HomeBureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific AffairsRemarks & Releases...Joint Statement on German-U.S. Science and Technology Cooperation

# 									Joint Statement on German-U.S. Science and Technology Cooperation							

February 18, 2020

*This statement was released by German Federal Ministry for Education and Research and the U.S. Department of State following the renewal of the U.S.-Germany S&T Agreement, on February 18, 2020.*

The German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF), together with the U.S. Department of State, take the occasion of the renewal of the *Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany on Science and Technology Cooperation*(“S&T Agreement”), in force since 2010, to express views on important science and technology (S&T) endeavors in our countries and to prioritize future S&T collaboration.

The United States and Germany have a rich history of collaboration in science, technology, and innovation.  Our countries place a strong emphasis on the importance of research and development (R&D) to economic prosperity, public benefit, and the security of society, each spending roughly 3 percent of GDP on R&D.

To celebrate our relationship and to seek ways to deepen cooperation, Germany hosted the United States for a Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Berlin, in November 2019.  The JCM brought together nearly 60 representatives from government agencies and research organizations in both countries to discuss energy, health and life sciences, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum information sciences, in addition to cross-cutting issues of women in STEM and local and regional innovation systems in our countries.  Both sides highlighted examples of successful, ongoing collaboration at university and government levels—and discussed ideas for new lines of collaboration, notably a joint workshop in 2020 between the BMBF and the U.S. Department of Energy on artificial photosynthesis.

During the JCM, representatives from both countries committed to deepening bilateral engagement to advance scientific knowledge and technological innovation to address issues of mutual significance, including in:
        - AI infrastructure and data access, sharing, and management;
        - quantum technologies;
        - advanced energy science and technologies (e.g., in fusion materials, artificial photosynthesis, and advanced battery technologies);
        - health security research, including during outbreaks; and
        - the bioeconomy.

Across all areas, but particularly in emerging technologies, there was a clear desire to discuss recruiting and training the next-generation workforce.

Looking forward to the next decade of U.S.-German S&T cooperation, we support R&D that benefits citizens, demonstrates respect for all stakeholders, and is rooted in integrity demonstrated by shared commitment to foundational scientific values and principles, such as reciprocity, meritocracy, openness, and transparency.  Together, we further recognize the importance of leadership from democratic nations on the development of emerging technologies, to ensure applications are consonant with our shared values and serve to benefit society.

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Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific AffairsGermanyOffice of Science and Technology CooperationScienceScience, Technology, and InnovationScientific and Technological CooperationTechnology

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