The Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Oxford on Friday during a state visit to the UK. President Steinmeier attended an academic showcase at the University of Oxford’s Divinity School, and was admitted to an Honorary Degree during a ceremony in Convocation House.
During his visit to Oxford, the President was accompanied by the University’s Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor. The visit highlighted Oxford’s strong ties with German research institutions, during which President Steinmeier met with researchers from the Oxford-Berlin Partnership, an interdisciplinary partnership between Oxford University and Berlin. The partnership has generated over £17 million in funding since its creation in 2017, supporting over 1,300 researchers.
The President also met with Oxford academics involved in developing quantum and battery technologies, as well as researchers from centres including the Centre for Democratic Resilience, which studies reactive political behaviour, and the Oxford Internet Institute, which focuses on tackling the challenges presented by rapidly developing internet technologies.
Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey said: “President Steinmeier’s visit is a powerful reminder of the depth of the ties between Oxford and Germany. Our collaborations stretch across disciplines – from science and technology to the humanities and social sciences – and they are strengthened by long-standing partnerships such as the Oxford–Berlin Research Partnership. It was an honour to welcome the President and First Lady to showcase the research and innovation that our academics and students advance with colleagues across Germany.”
President Steinmeier’s visit to Oxford was the final leg of his three-day state visit to the UK. Earlier in the week, the German President was hosted by Their Majesties the King and Queen, and also met with members from both Houses of Parliament.
Speaking about his visit to the University, President Steinmeier said: “Preserving one’s independence is one of academia’s noblest tasks. That is why I regard the concept of the university as numbering among the most important gifts that Europe has bestowed upon itself and the entire world. The collaboration between the University of Oxford and the Berlin universities which form the Berlin University Alliance is a prime example of the European tradition of joint research and the free exchange of knowledge beyond national borders.
“I feel deeply honoured to have been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Oxford today. Rest assured that I will do my best to continue promoting academia, research and inter-university collaboration.”
