Representatives of German U15 and the French university alliance Udice met in Berlin on 6 November 2026 to discuss current developments in research policy and shared European challenges. The discussions focused on the future of research funding in Europe and the EU’s tenth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10).

The meeting began with an exchange between the delegations, led by Prof. Dr Michael Hoch, Rector of the University of Bonn and Chair of German U15, and Prof. El Mouhoub Mouhoud, President of Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL). They discussed recent developments, policy priorities and challenges facing research-intensive universities in Germany and France.

A key focus of the meeting was the development of a common position on the future of European research funding. Both alliances agreed on a joint statement entitled “A strong research and innovation base for Europe”, which was published on 12 November 2026. In the statement, they reaffirm their call for an ambitious and adequately funded FP10 that places scientific excellence and academic freedom at its core.

In particular, German U15 and Udice advocate for reliable research funding, stronger support for curiosity-driven research and the preservation of the programme’s science-driven character. Security and defence policy priorities must not lead to funding being diverted away from fundamental research.

With their joint statement, German U15 and Udice reaffirm their conviction that strong and independent research is essential to Europe's competitiveness, resilience and technological sovereignty.

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At a glance

Meeting of German U15 and Udice

Date: 6 November 2026

Location: Berlin

Participants: Representatives of German U15 and Udice 

About Udice: Founded in 2020, Udice is an alliance of 13 leading research-intensive universities in France. It advocates for excellence in research, high-quality higher education and thriving innovation ecosystems.

Objectives of the meeting:

• Exchange views on current research policy developments and challenges in Germany and France
• Strengthen Franco-German cooperation between research-intensive universities
• Adopt the joint statement “A strong research and innovation base for Europe” on the future of European research funding