The University of Sharjah received a distinguished delegation from the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) as part of efforts to explore avenues for academic collaboration. The delegation was led by Her Excellency Sybille Pfaff, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and Prof. Verena Lieber, Chair of the Academy’s Board of Trustees, accompanied by several board members. 

The visit aimed to strengthen scientific and academic cooperation between the University of Sharjah and AGYA, with discussions focusing on the University’s potential role in hosting the academy’s annual international conference next fall. The two parties also explored opportunities for student and researcher exchanges between the University of Sharjah and German universities, joint scientific publications, and the possibility of extending academy membership to young researchers from the University. Additionally, the two parties explored the prospect of establishing a regional office of the academy at the University of Sharjah. 

His Excellency Professor Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the University’s strong research and academic ties with numerous German universities and institutions across various scientific disciplines, including medical and health sciences. He noted that, under the patronage and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, President of the University of Sharjah, the institution has cultivated significant partnerships with German universities, particularly in scientific research, and joint academic programs. 

For her part, Her Excellency Sybille Pfaff commended the existing cooperation between the University of Sharjah and several German universities, underscoring the importance of further strengthening research collaboration. She affirmed that the German Consulate in Dubai would spare no effort in supporting these academic partnerships and fostering greater scientific exchange between the two sides. 

During the meeting, members of the AGYA’s Board of Trustees presented an overview of the academy’s mission and role in supporting young researchers in the sciences and social sciences. Headquartered in Berlin, the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities serves as a bridge linking Arab students and researchers with German institutions and universities. Its membership includes scholars from across the Arab world, providing a platform for international academic engagement and collaboration. 

The meeting was attended by Professor Yousuf Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Professor Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies; directors of the University’s research institutes; and the Director of the Office of International Relations. Representing the German delegation were Prof. Sabine Dorpmüller, Director-General of the Academy, along with several of AGYA’s board members.