Bilateral exchange of scientists
With the bilateral exchange of scientists, the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) promotes and supports project-related research cooperation between German and foreign research institutions in the fields of agriculture, food, forestry, nutrition and health-related consumer protection. The overall objective is to establish long-term working partnerships which benefit both countries.
This instrument is also used for a doctoral programme with selected partner countries. Support is provided for research visits by foreign doctoral candidates and postdocs to German research institutions. Their research projects focus on specific issues in the area of global food security and nutrition. Currently the regional focus is on eastern and southern Africa.
In addition to the scientific training of foreign doctoral candidates, the initiative is aimed at establishing long-term partnerships between German and foreign research institutions. Capacity development plays a critical role in improving food security and nutrition. The bilateral exchange of scientists helps organisations and societies in the partner countries to develop the capabilities to gradually achieve food security and nutrition on their own.
