Munich as international hotspot for outstanding scholars

Some 200 visiting scholars from almost 30 countries attended a reception at Munich’s Town Hall (Rathaus), where they exchanged international views on a whole range of professional and cultural topics.

empfang von gastforschern im alten rathaus

Reception for visiting scholars in the Old Town Hall

Munich is famous for its outstanding research environment, characterized by first-class universities and excellent research institutions. This also helps the city attract numerous international scientists, academics, and researchers. Visiting scholars not only bring their expertise to Munich. Their diverse perspectives also enrich the local research community.

To celebrate their contribution to Munich, the city government invited Munich’s international visitors to a reception in the Old Town Hall. Clemens Baumgärtner, Head of the Department of Labor and Economic Development, gave the welcome address, after which Professor Dr. mont. Dr.-Ing. habil. Eva-Maria Kern, President of the University of the Bundeswehr, spoke about the importance of this international dialog. Economist Professor Dr. Justin Sydnor then spoke about his experience as a visiting scholar at the Munich Risk and Insurance Center at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU).

"Coming to Munich in many ways was a really easy choice. There's multiple amazing universities here - but also this really unique investment in research institutes that make it a hub for research and science."

Prof. Dr. Justin Sydnor, Guest Researcher at the Munich Risk and Insurance Center of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)

Munich’s research scene: international and widely connected

The international aspect of Munich’s science, academic, and research scene was demonstrated by the guests in attendance, who work at renowned universities including the University of Applied Sciences, the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, the Technical University of Munich, the University of the Bundeswehr, as well as non-university research institutions including the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Max Planck Society, the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, the Helmholtz Center Munich, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen, among others.

"I love Munich because there are a lot of opportunities for research. I'm passionate about investigating diabetes nephropathy. At the Helmholtz Centre, I have not only found a very good research partner, but also a wide range of research instruments and opportunities. That's why I chose Munich. There is a lot going on in research here."

Esienanwan Efiong, Guest researcher at Helmholtz Zentrum

"Munich and the Max Planck Institute were the best choice for my research work, as there are many renowned researchers, scientific papers and research groups here, so I benefit greatly from the exchange here. What is also important for me is that the European Patent Office is located in Munich."

Kyungyul Yi, Guest researcher at Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition

"I am doing research in philosophy of AI and AI Ethics and was lucky to find a fellowship which enabled this kind of exchange. I think Munich is very well placed in this area because oft he industry and startup environment."

Silvia Milano, Guest Researcher at LMU

"The Technical University of Munich has a high reputation in the world, as it is one of the top 30 universities in the world. This is also one of the reasons why I chose Munich and the Technical University of Munich in particular."

Prof. Ayobami Oladejo, Humboldt Research Scholar at the Technical University of Munich (TUM)

International dialog that inspires new research

Professor Kern spoke about the fundamental importance of international scientific and academic exchange for the University of the Bundeswehr, as well as about the value of cooperation with players from Munich’s research and innovation system. Alongside partners from the Greater Munich area, this includes, in particular, the City of Munich itself. Professor Kern stressed the importance of international visitors in bringing new approaches and, above all, fresh ideas to Munich. International ties boost the quality of research and teaching.

Professor Dr. Justin Sydnor then spoke about his current research in Munich and his personal motivation for coming to the city for one year. Professor Sydnor teaches management and insurance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, while in Munich he is a visiting scholar at the Munich Risk and Insurance Center at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität. He explained that, for him, what makes Munich special compared to other cities is the close connection between academics and the business community. This close cooperation helps create a unique environment for research, science, and academia.

The event also featured a moresca dance performance by a dance group from the Technical University of Munich. The reception that followed was full of lively exchanges across all scientific and cultural boundaries.

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