In the course of his journey to Europe which included stays in France, Germany and Switzerland, Prof Dou Xiankang, President of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) visited the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) Head Office in Bonn in mid-October.  

He was welcomed by his counterpart, Prof Katja Becker, President of the DFG. They spoke on the topics of current challenges, the future bilateral relations between the two funding agencies as well as the jointly operated Sino-German Center for Research Promotion (SGC) in Beijing. The Presidents stressed the efforts and commitments made both on the Chinese and the German side to building a sustainable and robust partnership.

On the topic of future scientific cooperation opportunities, Prof Becker and Prof Dou talked about specific funding lines and joint calls between DFG and NSFC as well as the planned strategic activities of the SGC. Prof Dou informed his counterpart on the re-structuring within the Chinese scientific system and the resulting strengthening of the role of the NSFC. He emphasized the continued importance of Sino-German cooperation and promised his full support for its future development.  

The following day, Prof Dou met with Dr Heide Ahrens, Secretary General of the DFG. They continued the exchange on bilateral cooperation and also touched upon the topic of Sino- European cooperation.

During their visit to Bonn, the Chinese delegation also met with the Rector of Bonn University, Prof Michael Hoch, and the Deputy Secretary General of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Dr Thomas Hesse, as well as representatives of the Science Europe Governing Board.

Prof Dou’s visit to Bonn was the inaugural visit of the NSFC President to Germany. Prof Becker’s reciprocal visit to Beijing is planned for 2024.

Prof Katja Becker, President of the DFG and Prof Dou Xiankang, President of the NSFC

Discussion at the DFG Head Office

Prof Becker and Prof Dou with representatives of the NSFC, DFG and the Science Division of the Chinese Embassy.