UP Press Releases - University of Potsdam

Media Ininformation 11-09-2025 / Nr. 085

Photo: Kevin Ryl
The Japanese delegation at Am Neuen Palais campus,3rd from left: Prof. Oliver Günther, Ph.D.
Photo: Kevin Ryl
The President of the University of Potsdam, Prof. Oliver Günther, Ph.D. signing the framework agreement.

The University of Potsdam is expanding its network of international partnerships and will be cooperating with the Japanese universities of Saitama and Dokkyo from now on. Above all, the universities want to cooperate in the areas of student exchange and knowledge and technology transfer. During the visit of a Japanese delegation from Saitama Prefecture to Potsdam, the Presidents of the Universities of Potsdam, Prof. Oliver Günther, Ph.D., and Saitama, Prof. Takafumi Sakai, Ph.D., signed a framework agreement to that effect as well as a student exchange agreement. Saitama's Governor Motohiro Ōno, who led the delegation, also showed interest in cooperation in the field of transfer during the discussions at the University of Potsdam.

“I am pleased that the conclusion of these two partnerships will strengthen Japan's position in our portfolio of collaborations," University President Prof. Oliver Günther, PhD., said. "The friendship between Japan and Germany is more important to me than ever in these times of international crises, armed conflicts, and dwindling academic freedom. Starting with a structured student exchange program has proven to be a good way to initiate cooperation at other levels, in research, for example."
The state of Brandenburg has maintained close relations with the Japanese prefecture of Saitama for over 25 years, established in August 1999 with a partnership agreement. To mark the 25th anniversary of the partnership, Saitama's governor, Motohiro Ōno, is currently visiting Brandenburg together with the president of the local parliament , Yukihito Shirato, and a 40-strong delegation of representatives from parliament, businesses, research, and administration. Ōno and Brandenburg's Minister President, Dr. Dietmar Woidke, issued a joint declaration at the State Chancellery in Potsdam on September 10, reaffirming their intention to continue and deepen the close relationship. In the future, a particular focus will be on more intensive cooperation in science and research.

Photos:
2025_085_DelegationJapan_KevinRyl-5373: The Japanese delegation at Am Neuen Palais campus,3rd from left: Prof. Oliver Günther, Ph.D. Photo: Kevin Ryl
2025_085_DelegationJapan_KevinRyl-5261: The President of the University of Potsdam, Prof. Oliver Günther, Ph.D. signing the framework agreement. Photo: Kevin Ryl

Contact:
Marita Böhning, Senior Advisor for International Affairs / YERUN Coordinator
Phone: +49 331 977-4190
E-Mail: marita.boehninguuni-potsdampde

Media Information 11-09-2025 / No. 085