Scientific cooperation between Germany and France is a central pillar of the European Research Environment. At the institutional level and in specific projects, it is clear that the exchange between the two countries is wide-ranging, has grown over the long term and is strategically important. Researchers, lecturers and students alike benefit from this close partnership. The cooperation is firmly anchored politically – from the Élysée Treaty (1963) and the Treaty of Aachen (2019) to regular ministerial councils and forums on research cooperation. Germany and France coordinate closely on research strategies and provide targeted support for young talent, networking and innovation projects. German U15 and Udice are strong drivers in this regard: They bring together scientific excellence with institutional strength and international visibility. In close coordination with their member universities, they create space for joint initiatives, pool their expertise to develop common responses to global challenges and strengthen Europe's sovereignty in research, technology and innovation in the long term, for example, in key areas such as artificial intelligence, health and sustainability.