New momentum for collaboration: Stellenbosch University Rector visits TUM

Prof. Ramjugernath visited TUM together with Jeanneret Momberg, Director of Individual Giving and Alumni Participation at Stellenbosch University. The dialogue with TUM President Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann and Prof. Juliane Winkelmann, TUM’s Executive Vice President for International Alliances and Alumni, built on the long-standing partnership between the two institutions and opened up new perspectives for its future development.

Emerging research fields in focus

The discussions centered on opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in research and innovation. Particular attention was given to new potential areas for cooperation, including biotechnology, rare diseases, space science, geodesy, and Earth observation.

The partners also exchanged views on the integration of technology with the social sciences and humanities. Through its TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, TUM plays a leading role in advancing interdisciplinary approaches that place technological innovation within a broader societal context.

A strategic partnership with strong foundations

Stellenbosch University is one of TUM’s most important partner universities in Sub-Saharan Africa and ranks among its strongest scientific publication partners on the African continent. A key pillar of the partnership is the successful collaboration within the framework of the TUM SEED Center.

Additional opportunities to expand cooperation arise from the long-standing partnership between the Free State of Bavaria and South Africa’s Western Cape Province, as well as from the recently launched Bavarian-Western Cape Biotech Initiative.

Exploring new opportunities together

The visit underscores both universities’ shared commitment to further expanding their strategic partnership and advancing new fields of collaboration. Key priorities include promoting excellence in research, strengthening international networks, and developing innovative solutions to global challenges.