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About the GCRI

• Who are the major parties involved in the GCRI?

  The GCRI project is part of the German Federal Foreign Office’s “Research and Academic Relations Initiative,” which was created to support the federal government’s “Strategy for the Internationalization of Science and Research.” Two German ministries, the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, share the responsibility of implementing the project. They do so in coordination with the alliance of German science organizations and the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce. While the start-up funding is provided by the Federal Foreign Office’s “Research and Academic Relations Initiative,” the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) have been entrusted with the leadership of the GCRI New York.

• Why was the GCRI created?

  The GCRI is one of five “Deutsche Wissenschafts- und Innovationshäuser” (DWIHs) worldwide. The DWIHs were created to enhance Germany’s visibility in the areas of science, research and innovation and to promote Germany as an attractive location for research, study and business. Another important goal is to provide a “one-stop shop” for information about the German research landscape and funding sources. In addition to the GCRI New York, other DWIHs were created in Moscow, New Delhi, Sao Paulo, and Tokyo to broaden German visibility in other locations with different regional priorities and strengths.

• What distinguishes the GCRI from other German organizations in North America?

  The GCRI presents all facets of the German research and innovation landscape. It pools the activities of German research and intermediary organizations, universities and innovative companies. It provides a one-stop shop for all questions about the German science and research landscape, from funding sources to visa issues, while also coordinating opportunities for networking and idea exchange.

• How does the GCRI benefit German scientists/ researchers in North America?

  The GCRI offers a forum for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences. We create networking opportunities through the organization of conferences, thematic workshops and science dinners. These kinds of activities cultivate collaboration in a variety of disciplines. Members of the GCRI staff participate in conferences and workshops throughout North America and Europe and are available to answer questions in person during these events.

• Where can I learn more about the German Houses of Science and Innovation?

  You can get more information about the German Houses of Science and Innovation under the following link.

• How can I contact the GCRI?

  If you would like to contact the GCRI, please visit our Contact Us page.

Research & Funding

• What kinds of funding opportunities exist in Germany?

  You can find a comprehensive list with descriptions of funding opportunities by clicking on Funding Opportunities, the link of the Research in Germany page and by downloading the following PDF.

• What kind of funding opportunities exist for graduate students who would like to conduct research in Germany?

  Funding opportunities for graduate students are listed on our Resources for Graduates & Doctoral Students page.

• What kind of funding opportunities exist for postdocs who would like to conduct research in Germany?

  Funding opportunities for postdocs are listed on our Resources for Postdocs page.

• What kind of funding opportunities exist for faculty who would like to conduct research in Germany?

  Funding opportunities for faculty can be found on the Resources for Faculty and Researchers page.

• Do I need to know German in order to conduct research in Germany?

  While it is not a problem to communicate in English at research institutes in Germany, there are still plenty of good reasons for at least gaining a basic knowledge of German. Language is the key to a country’s culture and can help you integrate more easily into everyday life. Hence, it would be helpful to learn the basics before your research stay. For natural scientists and engineers, good knowledge of English or German is sufficient. Scholars in the humanities and social sciences should have knowledge of German if it is necessary to carry out the project successfully. In the case of physicians, if the research involves work with patients, the candidate must have a good knowledge of German.

Events with the GCRI

• What types of events does the German Center for Research and Innovation host?

  The GCRI focuses on events that showcase the high quality of German research, while promoting the exchange of ideas between North American and German researchers and scientists, across disciplines. This is achieved through symposia, colloquia, science dinners, exhibitions, workshops, and other event formats.

• Who is the target audience for GCRI events?

  With a rapidly growing constituency, the GCRI invites attendees from across disciplines to take part in our events: from business to academia, the GCRI believes that each event offers a unique perspective and networking opportunity for all who attend.

• What are some examples of past events held by the GCRI?

  Please see our Past Events page for a comprehensive list of GCRI events. The list includes speaker biographies, event summaries, Powerpoint presentations, photo galleries, and other useful documentation.

• How can my organization plan an event with the GCRI?

  After you fill out our application form from our Plan An Event page, your event proposal will be reviewed by the GCRI Programming Committee. Applications should be submitted by the first Friday of the month in order to be reviewed and evaluated by the end of the month. For further information, please see pages 4 and 5 of the application form or contact us with specific questions at events@germaninnovation.org

• What kind of space can the GCRI offer for a co-sponsored event?

  Located in the German House at 871 United Nations Plaza, the GCRI offers an auditorium, several meeting rooms, a restaurant, and an exhibition space.

• How can I learn more about the GCRI’s events?

  Please contact us at events@germaninnovation.org with any specific questions you have.