Toronto in late January: freezing temperatures outside (down to –25°C), intense debates inside. A joint delegation from German U15 and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) traveled to Canada from 29 to 31 January 2026 to discuss a central question with partners from academia and politics: What role can research-intensive universities play in an increasingly fragmented world?

One highlight of the trip was a public panel discussion at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto. Under the title “German-Canadian Transatlantic Relations: Science, Diplomacy, and Higher Education,” representatives from university leadership, science policy, and international research came together. The discussion focused on how Canada and Germany—recently described jointly by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as “middle powers”—can use their scientific strengths to ensure trust, openness, and innovative capacity.

The panel featured Michael Hoch, Chair of German U15 and Rector of the University of Bonn; Joybrato Mukherjee, President of the DAAD and Rector of the University of Cologne; Robert Asselin, CEO of U15 Canada; and Janice Stein, Founding Director of the Munk School. The discussion was moderated by political scientist Randall Hansen, former Director of the Munk School. Thorsten Faas, holder of the Hannah Arendt Visiting Chair in German and European Studies at the University of Toronto, provided contextual remarks. The event was opened by Anne Wagner-Mitchell, German Consul General in Toronto.

Beyond the panel, the exchange continued in meetings with Melanie Woodin, President of the University of Toronto, and Leah Cowen, Vice-President Research & Innovation. Discussions focused on strategic frameworks, institutional partnerships, and the long-term prospects for cooperation.

The delegation trip to Toronto demonstrated that research-intensive universities are far more than places of knowledge production. They are diplomatic actors, drivers of innovation, and key partners for politics and society. At the same time, the strength and growing importance of German-Canadian academic relations became clear—relations that are increasingly becoming a strategic pillar of international cooperation. German U15 would like to thank its Canadian partners for the open exchange, insightful contributions, and warm hospitality.

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At a glance

Date:
29–30 January 2026

Location:
Toronto, Canada

Who:
German U15, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Purpose of the trip:
Strategic leadership-level exchange on frameworks, priorities, and future prospects for research-intensive universities in Germany and Canada.