Hannah Weckemann, who coordinates LMU's new strategic partnership with Stellenbosch University, attended the annual networking conference SIAN in South Africa from March 8 to 14, 2026.
The conference brings together Stellenbosch University’s international partners to strengthen collaborations, share internationalization experiences, and to launch new joint initiatives.
Global Challenges and Science Diplomacy
Panel discussions and workshops featuring numerous international speakers addressed topics such as equal partnerships with African partners, key factors for successful cooperation, and the growing importance of science diplomacy in a world marked by multiple crises.
Prof. Guy Midgley, Director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University, highlighted the persistent inequality regarding access to research infrastructure, publications, funding, and sustainable structures for institutions in the Global South. These disparities hinder equitable participation in addressing global challenges such as climate change.
Global cooperation remains crucial, also during a pandemic. Hence, SIAN's agenda included an impressive visit to the state-of-the-art Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) on the Tygerberg Campus, which is the most advanced facility of its kind on the entire continent. The BMRI played a key role in research on the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, which was first detected in southern Africa.
LMU's Perspective in the Panel Discussion
On Wednesday, Hannah Weckemann represented LMU Munich in the panel discussion titled "Best Practices in the Development and Implementation of Global Regional Partnership Approaches and Strategies." During the discussion, she shared LMU’s perspective on how universities can strategically develop and sustain international partnerships on a long-term basis.
Exchange and Cooperation
In addition to the official conference program, bilateral talks were held with Stellenbosch University. These served as a follow-up to the visit by LMU President Prof. Matthias Tschöp and an LMU delegation to Stellenbosch in February 2026. The discussions focused on further developing the strategic partnership, exploring new opportunities for cooperation, and expanding student exchange programs.
At the Study Abroad Fair, Hannah Weckemann presented the study and exchange opportunities at LMU and spoke with Stellenbosch University students interested in studying in Munich. This is important for the development of a reciprocal student exchange program, enabling LMU students to spend a semester abroad in Stellenbosch without paying tuition fees.
Coming up
The next milestone in the partnership is the first LMU-Stellenbosch Networking Week, which will take place in Munich from June 8 to 12, 2026. Further details will be published online soon.
Hannah Weckemann’s personal reflection: “With temperatures reaching over 40 degrees and a packed schedule, it was a demanding week - but even more so, a highly inspiring and rewarding one. I met so many fascinating and diverse people from all over the world who broadened my horizons and showed me just how incredibly important it is to continue advocating for international exchange.”
SIAN 2026 demonstrated how important personal interactions and strong institutional networks are for successful international collaboration - in keeping with the conference’s theme: “In Africa, with Africa, for Africa: Research, Innovation, and Internationalization.”
Information about the LMU-Stellenbosch University (SU) Research Cooperation Program