This year, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the absence of international travel, the 2020 Joint Science and Technology Meeting (JSTM) was held virtually.
The JSTM focused on key areas of mutual interest and provided an opportunity for Germany and Australia to exchange information on how both governments have dealt with the pandemic, from a science and industry recovery perspective.
The discussions also recognised the importance of international collaboration and Germany’s involvement as a founding member of the international Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), in which Australia is also a participant.
Germany and Australia exchanged views on open science and research integrity, following Germany’s recent adoption of the Bonn Ddeclaration on Freedom of Scientific Research. Both countries acknowledge the importance of the open sharing of scientific knowledge to support collaboration, whilest protecting the security and integrity of high quality research.
Germany and Australia also shared recent developments in their respective energy sectors, with a particular emphasis on hydrogen. Discussions showcased a current collaborative feasibility study and highlighted the opportunity for future engagement through potential research and industry partnerships. .
The German side outlined their existing health research networks of funding organisations that are accessible to Australian funding agencies and researchers, and expressed a desire to deepen these connections. Both parties welcomed the opportunity to arrange a subsequent discussion to explore further opportunities.
Germany and Australia will update each other about topics of mutual interest (e.g. BMBF on opportunities for cooperation in Horizon Europe,; DISER about potential bilateral demonstration projects on hydrogen).
Mr. David Williamson, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER) co-chaired on behalf of Australia. Australian attendees consisted of government officials and research organizations.
Mr. Frithjof A Maennel, Deputy Director General of the European and International Cooperation at the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) co-chaired the German delegation, which included departmental officials and German research organisations.
The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research look forward to the opportunity to continue to strengthen the relationship between both countries. BMBF invited DISER to come to Germany for the next Joint Science and Technology Meeting in 2022.