University of Freiburg
Advancing breakthroughs in biomedicine, sustainability, energy and environmental sciences.
The University of Adelaide (UoA) and the University of Freiburg (UFR), Germany, are united by a shared passion for groundbreaking research with long-lasting impact. Both institutions are leaders in interdisciplinary innovation, combining their expertise in areas such as biomedical and medical sciences, sustainability, energy, and environmental solutions to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges.
Collaboration themes
The Freiburg-Adelaide partnership focuses on two primary thematic areas: Biomedicine and Sustainability, Energy, and Environment. These themes reflect the complementary expertise of both institutions and their commitment to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges by leveraging cross-disciplinary expertise and pioneering research initiatives.
Areas of collaboration
Freiburg-Adelaide Partnership Fund
The Freiburg-Adelaide Partnership Fund supports joint research projects with the aim of fostering innovative research collaborations, providing financial resources to staff at both UoA and UFR to scale up projects and enable applications for larger external funding schemes.
Student mobility
The partnership has a student exchange program, nursing study tour, and opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to undertake short-term placements or internships in each other’s research laboratories, serving as a valuable stepping stone to the Joint PhD Program. For more information on research mobility, please contact the relevant Theme Leads.
Joint PhD Program
The Joint PhD Program provides a transformative international research experience, enhancing academic rigor, building dual networks and fostering a global research outlook. Doctoral candidates spend at least 12 months at each institution, benefiting from joint supervision and access to world-class facilities. The current focus of the Joint PhD is within the biomedicine theme.
Professional Staff Exchange
The Professional Staff Exchange Program facilitates the exchange of non-academic staff between UoA and UFR. This initiative supports relationship development and the sharing of best practices, enhancing professional development and fostering innovative joint projects. Each institution provides travel and accommodation grants for their staff.
Joint Research Workshops
Joint research workshops bring together researchers from UoA and UFR to explore collaborative opportunities and increase awareness of respective capabilities. These workshops are organised by thematic areas and are designed to identify new research projects and scale up existing collaborations.
Freiburg Rising Stars Academy
Each year UFR shares a call for applications for the Freiburg Rising Stars Academy with select university partners. This prestigious program brings together outstanding PhD candidates, postdocs, and early career researchers from around the world for collaborative research and international exchange in different research areas each year.
Contact us
The partnership is governed by a Joint Steering Group composed of university leadership, theme leads, and partnership coordinators from both institutions. This group meets quarterly to oversee and guide strategic initiatives, ensuring the ongoing success and impact of the partnership. Key initiatives include the development of annual activity plans, impact reports, and engagement with government and industry stakeholders.
For more information about the Freiburg-Adelaide partnership, please contact Susie Raneskold, Global Partnerships Manager (Europe).