News

Shaping the Next Generation of Physicians

Interview with Professor Anette Wu, Associate Professor at Columbia University

From Surgeon to Global Educator: Anette Wu, Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University and Director of the International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP), brings a rare combination of experience as a clinician, scientist, and educator to the international stage. After training and practicing in surgery and transplantation immunology, she transitioned to global medical education and science diplomacy, leveraging her clinical insights to design programs that prepare students for intercultural teamwork and global health challenges. A frequent collaborator, she contributed significantly to this year’s DWIH New York theme, Global Health. In the interview, Wu reflects on how her multicultural background and diverse professional experiences shape her approach to international collaboration, shares her vision for equipping future physicians with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world, and emphasizes the importance of science diplomacy in medical education.

Leading in biomedical and genomic research

Interview with Katherine Walsh, Director of Alliance Management at Broad Institute

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard stands as one of the world’s leading centers for biomedical and genomic research. Its researchers have played key roles in the Human Genome Project, the Cancer Genome Atlas and CRISPR gene-editing technology. As the host of this year’s Future Forum, the Broad provides the stage where together with colleagues from Broad’s Office of Strategic Alliances and Partnering (OSAP) Katherine Walsh leads a team of alliance managers who work to translate complex scientific advances into knowledge that resonates. In this interview, she shares insights into the Broad’s mission, international partnering, and the most exciting research areas currently underway.

Connecting science, industry and the startup-ecosystem

Interview with Adrian Thoma, Managing Director of NXTGN

At the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and industry, NXTGN is shaping the future of deeptech innovation in Europe. Based in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg, the innovation platform supports breakthrough founders and helps established companies stay ahead. Recently named one of Germany’s official Startup Factories, NXTGN is set to scale its impact with bold goals and major backing. In this interview, Managing Director Adrian Thoma discusses NXTGN’s unique approach to innovation, offers insights into the differences in technology transfer between Germany and the U.S., and highlights the strategic advantages of Baden-Württemberg as a hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship.

Conducting Research in New York

Interview with Dr. Anna Axtner-Borsutzky

For many researchers, conducting research in New York is a dream come true – and last spring, Dr. Anna Axtner-Borsutzky had the opportunity to do just that. As a scholar of Modern German Literature at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), she participated in the LMU-NYU Research Cooperation Program. This allowed her to explore archives at NYU, Yale, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, all while serving as a Visiting Research Scholar at New York University. Read the interview to learn about the differences between the academic approaches of the U.S. and Germany, the importance of transatlantic relations for her work, and why you shouldn’t miss a ride on the Q train when in New York City.

News from University Alliance Ruhr

How Ruhr University is Combatting Right-Wing Extremist Activities

One year ago, Bochum’s citizens took to the streets in large numbers to march against right-wing extremism and for freedom and democracy. Many members of Ruhr University Bochum joined the protest, too. What is the situation at universities in general and at Ruhr University Bochum in particular? Professor Isolde Karle, Vice Rector for Diversity, discusses in an interview with Hubert Hundt, Head of Communication at Ruhr University Bochum, how the university can stand up to right-wing extremist movements on campus.

Co-CEO of Digity and Participant in the STEP USA University Program

Interview with Viola Bartels

Manual work often leads to physical strain and injuries – a reality Viola Bartels experienced firsthand during her work in orthopedic technology. Together with her co-founder Miguel Bravo Cabrera, she established Digity, a start-up based in Göttingen specializing in hand and finger exoskeletons. In November, both founders participated in our STEP USA University Program, a dynamic 4-day startup bootcamp held in the heart of New York City. The program offered interactive seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities, helping them lay the groundwork for a successful expansion into the U.S. market. In this interview, we explore the origins of Digity, hear about the founders’ experiences with the STEP USA University program, and learn what’s next on the journey for this innovative German startup.

Speaker at the FUTURE FORUM 2024 in Washington, D.C.

Interview with Ona Ambrozaite

Ona Ambrozaite is the inaugural Co-Director of the Johns Hopkins Science Diplomacy Hub and a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemistry at the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. As a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow, her work focuses on developing novel semiconducting materials with unique optoelectronic properties for applications in quantum information science and technology. Ambrozaite is also a speaker at the upcoming DWIH NY conference, FUTURE FORUM 2024, in Washington, D.C., where she will share her expertise on Science Diplomacy Hubs. Read the interview to learn how Ona Ambrozaite became interested in Science Diplomacy, why the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany serves as an example of successful Science Diplomacy, and her advice for young researchers interested in the field.