A delegation of leaders from the German state of Hessen visited Wisconsin Aug. 24–26 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the sister-state partnership between Wisconsin and Hessen and to explore new opportunities for academic and research collaboration.
Timon Gremmels, minister of the Hessen Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK), led the delegation. The delegation included representatives from six Hessen universities—Justus Liebig University Giessen, Technical University of Darmstadt, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, University of Kassel, Marburg University, and Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences—along with HMWK representatives.
During the visit, Gremmels also met with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers as part of the delegation’s engagements highlighting the 50-year sister-state partnership.
Wisconsin and Hessen established their sister-state partnership in 1976, creating what has become the longest German-American sister-state relationship. Higher education has become an important part of that connection, supporting student and faculty exchange, research collaborations, and relationships among institutions across the two states.
Gremmels called student exchange the “vibrant core” of the Hessen-Wisconsin relationship, noting that cooperation has expanded to include research and scientific collaboration.
“Our universities bring together talent, researchers, excellent infrastructure, and complementary areas of expertise,” Gremmels said. “By connecting these strengths, we can create new opportunities for joint research, for early-career researchers, and for the next generation of scientific leaders.”
During their visit to UW–Madison, delegates met with Frances Vavrus, vice provost and dean of the International Division, to discuss the Wisconsin Idea and the university’s commitment to extending the benefits of research and education beyond campus.
“The Hessen Wisconsin Partnership reflects the deep history between our two states and the enduring influence of German migration to communities from New Berlin to Rhinelander,” said Vavrus. “As we look ahead to the next 50 years, our partnership will facilitate the exchange of students and scholars as we address common challenges and embrace opportunities for innovation.”
A visit to the university’s new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, where delegates met with Dean Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau, offered the chance to learn about the college’s research and outreach initiatives. Discussions also explored the role of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning and how universities can prepare students for an increasingly AI-driven workforce.
Innovation and knowledge transfer were another focus of the visit. Lewis Sheats, associate vice chancellor for entrepreneurship and executive director of the Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub, delivered a presentation highlighting efforts to connect research, innovation, and entrepreneurship throughout the state.
Beyond UW–Madison, the delegation met with leaders and representatives across the Universities of Wisconsin to discuss current and prospective initiatives and ways to further the longstanding higher education partnership between Wisconsin and Hessen.
Current connections span institutions across the Universities of Wisconsin, including collaborations involving UW–Madison, UW–La Crosse, UW–Milwaukee, UW–Stevens Point, UW–Stout, and UW–Whitewater.
“These partnerships demonstrate something important,” said Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter. “Wisconsin and Hessen share a belief that education, research, and innovation are strengthened through international cooperation.”
Story by Steve Barcus