedom is seamlessly integrated with world-class infrastructure and a sophisticated support framework for international researchers.

The delegation is headed by Michael Hoch, Rector of the University of Bonn and Chair of German U15, and Peter Middendorf, Rector of the University of Stuttgart and Co-President of TU9.

Local talent can engage directly with the delegation at The University of Hong Kong on Tuesday, from 3pm to 4.30pm. A second session will be held the following day at The Chinese University of Hong Kong from 2.30pm to 4pm.