latin america DAAD/ VOLKER LANNERT Summary

Welcome...... 5 German–Latin American collaboration: outlines and insights...... 6 The DFG...... 8 Our partners in Latin America...... 10 Funded projects...... 12 Argentina...... 12 Brazil...... 16 Chile...... 20 Colombia...... 24 Costa Rica...... 26 Ecuador...... 28 Mexico...... 30 Funding international research...... 34 Research marketing and promotion...... 36 Liaison scientists in Latin America...... 38 Contact...... 40

2 WELCOME

Internationality characterizes modern research in all its numerous facets. Collaboration across national borders on research topics such as migration or biodiversity loss, cooperation between the brightest minds in a particular research area, the transnational operation of major research infrastructures, and the diversity of cultures represented in a scientific working group – these are all standard features of scientific research in many countries around the world today. The internationalisation of science is not merely due to the necessity of collaboration, for example to increase knowledge gain or to generate scientific added value; rather, it has itself become a societal, social and cultural value. It occurs at all these levels, by way of a discourse on question and problem horizons as well as through mutual examination prof. dr. peter of knowledge traditions and research practices. It is thus instrumental in strohschneider enabling freedom of research across borders. For this reason, DFG has President of enshrined the promotion of internationalisation in its statutes, is involved the DFG in international organisations, and is represented around the globe by its branch offices.

Cooperation with scientific institutions and research-funding agencies in Latin America is one of the DFG’s strategic priorities. This publication is intended to shed light on the wide range of research collaborations between Germany and Latin America, and encourage new and more in-depth dialogue.

I wish you an inspiring read!

4 5 von Humboldt, whose 250th birthday we first universities were quite insular institutions, the establishment of research funding between the research communities in celebrate in 2019. Along with others such as however. An independent science system was agencies, international cooperation became Germany and Latin America reflects these Spix, Martius, Wied-Neuwied or Sellow – to not a high priority for colonial rulers, and for increasingly fundamental to the exchange of developments. As a result, the DFG appointed German–Latin American mention only a few – it was he who brought a long time only a relatively small number of scientific ideas and approaches. liaison scientists in Brazil and Chile in 2006, awareness of Latin American nature, culture, universities existed in Latin America. Over the last two decades, Latin America’s and four years later in Mexico. These efforts collaboration: outlines and thought to the German and European Thus the majority of today’s universities scientific potential has grown continuously enabled the DFG to strengthen relations with scientific communities and interested public. and research institutions in Latin America and the region has become progressively Latin American funding organisations and and insights Humboldt himself recognized early on that are quite young, having been founded in significant at the international level. This to establish an office in São Paulo in 2011. a purely Eurocentric view cannot lead to the 20th century, and indeed many of them especially applies to those Latin American The São Paulo office represents the DFG real insight, understanding and partnership in the second half of the century. Since the countries that set up advanced research throughout Latin America, and is housed dr. dietrich halm dr. kathrin winkler We are delighted to provide you with this between the two world regions. 1950s, academic and research infrastructure funding structures, providing an excellent within the German Centre for Research and Director Director brochure, which is designed to offer a The founding of the first universities in Latin in many Latin American countries has been International basis for international collaboration. Innovation (DWIH São Paulo). DFG Office Latin clear overview of the scientific cooperation America dates back to the 16th century. Those developed more systematically. Following Cooperation with The growing interest in cooperation Nowadays, first-class research cooperation America promoted by the DFG in Latin America. Latin America between Germany and Latin America is based Read on to gain insights into the on scientific excellence and takes its inspiration evolution and status of cooperation as a from a wide range of academic and cultural whole, find out which research funding backgrounds. It seems that Humboldt’s ideal organisations in Latin America are currently of mutual dialogue between researchers collaborating with the DFG and take a look from different cultures has indeed been at just a few of the joint projects underway realised, at least in part. Together with our between researchers from Latin America and Latin American partners, we will continue our Germany. These examples of joint initiatives active commitment to developing strategic serve as a small demonstration of the quality, research collaborations and will broaden our robustness and vigour of the cooperation joint initiatives in order to gain new knowledge among scientists and research institutions IMAGES LIBRARY / GETTY DEA PICTURE which takes inspiration from both worlds. that has developed over the years. Research collaboration between Latin America and Germany has a long tradition, and has evolved significantly since its inception. 3D LAB OF INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCES/POTSDAM UNIVERSITY OF GEOSCIENCES/POTSDAM OF INSTITUTE 3D LAB Centuries ago, even decades ago, interest German research pioneer Alexander in cooperation was principally driven by the von Humboldt viewing the Andes in the 19th century, and the latest basin- one-sided desire of European researchers to modelling technology used by the DFG- discover the “New World”. One of the most funded StRATegy project in Argentina famous pioneering researchers was Alexander to analyse today’s Andean foreland.

6 7 THE DFG The DFG Office Latin America in São Paulo

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Latin America is becoming increasingly important in terms of global Research Foundation) is the central self-governing scholarly output. This development is also reflected in the rising number research funding organisation in Germany. Its mission of collaborations between German and Latin American researchers. is to promote curiosity-driven research. The mission of the the DFG Office Latin America is to strengthen and The DFG serves all branches of science and the enhance cooperation. Our main objectives and activities are: humanities by funding research projects at universities and other research institutions. It FOSTERING INTERNATIONAL promotes excellence by selecting the best research projects on a competitive basis in a transparent process and actively encourages interdisciplinary and RESEARCH COLLABORATION international cooperation. The DFG is particularly committed to supporting early career researchers to be a contact to inform and advise to maintain and Developing and maintaining strategic collaboration by jointly funding workshops and to gender equality in science and academia. point for researchers local and German expand strategic partnerships with funding organisations and strategic research events. as well as scientific scientists and research partnerships with Latin in Latin American countries is one of the These efforts have resulted in a wide range In organisational terms, the DFG is an association under institutions and institutions about research American funding DFG’s key activities in Latin America. Our funding organisations opportunities in Germany organisations and to of bilaterally funded research projects and private law. Its members are German universities, central aim here is to promote research in all Latin American as well as possibilities develop instruments initiatives, ranging from support for research research institutions, scientific associations and the collaborations between Latin American and Caribbean for international for international visits and workshops to grants for individual academies of science. The DFG receives an annual countries; collaboration; collaboration; and German researchers on specific topics joint projects to the establishment of large budget of about 3.2 billion euros, primarily from the of interest with potential for cooperation. research consortia. German federal and state governments. We develop our joint funding schemes With offices in São Paulo, Washington DC, New York, in close consultation with our partner By offering such flexible funding programmes Moscow, New Delhi and Tokyo, as well as the Sino- organisations. These schemes are mostly for international collaboration, the DFG German Centre for Research Promotion in Beijing, based on the principle of matching successfully finances research projects the DFG has expanded its presence in other research funds, which guarantees shared success of scientific excellence in various fields regions around the world in recent years. to initiate, organise to provide special to monitor and analyse and the mutual responsibility of all of knowledge in cooperation with the and support support to early career developments in scientific organisations involved. funding organisations of a number of Latin measures to promote researchers through and research policy in American countries. cooperation, such seminars, consultation Latin American countries, Over recent years, the DFG has launched In 2017, the DFG funded over as international and events, in close thereby stimulating the joint calls for the submission of research You can find out more about the DFG’s seminars, workshops collaboration with key dialogue between German proposals in various scientific areas, partner organisations in Latin America or conferences; German and foreign and Latin American developed common long-term funding and some of our projects on the 30,000 projects stakeholders, and researchers, as well as research and funding schemes with specific funding organisations following pages. with an annual budget of 3.2 billion euros organisations. in Latin America and promoted research

8 9 ``Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation MEXICO (COLCIENCIAS) ``Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes) ``Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA) ``Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES) ``National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) ``São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) ``National Council of Science and Technology ``Rio de Janeiro Research Foundation (FAPERJ) OUR (CONACYT) COSTA ``Minas Gerais Research Foundation (FAPEMIG) RICA

PARTNERS ``Costa Rican National COLOMBIA Council of University Rectors (CONARE) IN LATIN ``National Council for Scientific and Technical ECUADOR AMERICA Research (CONICIT)

Funding of excellent cross- national research projects in all ``Secretariat for BRAZIL scientific fields requires partner Higher Education, Science, organisations with compatible Technology programmes and resources. and Innovation (SENESCYT) The DFG has agreements for the co-funding of research projects and researcher mobility with the ``National Scientific and Technical following partners: Research Council CHILE (CONICET)

``National Commission for ARGENTINA Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT)

10 11 Funded projects | Argentina

The objective of this project is to take happens and how it affects the properties of Enhancing advantage of complementary know-how. those new cells. While the Argentinian principal investigator In contrast, Prof. Berninger’s team induced (PI), Dr. Alejandro Schinder, is an expert studies areas of the cerebral cortex where on the development and maturation of no neurons are born. “Using some molecular neural stem cells, the German PI, Prof. tricks, we are able to convert other cells into neurogenesis in Benedikt Berninger, is a specialist in cell neurons, a process called reprogramming. reprogramming. This project combines the However, these new neurons are not yet the damaged findings and knowledge of the laboratories mature. So, the idea of the project is to take led by both researchers with the aim of some of the lessons we learned from Dr. mouse cerebral investigating the effects of electrical activity Schinder’s work and test whether we can on the development and integration of improve the maturation of the engineered cortex by induced neurons in the damaged adult neurons in areas of the brain where there is cerebral cortex and thereby optimising no natural neurogenesis, with the idea that OVERVIEW activation of local strategies for future brain repair. maybe, one day, this can be used to replace This project combines the findings and expertise “When you have damage in the brain, degenerated neurons. At this point, it is not of both groups to investigate the effects of electrical activity on the development and microcircuits spontaneous recovery is very limited. For clinical therapy, it is just an experimental integration of induced neurons in the damaged example, in a stroke, neurons die and approach”, the professor explains. adult cerebral cortex. there is no regeneration. So we are trying Both researchers met in 1997 in San DURATION: Since 2018 to find ways to change this”, explains Prof. Diego, California, during their post-doctoral Berninger. Dr. Schinder’s group works with studies and have maintained contact since SCIENTIFIC AREAS: Developmental Neurobiology and Cellular Neuroscience a part of the brain called the hippocampus, then. “Science and research are international where there is neurogenesis throughout life. endeavours. There are no borders when it INVOLVED INSTITUTIONS: ``Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg- They study the processes by which neural comes to asking questions about biology Universität Mainz stem cells give rise to neurons, how they and nature, so cooperation brings together ``Fundación Instituto Leloir integrate into the existing neural network different approaches, thoughts and ideas PARTNER ORGANIZATION: Scientific and and what regulates this integration. These about a problem. Everyone contributes with Technical Research Council (CONICET) - Programa neurons mature at a certain speed, but this different perspectives based on their own de Cooperación Bilateral pace can be accelerated by manipulations of culture and environment, which widens the Induced neurons (yellow) and DFG PROGRAMME: Research Grants the environment and by certain other stimuli. lens through which we look at questions”, glial cells (red and green) in the

He and his team are interested in how this Prof. Schinder says. DR. NICOLÁS MARICHTAL cerebral cortex of a mouse. WEBSITE: bit.ly/neurogenesis-project

12 13 Funded projects | Argentina

Surface processes, regions constitute areas with exceptionally high biodiversity, which will face fundamental OVERVIEW environmental changes over the next decades, tectonics and including important societal challenges. A German-Argentine project that combines training of PhDs with interdisciplinary research “Mountains are the sentinels of change, into the source-to-sink system of the Argentine georesources: the because high-mountain environments are Andes and the adjacent foreland basin. sensitive recorders of climate-driven and DURATION: Since 2015 Andean foreland basin of tectonic impacts on the Earth’s surface. The Andes comprise one of these highly SCIENTIFIC AREAS: Geology, Palaeontology, Geochemistry, Sedimentology, Seismology, Argentina (StRATEGy) dynamic terrains, where almost 70% of the Mineralogy and Economic Geology. population lives in an area prone to natural hazards”, says Prof. Manfred Strecker, the INVOLVED INSTITUTIONS: ` Universität Potsdam This International Research Training Group German PI of StRATEGy. ` Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam / Deutsches (IRTG) addresses topics that extend from the To deal with this challenging and dynamic GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ) complex relationships between tectonics, environment, the doctoral students of the ` Universidad de Buenos Aires: INGEIS (Instituto de Geocronología y Geología Isotópica), IGEBA climate, erosion and sediment deposition IRTG gather data in the southern Central

STRATEGY (Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y to the conditions that are favourable to the Andes on a variety of crucial topics with the Ambientales de Buenos Aires) formation of hydrocarbon resources and aim of deciphering processes responsible ` Universidad Nacional de Salta: IBIGEO (Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del Noroeste Argentino) metallogenesis in the Andean realm. The for environmental change today and in the facilities and new methodologies”, explains ` Universidad Austral Andes are characterised by ongoing, yet geological past. Prof. Mónica López De Luchi, the Argentinian ` Universidad Nacional de Cuyo: IANIGLIA highly diachronous and spatially disparate StRATEGy brings together students not PI of the project. (Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y tectonism, as well as their resulting only from Germany and Argentina, but also The group also sees the importance Ciencias Ambientales) ` Universidad Nacional de Jujuy contrasts in relief, rainfall, and erosion. from Colombia, the U.S., Spain, France and of communicating the outcomes of their ` Universidad Nacional de La Plata This combination makes this region an Iran. “The exchange of researchers benefits research. “Today’s decision-makers can outstanding natural laboratory for the study both sides in pursuing our common goal. only meet the needs of a globalised society PARTNER ORGANISATION: Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) - Grupo of surface processes and their tectonic and A foreign researcher has access to a unique if Earth scientists provide them with the Internacional de Investigación (GII) climatic forcing factors. geological setting of the Andean foreland scientific basis for taking calculated risks. We DFG PROGRAMME: International Research Against the backdrop of global warming basin, whereas for an Argentine researcher, therefore engage our students in outreach Training Group (IRTG) and its impact on the distribution and amount being integrated into the German team activities, public speaking and dissemination of rainfall, tectonically active mountainous provides access to state-of-the-art analytical STRATEGY Basin modelling. training”, Strecker says. WEBSITE: www.irtg-strategy.de

14 15 Funded projects | Brazil prevent breakdowns”, explains Prof. Tilo Pfeifer, the German coordinator of the initiative. The selected projects prioritise current OVERVIEW hot topics, such as the use of simulation for A German-Brazilian research staggering dynamic production systems and the programme to generate optimisation of logistics chains. “We decided technological knowledge to focus on digital transformation, for instance that enables innovative We hope for a knowledge solutions and hence transfer to enterprises, the development of a learning tool based on a improves the productivity, since this would contribute virtual factory, which enables us to study the quality and sustainability of entire process and improve it in the real world”, manufacturing companies. to the creation of says Pfeifer. DURATION: Since 2008 new companies” Prof. Carlos Eduardo Pereira, the Brazilian SUBJECT AREAS: coordinator of the initiative, highlights the fact Production Management that many of the techniques developed by the and Operations To cope with the current trade scenario, it researchers of BRAGECRIM may be applied not Management is necessary to ‘think global’ when planning only by large companies but also by small or INVOLVED BRAGECRIM industrial processes. The expanding exchange of medium-size businesses, helping them to become INSTITUTIONS: Over 4.0 smart connected 30 Brazilian and German manufacturing model. research experiences and information within the more competitive. “We hope for a knowledge universities, research BRAGECRIM network creates a highly qualified transfer of the results to enterprises, since this institutes and industrial environment conducive to the emergence of new would eventually contribute to the creation of new partners manufacturing solutions, such as an increase in companies by Brazilian and German students from PARTNER the level of automation or better management of this initiative, leading to a growing consolidation ORGANISATIONS: Funded quality, innovation and information. of relations between both countries”, Pereira says. by the Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation Growing competition from countries with low- Dr.-Ing. Reinhard Freudenberg, who has been In the future, CAPES and DFG will adopt the of Graduate Education Brazilian-German cost work forces is putting enterprises worldwide a part of the initiative since its very beginning, principle of bilateral projects interconnected in a (CAPES). Partly funded by under considerable pressure to innovate, explains that at first the focus was on the entire network-like structure, such as the one used in the National Council for Scientific and Technological collaborative research which is compelling industries to improve the production chain: from energy supply and raw BRAGECRIM, to other fields of research. In this Development (CNPq) and efficiency of their production processes. Hence materials exploration, product development, structure, a central coordinator on each side the Brazilian Agency manufacturing technology plays an essential role production planning, machining and distribution, organises meetings and workshops in order to for Research and initiative on smart Innovation (FINEP). for sustainable development in many countries. all the way through to final use, repair and ensure dialogue between the projects within connected manufacturing That is why the main goal of this cooperation recycling. “Now we are focusing on Industry 4.0, each area of research. Regular publishing of calls DFG PROGRAMME: initiative is the sustainable strengthening of which means improving the efficiency and quality will enable the establishment of networks in Research Grants industry in Brazil and Germany through basic and of the entire process by using sensors that allow areas such as Chemistry, Industry 4.0/Advanced WEBSITE: www.bragecrim. (BRAGECRIM) applied research. us to speed up production more accurately and Digitalisation and Law. rwth-aachen.de/

16 17 Funded projects | Brazil

Dynamic phenomena in complex networks: fundamentals and applications

Number of What do your brain, global meteorology, the the principles of self-organisation in evolving Number of distribution of electricity in a country and complex networks, as well as the influence OVERVIEW participants: publications: CRUZ SANTA OF CALIFORNIA YI ZUO - UNIVERSITY websites such as Facebook have in common? If of heterogeneity in the network structure, A German-Brazilian IRTG to study the principles you thought of networks, you are on the right multiscale time delays and stochasticity. of self-organisation in evolving complex track. That is why physicists, mathematicians, These theoretical studies are connected networks with an interdisciplinary approach. 156 climatologists, biologists and geographers with the investigation of experimental and 264 DURATION: Since 2011 work together in this International Research natural dynamical networks, from lasers Training Group (IRTG) to understand the and hybrid networks of neurons through to SUBJECT AREAS: Biology, Physics, Geology, Mathematics, Climatology and Neuroscience functioning of large complex systems the Earth system. in various fields of application, ranging Our (extremely) complex Earth system is INVOLVED INSTITUTIONS: Number of Depth coded projection ``Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin from neuroscience, engineering and earth a special challenge for network theory, and (colour) image of mouse ``Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung (PIK) hippocampus sections. sciences to sociology and economics. This the focus of this IRTG. The main objective is doctorates ``Universidade de São Paulo (USP) ambitious study is only possible with a strong to understand the functioning of the Earth´s concluded: ``Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE) interdisciplinary approach. subsystems under changing conditions, ``Centro Nacional de Monitoramento e Alerta de The group aims to go beyond the usual especially global warming and deforestation group. Hence, interchange is not only the experiments and including dual supervision Desastres Naturais (Cemaden) studies on fixed topology by investigating in the Amazonian rainforest. “This topic subject but also the research method of this of each student, annual schools, workshops, ``Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) ``Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC) can yield vital discoveries that may directly 87 IRTG, in which international collaboration teleconferences, e-learning and wikiversity. ``Universidade Federal do Estado de São Paulo affect people’s lives, such as the prediction plays a central role. The key goal is to Even though researchers take advantage (UNIFESP) of tropical downpours and other potential develop a doctoral programme that enables of online interaction, face-to-face meetings PARTNER ORGANISATION: São Paulo Research natural disasters”, explains Prof. Jürgen early career researchers to work across are considered vital. “The complementary Foundation (FAPESP) - Thematic Projects Kurths, the German PI of the IRTG. various fields of network applications. expertise of the participants often leads to DFG PROGRAMME: International Research “We are living in a world where It comprises education about modern vigorous debate. But sometimes, all it takes Training Group (IRTG) interaction permeates everything”, says theoretical concepts and training on is to sit together over a glass of wine for new Prof. Elbert Macau, the Brazilian PI of the network applications, involving “hands-on” ideas to emerge”, Prof. Kurths says. WEBSITE: www.physik.hu-berlin.de/de/irtg1740

18 19 Funded projects | Chile

effects of those fields on the appearance and The scientists also developed computer evolution of stars”, explains Prof. Norbert models of evolving stars with magnetic fields Langer, the German PI of the project. and discovered that the large number of blue One of the highlights of this study was supergiant stars could be explained by the the discovery of several highly magnetised presence of strong fields inside massive stars. massive main sequence stars, which add In particular, the famous Supernova 1987A, to the evidence that about 10% of them which was the explosion of a blue supergiant PROF. ANDREAS REISENEGGER ANDREAS PROF. possess strong, large-scale magnetic fields. star, could be explained in this way. “Specialists with the required expertise are very rare worldwide. It would have Magnetic fields of been impossible to pursue this project in a national framework. It was great that massive stars and their the DFG-CONICYT initiative allowed this OVERVIEW Prof. Andreas collaboration, which otherwise would Reisenegger’s research have been very difficult to fund”, says Prof. This project united efforts in Germany and Chile compact remnants group in Santiago. to understand the evolution of magnetic fields of Langer. “An interesting aspect of our project massive stars, from their birth to their final stage was the participation of a postdoctoral as compact remnants. How do galaxies form and evolve across focused numerical computations, Chilean Number of researcher, Dr. Joseph Mitchell, working in DURATION: From 2012 to 2016 the universe? Massive stars are the major and German researchers have addressed publications: Santiago and in Bonn. He provided a strong agents that have driven the evolution of challenging questions in their field. link between both groups, which motivated SUBJECT AREAS: Astrophysics and Astronomy More than galaxies throughout cosmic history. There is “Stars consist of plasma, i.e., a gas made three Chilean Master’s students to continue INVOLVED INSTITUTIONS: growing evidence that magnetic fields play of charged particles (electrons and atomic their education as PhD students in Bonn”, ``Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn an important role in their development. This nuclei). As moving charged particles induce enthuses Prof. Andreas Reisenegger, the ``Max-Planck-Institut für Astrophysik (MPA) ``Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile project has united previously separate efforts magnetic fields, they are essentially expected Chilean PI of the project. ``Universidad de Chile in Germany and in Chile to understand the in all types of stars. However, since it is difficult 20 PARTNER ORGANISATION: evolution of magnetic fields of massive to incorporate them into stellar models, they National Commission for Scientific and stars, from their birth to their final stage are mostly neglected. In our project, we made Technological Research (CONICYT) - Proyecto de as compact remnants (white dwarfs or an effort to find observational evidence for Investigación Conjunta neutron stars). Combining an analysis of magnetic fields in young and evolved stars, DFG PROGRAMME: Research Grants existing observational data, rigorous physical and to find ways to incorporate them into Simulated magnetic fields of stars. reasoning, analytical calculations and well- stellar models, with the aim of predicting the AND HENK C. SPRUIT BRAITHWAITE JONATHAN WEBSITE: bit.ly/magnetic-project

20 21 Funded projects | Chile

The overarching research question of this valleys are lowered and ridges rise, and what climate gradient ranging from very dry to EarthShape: Earth surface project is how microorganisms, animals, and vegetation grows in different climate zones. humid climate conditions. plants influence the shape and development EarthShape straddles a number of scientific “The project improves our understanding shaping by biota of the Earth’s surface over time scales from disciplines and includes geoscientists, soil about how biota influence the shape and the present day to the distant geologic past. scientists, ecologists, and microbiologists to functioning of the Earth’s surface. This is These interactions control how soils form, study this complex question from different important because it will improve our ability to how water flows along the land surface, how viewpoints. Approximately 60 German and 20 predict how each surface will respond to future Chilean researchers are involved in a diverse vegetation changes associated with climate range of projects in this Priority Programme. and global warming”, explains Prof. Todd Alan All study sites are located in the Coastal Ehlers, co-coordinator of the programme at Cordillera Mountains trending north to south Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen. in Chile. These sites stretch from the Atacama Chilean researchers benefit from the Desert in the north to the Araucaria forests project in a variety of ways, generating more approximately 1,300 km to the south. The knowledge of their own country, as well as Number of site selection contains a large ecological and developing new international collaborations and strengthening existing ones. OVERVIEW doctorates: In 2019, the second phase of EarthShape will start with a kick-off meeting involving This initiative studies how biological processes form soil, influence topography and impact a group excursion to the four research sedimentation and erosion as a function of time. sites in Chile. At this meeting, there will A diverse range of disciplines from the geo- and be interdisciplinary discussions at the sites life sciences come together in this project in four 20 focus areas in Chile. and focused discussions on how biological processes influence the Earth’s surface. DURATION: Since 2015 Number “With the interdisciplinary nature SCIENTIFIC AREA: Geosciences of EarthShape we are advancing into of papers unchartered scientific territory. This project PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS: Countless, published: led by Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen and thus provides not only a substantial challenge, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam / Deutsches but also a unique opportunity to shape a GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ) new field”, says Prof. von Blanckenburg, co- DFG PROGRAMME: Priority Programme coordinator of the project at the Deutsches EARTHSHAPE 16 EARTHSHAPE GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ). WEBSITE: www.earthshape.net 22 23 Funded projects | Colombia

OVERVIEW

of a full environmental randomised simulator The main goal of MEDICI is the MEDICI that provides statistical data for IED detection exploration of new Humanitarian algorithms; and the investigation of highly efficient mine detection IED detection algorithms from gathered data. procedures that are independent of the microwave detection These research activities are designed to mine’s design. simplify and accelerate the demining process DURATION: From of improvised in Colombia. “We are investigating and 2014 to 2017 combining state-of-the-art radar technology in SCIENTIFIC AREAS: explosive devices in order to do that. However, this work must be Communications, done in close collaboration with the demining High-Frequency and personnel themselves to increase trust in this Network Technology, Colombia (MEDICI) Theoretical Electrical Examples of improvised novel technique. Technology transfer by itself Engineering explosive devices (IED). is not sufficient, which is why I started to offer PARTICIPATING radar lectures at our collaborating universities INSTITUTIONS: to support the education of Colombia’s next ``Ruhr-Universität Number of Colombia is the only country in Latin 2012. We discussed the fact that a project generation of engineers”, adds Dr. Baer. Bochum (RUB-EST)

Number MEDICI ``Technische participants: America where anti-personnel landmines regarding landmine detection was not only Beside the technical developments, the Universität and improvised explosive devices (IED) interesting from a scientific point of view, of papers project has had a great impact in respect Ilmenau (TUI) continue to be laid regularly. At least 10,253 but also from a humanitarian perspective. published: of internationalisation and intercultural ``Universidad Nacional de Colombians have fallen victim to these devices MEDICI was also the starting point for the understanding. “When we bring researchers Colombia (UNC) between 1990 and 2013. In contrast to founding of the IEEE Special Interest Group together, we connect cultural aspects and ``Universidad de los 14 conventional landmines, IEDs are fabricated on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT) people start to think outside the box. It is the Andes (Uniandes) in a nonstandard way with every-day Germany Section in 2017, currently based at perfect opportunity to reduce stereotypes PARTNER objects, having a variety of shapes, triggering the Ruhr-Universität Bochum”, explains Dr.- 8 and to connect people all over the globe. ORGANISATION: Administrative mechanisms and explosive content, and low Ing. Christoph Baer, one of the German PIs Since everything is based on common Department of metal content. This variability reduces the of the project. research, discussions never get boring and Science, Technology suitability of traditional detection methods. The key research topics that lead to our connection has a very solid foundation. and Innovation The main goal of MEDICI is the exploration highly precise mine detection procedures We recently submitted follow-up projects and (COLCIENCIAS) of novel mine detection procedures that are include the design of a novel, fully free-space started to work on a broad student exchange DFG PROGRAMME: independent of the mine’s design. calibrated, 8-port polarimetric UWB radar; the programme. Therefore, I am looking forward Research Grants “The starting point of the project was a development of a real-time, high-precision Improvised explosive devices to a productive and connected common WEBSITE: bit.ly/ workshop in Bogotá organised by the DFG in adjustment and tracking system; the design (IED) found by the project. future”, concludes the researcher. medici-project

24 25 Funded projects | Costa Rica

OVERVIEW The bat Saccopteryx bilineata is a highly The project interesting species for the study of syntax studies syntax production and perception because it production and is one of the few mammals capable of perception in bats by using different Communication and cognition vocal imitation, which constitutes a key to study proximate and ultimate causes observational, component of human language. In this of language evolution in a comparative experimental and in bats – a biolinguistic approach project, funded under the Heisenberg approach. “Some bat species are elaborate computational Programme with additional support in singers, comparable to songbirds. linguistic approaches. the form of a Research Grant, Dr. Mirjam Despite their versatile performance, vocal DURATION: Since Knörnschild studies syntax ontogeny, communication in bats is still understudied, 2015 regional syntactical differences and but an increasing number of people are SUBJECT AREAS: syntax flexibility. Using an interdisciplinary beginning to contribute to this field of Sensory and Behavioural Biology approach, she applies techniques originally research. So I am convinced that many more developed for computational linguistics to exciting facts about bat communication PARTICIPATING INSTITUTE: study syntax in bat vocalisations. will be revealed in the coming years”, the Freie Universität Berlin “I am interested in the communicative researcher enthuses. DFG PROGRAMME: and cognitive abilities of bats because The German biologist has been studying Heisenberg they have excellent control over their vocal bats for over ten years and hopes to find Fellowship + Research tract due to their echolocation ability. a permanent position as a group leader Grants This makes this taxon very interesting for at a research facility or as a professor at a WEBSITE: comparative studies on vocal learning university, which will be facilitated by the www.mirjam- and acoustic communication. My lab is Heisenberg Fellowship. After carrying out her knoernschild.org currently studying the occurrence and MSc and doctorate research in Costa Rica, maintenance of regional bat dialects and she has developed deep connections to this Number of their importance for communicating with country. “Costa Rica is ideal for long-term publications: conspecifics”, explains Dr. Knörnschild. behavioural studies because it is politically

CLAUDIA RAHLMEIER CLAUDIA Within this research, she seeks to stable, a safe place to work and has great establish bats as a mammalian model access to protected areas. The amount of field research in ecology, ethology and

Mirjam Knörnschild and flying conservation in Costa Rica is astounding”, 9 bat, Saccopteryx bilineata. says Dr. Knörnschild. 26 27 Funded projects | Ecuador

power generation) might be impacted by Environmental changes environmental change, and what measures could be taken to mitigate or even prevent in biodiversity hotspot adverse effects. The previous RU “Biodiversity and ecosystems of South Sustainable Management of a Mega Diverse Mountain Ecosystem in South Ecuador” Ecuador: RESPonse and pursued the goal of developing sustainable, science-directed land use options in areas feedback effects (RESPECT) where the natural forest was cleared by slash-and-burn activities of the local farmers. Number of In particular, interrelationships between This Research Unit (RU) is pursuing a long- organisms and their abiotic environment were doctorates: term study of biodiversity and interaction examined in field exploration and ecological OVERVIEW with the biogeochemical cycle in the Andes experiments to understand the functionality The overall objective of RESPECT is to reveal how of Ecuador, which started in the late 1990s of the natural and utilised compartment of ecosystem biomass production and water fluxes and continued through several projects the mountain ecosystem. Models of selected are affected by climate and land use changes in the south Ecuadorian Andes. funded by the DFG. The main objective of subsystems were developed to test the 39concluded PIs and PhDs during plot RESPECT is to reveal how ecosystem biomass impact of various land use scenarios before establishment on the pasture.

RESPECT DURATION: The research started in 1997 with production and water fluxes in the Tropical its implementation. a bundle project leading into the RU402, which Mountain Forest biodiversity hotspot will The researchers have established deep, lasted until 2006; continued in the project FOR816 from 2007 to 2013; then evolved into be affected by future climate and land-use trusting and vigorous cooperation with the forcing. To give an example: under future use, leading to watershed rehabilitation the programme PAK823-825 in 2013. The latest changes through alterations in response and leading local universities and their scientists, drought conditions, vegetation might suffer. and ensuring a robust supply of potable programme, RU2730, began in 2018. effect traits. but also with public and private non- 42ongoing The number or size of leaves might reduce, water and hydro-power services of the SCIENTIFIC AREAS: Biology, Geosciences and Over almost 20 years of research, the university cooperation partners active in the which means reduced biomass production ecosystems. It is also able to identify the Geomodelling adverse impacts of ongoing environmental environmental sector. and carbon sequestration, as well as less best adapted and sustainable land use PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS: Numerous, led change were observed. The pressing task is “Two ecosystem processes are of high transpiration, changing the water cycle”, systems resistant to climate change. The by the Laboratory for Climatology and Remote to calculate future projections on the manner priority for Ecuador: biomass production explains Prof. Jörg Bendix, the German introduction of those systems would Sensing of Philipps-Universität Marburg and extent to which the great wealth of and water fluxes. Both are influenced by the spokesperson of the RU. support the long-term welfare of local DFG PROGRAMME: Research Unit biodiversity and ecosystem services (such as state of the atmosphere (climate forcing) The research can be used to run farmers and the protection of the natural production of water for supply and hydro- and the response of the ecosystem to this through different scenarios for future land ecosystem with its high biodiversity. WEBSITE: www.tropicalmountainforest.org

28 29 Funded projects | Mexico

action and interaction as well as transnational OVERVIEW Between Spaces – and transregional interconnections within Latin America, between the Americas and This project aspired to new perspectives in the study of globalisation, seeking to contribute movements, actors on a global scale. The research programme to the reorientation of area studies by means focused on these movements, actors and of a dialogue between disciplines in the social and representations representations. sciences and humanities. “First, we looked at this phenomenon DURATION: From 2009 to 2018 of globalisation from a Latin American perspective. Second, SCIENTIFIC AREAS: History, Social and Cultural we did so taking into account its deep Anthropology, Political Sciences, Sociology, historical roots, which date back to the Economics, Literary and Cultural Studies beginning of European colonialism in the PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS: Between Spaces was a nine-year-long 15th century. We asked: Who were the ``Freie Universität Berlin International Research Training Group (IRTG) people active in globalisation processes, who ``Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin which studied globalisation from a new and what moved beyond the borders, and ``Universität Potsdam angle, aiming to access the wide range of how did people represent these processes in ``El Colegio de México (COLMEX) transcultural, translocal and transregional various media?”, explains Prof. Carlos Alba Number of ``Universidad Nacional Autónoma de interactions in interstitial spaces from a Vega, Mexican PI of the group. doctorates: México (UNAM) ``Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores transnational perspective. The objective of the studies conducted en Antropología Social (CIESAS) With its headquarters at the Institute was to give people a broader understanding PARTNER ORGANISATION: National Council of for Latin American Studies of the Freie of what globalisation has been and has Science and Technology (CONACYT) - Programa Universität Berlin and at El Colegio de meant for Latin Americans of different social Internacional de Graduados México and composed of an international classes, ethnic groups and genders over the 122 DFG PROGRAMME: International Research network of scholars from the humanities course of five centuries. Training Groups (IRTG) and social sciences, the initiative cooperated “This project was possible only because WEBSITE: www.lai.fu-berlin.de/en/entre-espacios/ with partner institutions in Berlin, Potsdam of the close cooperation between researchers Number and Mexico City. from around the whole world based at of papers The contemporary globalisation experience Mexican and German institutions. The spirit of has induced both social sciences and humanities cooperation on equal terms over a relatively published: to inquire after the movements that form and long period proved to be highly effective, transform space and spatial orders. Over the producing countless publications and more centuries, different movements and actors than one hundred doctorates”, says Prof. have continually produced new spaces of Stefan Rinke, German PI of the project. 198 BETWEEN SPACES

30 31 Funded projects | Mexico

round, elliptical cross-sections. Unique in OVERVIEW Hells Bells – microbially shape and size, these pendant forms grow A pioneer study of the in a lightless environment near the base of Hells Bells, uniquely shaped and sized generated underwater a 36m freshwater unit immediately above a speleothems from zone of oxygen-depleted and sulphide-rich the caves of Yucatán, speleothems from toxic saltwater. Uranium-thorium dating Mexico, which may reveal the history of verifies that these formations must have local precipitation. Yucatán, Mexico grown during the past ten thousand years and up until modern times, proving that the DURATION: Since 2017 Hells Bells must have formed at a time when the deep regions of the cave had already SUBJECT AREAS: Diver among Hells Bells from Geology and been submerged for thousands of years. El Zapote, between 30 and Palaeontology

During ongoing investigation into the “According to our data, the formation HELLS BELLS PROJECT 35m water depth. archaeological and palaeoecological geoarchives of Hells Bells is clearly tied to specific INVOLVED INSTITUTIONS: preserved in the submerged Yucatan cave hydrological and biochemical conditions near ``Naturkundemuseum system, scientists recently discovered a previously the halocline, the layer that separates the Karlsruhe unknown type of pendant speleothem, some of freshwater from the underlying saltwater. ``Universität Heidelberg which measure at least a metre, in the El Zapote Bacterial biofilms present on the lower Peninsula”, explains Prof. Wolfgang Stinnesbeck, “This project has only been possible ``Museo del and other sinkholes located west of Puerto surface of modern individuals are conformed the German PI of the project. with binational cooperation. Our Mexican Desierto Saltillo Morelos on the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula. by microbe assemblages different from the “This climate register allows us to partners showed us the site, eased our PARTNER Called “Hells Bells” by the local community surrounding water. If our interpretation proves to understand the climate changes that occurred way in the local diving community and ORGANISATION: due to their conical shape, these calcareous be correct and Hells Bells’ growth is conditioned at the end of the Pleistocene (Ice Age) when provided the complex logistics needed National Council of structures aroused the researchers’ curiosity due to the precise position of the halocline, we may the ecosystems in North America suffered to sample in a >50 m deep underwater Science and Technology to the enigma of their formation, which – they have an independent new tool to establish the drastic changes. Our project is part of a larger cave partially conformed by a toxic (CONACYT) - hypothesise – is related to microbiotic activity. depth position of this layer through time, and study under way since 1999 that seeks to H2S-rich environment. The Heidelberg Proyectos Binacionales Hanging speleothems, also called stalactites, thus for precipitation on the northern Yucatan determine the arrival of the first humans in group provided the lab facilities and de Desarrollo Científico (FONCICYT) result from physicochemical processes in which this territory and their role in the extinction of comprehensive knowledge on hydro- water high in calcium carbonate dries up. more than 70% of mammals that existed in geochemistry and petrography, while DFG PROGRAMME: Normally, they rejuvenate and form a tip at the our continent, such as elephants, sabre-tooth genome sequencing is being provided by Research Grants lower end. The formations in El Zapote, however, cats, camels, and sloths”, adds Dr. Arturo the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie”, WEBSITE: http://bit. expand conically downward and are hollow with González, the Mexican PI. says Stinnesbeck. ly/project-hellsbells

32 33 SPECIAL PROGRAMMES Collaborative Research Centres (CRC) Initiation of International Collaboration CRCs are long-term university-based research centres, established for up to 12 years, in which researchers In order to initiate and foster future bilateral work together within a multidisciplinary research projects, the DFG provides funding for preparatory programme. CRCs enable researchers to pursue an trips, including research visits and guest stays, as FUNDING Emmy Noether Programme outstanding research programme across discipline, well as workshops through this programme. This program enables outstanding early career institute, department and faculty boundaries, INTERNATIONAL The researcher based in Germany may submit researchers with two to four years of postdoctoral drawing together a number of individual projects. proposals at any time. The proposals must, however, experience to rapidly qualify for leading positions in Collaborative Research Centres consist of a large be received no later than three months before the science or for a university teaching career by heading number of projects. The number and scope of measures are implemented. The funding remains RESEARCH an independent junior research group, generally for these projects depend on the research programme. available for a maximum of 12 months after the six years. Applicants from abroad are expected to Individual projects are led by one researcher or jointly approval date and the trips abroad or guest stays in continue their research careers in Germany after the by several researchers. The programme aims at Germany may last for up to 3 months. The DFG enables cross-border funding comes to an end. excellent research within the group; the development cooperation between researchers MORE INFORMATION: www.dfg.de/international_ MORE INFORMATION: www.dfg.de/emmy_noether/en of priority areas and structural development at the collaboration Funding is initially awarded for a three-year applicant university/universities, interdisciplinary and supports collaboration with period and may be offered for another two years. Heisenberg Programme cooperation, support of early career researchers international partners in all its Proposals may be submitted at any time and must and equal opportunity for women and men in funding programmes. The DFG also INDIVIDUAL GRANTS PROGRAMMES The objective of this programme is to support conform to the relevant instructions. research. Project-specific funding as well as funding outstanding researchers who are eligible for launches joint calls for collaborative Under these programmes, any researcher holding a MORE INFORMATION: www.dfg.de/heisenberg/en for international exchange, Mercator fellowships, appointment to a long-term professorship to prepare research projects with partner doctorate is eligible to apply for funding to carry out networking, guest researchers and other funding research network to be designed in a relatively a research project at a German institution. for a senior academic role while continuing their pertinent to the objectives may be provided. flexible way, providing opportunities for junior organisations abroad. Learn more: research. It is intended for German researchers as well COORDINATED PROGRAMMES MORE INFORMATION: www.dfg.de/sfb/en/ research groups and strengthening collaboration www.dfg.de/international Research Grants Programme as appropriately qualified foreign researchers looking to with partners outside universities or abroad. pursue careers in Germany. These programmes offer funding for collaborative This program enables scientists to research a specific MORE INFORMATION: www.dfg.de/for/en Once accepted into the Heisenberg Programme, and long-term research projects involving a large DFG support for projects with topic within a limited time period of three years, group of scientists and more than one PI. Research Units renewable for a further three years. It is the most researchers can choose from four types of funding or international partners is generally A Research Unit is made up of a team of researchers flexible grants programme and has no proposal combine them as needed: MORE OPPORTUNITIES based on the principle of mutual working together on a research project which deadline. It may provide funding for: A Heisenberg position covers your salary and International Research Training Groups (IRTG) responsibility. Researchers working extends beyond the funding options available The programmes outlined in this brochure are just a provides flexible research funds. International Research Training Groups are bilateral under the Individual Grants Programme in terms of few of the DFG´s many funding opportunities. in Germany apply to the DFG, while Project costs: research staff, equipment, travel and publications; A Heisenberg temporary substitute position for doctoral programmes run by German universities thematic focus, duration and finances. Research Units Find more: www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/ their partners abroad apply for in conjunction with universities or research provide the staff and material resources required for Temporary Position for Principal Investigators: clinicians covers a substitute to perform your normal funding through their respective duties and provides flexible research funds. institutions abroad. They promote systematic carrying out intensive, medium-term cooperative To identify a German counterpart, access the funding for the leading investigator of the project; cooperation through joint research and qualification projects (generally for six years) and often contribute GERIT database, where you will find information partner organisations. Mercator Fellow: an intensive, long-term A Heisenberg professorship provides funding for a programmes, joint supervision and longer-term to establishing new research directions. Funding on over 25,500 research institutes in Germany: collaboration with researchers in Germany and temporary professorship (W2 or W3) at a German reciprocal research stays by doctoral researchers at opportunities for Research Units are subject to the http://www.gerit.org/en abroad. More at: www.dfg.de/en/mercator/ university as well as flexible research funds. the respective partner institution. IRTGs are set up same principles as research grants, and a budget for by 5–10 faculty members per institution and support setting up the research group as well as national and Apart from carrying out a research project in In many cases, the Research Grants Programme can The Heisenberg fellowship provides fixed funding per consecutive cohorts of 10–15 doctoral researchers international networking is also provided. collaboration with researchers based in Germany be used to fund the German side of an international month that can be used to conduct research at an from each side. IRTGs are funded for up to 9 years through a bilateral project, foreign researchers collaboration project. academic institution in Germany or another country. (divided into two funding periods of 4.5 years): A Research Unit consists of various programme may also apply for open positions in projects that The rights and obligations at the selected institution modules combined in accordance with the already have been funded by the DFG. Check all MORE INFORMATION: www.dfg.de/research_grants/ must be negotiated and agreed individually. MORE INFORMATION: www.dfg.de/gk/en/ requirements of the subject matter. This allows the projects supported by the DFG at: gepris.dfg.de/en

34 35 RESEARCH PROMOTING COLLABORATION 2018 – Prof. Dr. Gerhard Wörner, RESEARCH IN GERMANY The DFG Office Latin America regularly from Georg-August-Universität The initiative “Research in Germany – Land MARKETING participates in national and international Göttingen, lectured on volcanism in of Ideas” was launched by the German conferences and accompanies activities Buenos Aires and Santiago. Federal Ministry of Education and Research AND associated with funded projects in 2018 – Prof. Dr. Michael Brecht, from (BMBF) in 2006 to promote Germany various fields of research. It organises the Bernstein Centre for Computational worldwide as an outstanding research PROMOTION and promotes information events and Neuroscience Berlin and Humboldt- location. Together with the German workshops presenting research and Universität zu Berlin, presented lectures Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the funding opportunities in Germany, on neurophysiology and cellular Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and, originally, In addition to its liaison while collaborating extensively with neuroscience in São Paulo and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation activities and the German and foreign research and Rio de Janeiro. (AvH), the DFG conducts a wide range of promotion of scientific funding organisations in the process. 2016 – Prof. Dr. Frank Allgöwer, activities, many of them subject-specific, collaboration between The establishment of strategic scientific director of the Institute for Systems in Germany and around the world. This German and Latin events is another important avenue for Theory and Automatic Control of the includes participation in international American researchers, discovering potential and promoting new Universität Stuttgart and Vice-President conferences, organisation of information Leibniz Lecture with neuroscientist our office in São Paulo and promising research collaborations. of the DFG, lectured on cybernetics, events and workshops, and development

DFG Prof. Michael Brecht. also fosters awareness of smart energy distribution and Industry and distribution of information material for a research opportunities in 4.0 in São Paulo. variety of target groups. These measures are Germany. This includes the communication of LEIBNIZ LECTURES 2015 – Prof. Dr. Frank Kirchhoff, designed to: particularly interesting Since 2009, the DFG has been presenting from the Universität Ulm, gave a lecture showcase the German research landscape; outcomes of projects international lectures to foster dialogue on virology and the AIDS pandemic in increase the international visibility of funded by the DFG between laureates of Germany’s most São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. cutting-edge research in Germany; and information on prestigious science award – the Gottfried 2014 – Prof. Dr. Günter M. Ziegler, increase interest in international mobility funding opportunities Wilhelm Leibniz Prize – the scientific from the Freie Universität Berlin, and encourage collaboration; for collaboration with community and the public in general. At presented a lecture on geometry improve and unlock potential German researchers. least once a year since 2014, the DFG and physics in São Paulo. for innovation. Office in São Paulo has invited Leibniz 2014 – Prof. Dr. Onur Güntürkün, Prize laureates to give lectures and from Ruhr-Universität Bochum, lectured More information: Leibniz Lecture with mathematician participate in related events in on neuroscience in São Paulo and Rio www.research-in-germany.org RESEARCH IN GERMANY MARCOS ISSA/ARGOSFOTO MARCOS ISSA/ARGOSFOTO Prof. Günter M. Ziegler. Latin America: de Janeiro.

36 37 LIAISON Prof. Christina Siebe Prof. Gudrun Kausel SCIENTISTS Our Liaison Scientist in Mexico Our Liaison Scientist in Chile IN LATIN prof. dr. christina siebe has been a faculty member of the Geological prof. dr. gudrun kausel is an associate professor collaborations have been conceived at these Institute of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) at the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology encounters. It’s the perfect platform for early AMERICA since 1993. The daughter of German parents who emigrated to Mexico of the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh) in the city career scientists trained in Germany to present in the late 1950s, she was born there and attended a German school. of Valdivia, on Isla Teja, a fluvial island surrounded by their work in Chile and make themselves and After graduation, she went to Stuttgart to study Agricultural Sciences the Calle-Calle and Cruces rivers. In 2006, she took their fields of research known here”, she at the Universität Hohenheim, where she had her first experience with up her post as the first DFG Liaison Scientist in Chile. explains. The DFG Office Latin international collaboration, carrying out the fieldwork for her thesis in Born in Germany, Prof. Kausel completed a The UACh is located in an area colonised America, based in São Mexico and laboratory analysis in Germany. degree in biology and earned her doctorate at by German immigrants in 1850. That is why Paulo, also collaborates “While I was doing my thesis, I really enjoyed the research. So six Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. She then the university’s connection with Germany is so with liaison scientists years later, when I got my degree, I wanted to continue researching, and started out on her international academic career strong; today it encompasses agreements with located in Mexico and completed a doctorate, which I also did partly in Mexico and partly in CONTACT by researching and teaching in Botswana, Belgium, 26 institutions and double-degree doctoral Chile. They serve as Germany. After that, I came back to Mexico to work at UNAM, where I’ve PROF. DR. Germany and France, before moving to Chile. In programmes. The German influence is also contact persons and mainly been researching soil and pollution, and began to arrange student CHRISTINA SIEBE her research projects at the UACh, the professor is strong in the local community: Chile’s first CONTACT representatives for the DFG Liaison Scientist exchanges with the professors I’d met in Stuttgart”, Prof. Siebe explains. particularly interested in studying the effects of the brewery was established in Valdivia in 1851. PROF. DR. DFG, thereby connecting in Mexico Through these exchange experiences, she established connections with Instituto de Geología environment on gene expression. Nowadays, beer has also become a subject GUDRUN KAUSEL it with the major local researchers at other German universities, which led them to form a group Universidad Nacional “Being a Liaison Scientist is a fascinating adventure. of academic research in a project coordinated DFG Liaison Scientist research institutions and and propose a bilateral project to the DFG and the CONACYT in 2009. Autónoma de México It makes me learn about different areas of science, such by Prof. Kausel and Dr. Anita Behn (UACh), in Chile partner organisations. Instituto de Bioquímica & The project “Environmental dissemination and accumulation of Ciudad Universitaria as astronomy and astrophysics, which is increasingly which seeks to improve the quality of beer Microbiología, Facultad They provide information antibiotic pharmaceuticals, pathogens, and resistance determinants as Circuito de la Investigación important for Chile and makes the country known production in the area. de Ciencias about our funding caused by wastewater irrigation” was accepted and began in 2010. “In Científica s/n worldwide. Indeed, Chile is a natural laboratory for Another of the UACh’s bilateral projects is the activities and support Colonia Coplico El Alto, Universidad Austral de the same year, I was invited by the DFG to become a Liaison Scientist”, says Coyoacán those studies, because it spans for more than 4,200 km Research Center for Dynamics of High Latitude Chile (UACh) the DFG in identifying Prof. Siebe. Since then, she has been providing advice to local researchers 04360, México DF - across different climate zones”, says Prof. Kausel. Marine Ecosystems (IDEAL). In collaboration Casilla 567 the most outstanding interested in collaborating with German partners, maintaining contacts México “In my work for the DFG, I also focus a great with the Alfred-Wegener-Institut (AWI) in Valdivia - Chile research groups and early with local DFG partner organisations and coordinating scientific events. TEL.: +52 (55) 5622 4265, deal on early career scientists. In my experience, the Bremerhaven, UACh researchers are investigating TEL: +56 63 221798; career researchers. Through these activities, Prof. Siebe helps increase Mexico’s awareness ext. 155 most powerful tools to support them internationally and measuring the impact of global changes on Mob.: +56 63 8-1377852 of Germany as an excellent research location. E-MAIL: [email protected] are Summer Schools. Lots of incredible projects and the Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic regions. E-MAIL: [email protected]

38 39 CONTACT DFG OFFICE LATIN AMERICA Dr. Kathrin Winkler - Director Address: c/o German Centre for Research and Innovation São Paulo (DWIH São Paulo) Rua Verbo Divino, 1488, térreo. 04719-904, São Paulo – SP, Brazil Phone: +55 11 5189 8308 E-mail: [email protected]

DFG HEAD OFFICE Dr. Dietrich Halm - Director for International Cooperation with Latin America Address: Kennedyallee 40 53175 Bonn, Germany Phone: +49 228 885 2347 E-mail: [email protected]

WEB

IMPRINT English Portuguese Spanish © Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) April 2019

Publisher: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) Coordination: Dr. Kathrin Winkler, DFG Office Latin America Text and Editing: Bruna Escaleira, Carolina Santa Rosa Design: Jacqueline Hamine Translation and English Review: oneword GmbH, Norbert G Kramer Cover Image: DAAD / Volker Lannert

Reprinting and use in electronic systems, even in excerpts, is only permitted with www.dfg.de/latinamerica www.dfg.de/pt www.dfg.de/es prior approval by the DFG.

40