International Science & Policy Symposium (ISPS)
#International focus"Navigating Global Responsibility - How Research-Intensive Universities Strengthen Societies" was the focus of the International Science & Policy Symposium in Hanover, Germany, from January 22-23, 2025. Leading academics, policymakers, and international experts gathered to address some of the most pressing global challenges.
In a world facing geopolitical tensions, threats to the liberal-democratic order, climate change, and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, universities are uniquely positioned to contribute to building prosperous, sustainable and democratic societies. Through world-class research, educating future leaders, fostering innovation, and providing critical spaces for reflection and dialogue, research-intensive universities play a central role in shaping the future. The International Science & Policy Symposium (ISPS) explored how universities can meet these responsibilities through five key focal areas:
- 1. Research & Innovation: Excellence in research, innovation, and global talent mobility
- 2. Geopolitics: Changing geopolitical landscapes and its risks for research and education
- 3. Sustainability & Security: Sustaining human life on earth through higher education: How universities contribute to food security
- 4. Universities as just institutions: Advancing equity, diversity and inclusion
- 5. Universities as spaces of open discourse: The state of academic freedom and free speech on campus
The program included moderated panel discussions with experts from science and politics, drawing from the outcomes of three Canadian-German working groups on geopolitics, sustainability, and EDI established in 2024. Participants engaged in dynamic exchanges through panel discussions, Q & A sessions, and networking opportunities during the event. Parallel rooms were provided for bilateral meetings and matchmaking sessions during lunch and coffee breaks, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. This symposium offered a unique platform to discuss how universities worldwide can collaborate to strengthen societies in a time of global uncertainty.
