The consultations were held under the Agreement between Australia and the Federal Republic of Germany on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (the Treaty), which entered into force on 25 October 1976.
The following agenda was adopted by the meeting:
- Review of current research, science and innovation policies
- Bilateral science and innovation activities and achievements since 2020 and opportunities for international engagement
- Briefings and proposals for future activities and enhancing the DISR-BMBF relationship
- Cooperation of Research and Intermediary Institutions
- Summary, timing of next meeting, and closing.
The JSTM reaffirmed the longstanding and productive partnership between Australia and Germany and our shared interest in further strengthening our bilateral relations in the rapidly evolving science and technology sectors.
Australia and Germany provided updates on policy developments since 2020 and highlighted areas of mutual interest to identify areas for future cooperation. German and Australian research institutions outlined achievements in existing areas of collaboration including, green hydrogen, medical and health technologies and polar and marine research.
Australia and Germany expressed a shared interest in semiconductors (microelectronics) and identified robotics as a potential area for future cooperation, particularly to support both economies transition towards Net Zero. Australia and Germany also discussed the potential for trilateral collaboration in the Indo-Pacific to better address complex issues facing the region, such as climate change. Both parties welcomed the opportunity for an additional discussion to explore these opportunities further.
Ms Helen Wilson, Deputy Secretary for Science and Technology Group, Department of Industry, Science & Resources (DISR) co-chaired on behalf of Australia. The Australian delegation included DISR officials and representatives from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Australian Research Council (ARC) attending both in person and virtually. Mr Armin Reinartz, Director-General in the Department of European and International Cooperation in Education and Research at the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), co-chaired the German delegation, which included departmental officials and German research organisations, including the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Fraunhofer, Helmholtz Associate, the Leibniz Association and the German Embassy in Canberra, attending in person and virtually. The JSTM coincided with a larger Australia-wide tour by the Leibniz Association around research and education facilities.
The Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research look forward to continuing to strong bilateral science and technology research collaboration. Germany and Australia will continue to update each other on topics of mutual interest.
Australia and Germany look forward to celebrating 50 years of the Treaty at the next JSTM in Germany in 2026.