A delegation from Saxony led by the Rector of TUD Dresden University of Technology, Prof. Ursula Staudinger, officially opened the Saxon Science Liaison Office India in Chennai on October 23, 2024 on behalf of Saxon’s Minister of Science, Sebastian Gemkow and the other 13 Saxon Universities. The Science Liaison Office aims to foster cooperation between scientists as well as entrepreneurs in India and in Saxony. The Office will also support strategic student selection for study programs in STEM subjects at Saxon Universities. Based in Chennai and headed by Bibhu Mishra, TUD operates this office on behalf of all Saxon universities and research institutions.

Forging partnerships with institutions of higher education and research institutes

Sebastian Gemkow, Saxony’s Minister of Science, stated: “We are happy to open the fourth Saxon Science Liaison Office abroad. The Saxon Science Liaison Office India based in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is the second office to be run by TU Dresden on behalf of the Saxon Ministry of Science after the opening of an office in Taiwan. Its central task is to initiate relationships for scientific and student exchange and joint projects for all Saxon universities with partner universities in India. The office is the central point of contact for partners on the Indian side, in particular for universities and institutes that train the qualified specialists of tomorrow in STEM fields. We are substantially expanding our relationships here."

In her address to the guests at the evening reception celebrating the opening of the Science Liaison Office, Prof. Staudinger emphasised that “TUD is very proud to lead the Saxon Science Liaison Office India and support all of Saxony’s universities in their efforts to strengthen ties with institutions of higher education and research institutes in the State of Tamil Nadu and beyond. In addition to forging partnerships with leading universities and schools, the office will support talent recruitment, help initiate and strengthen collaborations in research, teaching, entrepreneurship and transfer as well as promote Saxony as an innovation hub.”

The office actively participates in higher education fairs and various promotional events to attract Indian talent to Saxon universities, industries, and businesses. It also provides study counselling to those interested in academic programs. In addition, the Saxon Science Liaison Office India promotes scholarship and funding programs designed to foster greater academic and research collaborations between Saxony and India, and it supports the facilitation of scientific delegation visits.

Supporting Saxony’s Action Plan for Skilled Migration

The establishment of the office aligns with the Free State of Saxony’s strategic action plan to attract international talent, particularly in areas experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals. By targeting students from specific countries and disciplines, Saxony is positioned as an appealing destination for education and employment. The office also seeks to create early connections between students and Saxony’s economy, such as through internships or work placements, ensuring smoother transitions from academia to professional careers in the region.

Mr. Frank Denner, Deputy Consul General of Germany in Chennai, and Mr. Kumar Jayant, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu both attended the ceremony and provided welcome addresses. Representatives of German institutions based in India, including DAAD, the Goethe-Institut as well as various Indian higher education institutions were present on this occasion.

Deputy Consul General of Germany in Chennai, Mr. Frank Denner, said: “We are currently celebrating 50 years of successful collaboration in science and technology between India and Germany. The Saxon Science Liaison Office will enrich this successful collaboration and build bridges of knowledge.”

Mr. Kumar Jayant, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, commented on the rising demand for German language classes among students at Tamil Nadu’s colleges and a strong interest in collaborating with partners in Germany. Given Tamil Nadu’s economic power and its high density of educational institutions, he welcomed Saxony’s initiative to deepen collaborations with Tamil Nadu.

Contact:

Mr. Bibhu Mishra
Representative Saxon Science Liaison Office India
Prestige Palladium Bayan, The Executive Centre, 5th Floor
Greams Rd, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600006 India
Tel.: +91 44 4675 6272
Mail:

Pressestelle TU Dresden
Tel.: +49 351 463-32398
Mail:

International Office TU Dresden
Tel.: +49 351 463-39607
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