Americas

XII Annual Meeting and V Scientific Symposium of the Argentine Scientists Network in Germany

The annual scientific symposium was hosted in the Argentinian Embassy in Berlin

December 01st, 2022
Daniela Desantis, News from Berlin
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The Red de Científicos Argentinos en Alemania (RCAA) celebrated its annual scientific symposium and meeting, with the participation of notable figures in scientific cooperation between Argentina and Germany. The event took place on December 1st and 2nd, 2022, and was held both in-person and virtually. The Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Berlin provided its facilities for the events, as has been the case since the foundation of the network in 2009.

The IV Scientific Symposium commemorated the 10-year existence of the Argentine-German University Center (CUAA). After the opening by Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini, scientific coordinator of the RCAA, and Secretary Mr. Martín Castro on behalf of the Embassy, a block was dedicated to presenting the CUAA's activities by its director, Mr. Daniel Zimmermann, as well as four examples of binational degree projects and student exchange programs funded by the center. The symposium continued with a presentation by Prof. Barbara Göbel of the Ibero-American Institute in Berlin, and winner of the Leloir Prize, on "Scientific cooperation between Germany and Argentina: Potentials and challenges for social sciences and humanities." Finally, eight researchers from Argentina and Germany from different areas presented their research work.

The XII Annual Meeting began with welcoming words from Ambassador Fernando Brun. Aspects related to the recognition of Argentine degrees in Germany were discussed during the meeting, with the participation of Susanne Schwägerl from the Central Office for Education Abroad of the Permanent Conference of the Ministers of Education from different states. In addition, Jonas Kliesow from the Project Management Agency of the German Aerospace Center presented the financing mechanisms for collaborative projects between the two countries on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Research of Germany.

In an additional block, the topic of the return of researchers and their reincorporation into the Argentine science and technology system after an experience abroad was discussed, for which three repatriated researchers commented on their experiences. The usual virtual communication with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MINCyT) took place, with the participation of Karina Pombo, National Director for Promotion of Science Policy, and Carolina Mera, Coordinator of the Raíces Program. Finally, there was a session for group work and the general assembly of the RCAA.

The event was attended by more than 40 Argentine scientists, and the meeting was presided over by Prof. Dr. Aldo Boccaccini, Scientific Coordinator of the RCAA. This year marks the 13th year of the RCAA's existence, which has shown a strong commitment to its objectives and a high degree of institutionalization. It has served as an example for the creation of other networks, both Argentine and from other Latin American countries. Currently, the Raíces Program has 21 networks in 20 countries, all of which are important instruments for international scientific cooperation.

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