Mitacs–Leibniz Association partnership expands opportunities for Canadian and German researchers

Berlin, Germany — Mitacs and the Leibniz Association have signed a three-year Letter of Intent to strengthen research collaboration between Canada and Germany and promote international mobility for PhD students and researchers.

The agreement affirms each party’s desire to promote researcher mobility through their respective programming. The collaboration will encourage stronger connections between Canadian universities and Leibniz institutes, supporting international research experience, knowledge exchange, and long-term research partnerships.

The collaboration comes as Canada and Germany celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations and 55 years of formal science and technology cooperation this year, with Canada honoured as Partner Country of Falling Walls 2026. The Falling Walls Science Summit brings together leaders from science, research, and innovation from around the world. A large Canadian delegation of university, research and innovation ecosystem leaders took part in this year’s summit, underscoring the strength of Canada–Germany relations and a shared commitment to deepening research collaboration between the two countries.

Through the Mitacs Globalink programming, Mitacs connects institutions and researchers worldwide, supporting international research experience, knowledge exchange, and stronger research networks for Canada.

Quotes

“International research partnerships are essential to addressing complex global challenges. Through our collaboration with the Leibniz Association, we are creating new opportunities for Canadian and German researchers to connect, exchange expertise, and advance innovation together. By strengthening relationships between our research communities, we are helping develop talent, accelerate discovery, and create benefits for both countries.”

– Derek Newton, Senior Vice-President, Busines Development and Strategic Partnerships, Mitacs

“Science knows no borders, and neither should the careers of young researchers. Our partnership with Mitacs makes it easier for PhD students and researchers to gain international experience, exchange knowledge, and build lasting connections between Canadian universities and Leibniz institutes. Together, we are laying the foundation for long-term research collaboration between Canada and Germany.”

– Christoph M. Schmidt, President, Leibniz Association

“Research and innovation partnerships are critical to building stronger economies and addressing shared global challenges. Canada’s collaboration with Germany continues to create opportunities for our researchers and innovators to connect with world-class institutions, exchange knowledge and turn discoveries into impact. Through this partnership between Mitacs and the Leibniz Association, we are helping strengthen research collaboration, develop talent and reinforce the deep ties that unite Canada and Germany.”

– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

About Mitacs

Mitacs delivers the return on innovation Canada needs now by connecting big ideas, people and ambition to turn potential into results. Through our co-funded innovation partnerships, we get Canada’s businesses and researchers where they need to go.

Mitacs partners innovate faster. Commercialize sooner. Compete globally. Scale and grow stronger. We open the door to opportunity, creating jobs and equipping students and postdoctoral researchers with skills, industry experience and professional networks.

A national not-for-profit organization founded in 1999, Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Yukon.

About the Leibniz Association

The Leibniz Association brings together 96 independent research institutions across Germany, spanning the natural, life, engineering, environmental, economic, spatial, social, and human sciences. Leibniz institutes address issues of societal, economic, and environmental importance through both discovery-driven and applied research. They collaborate across disciplines in Leibniz research networks, operate and maintain major scientific infrastructures, and provide research-based services.

The Leibniz Association advises and informs policymakers, the scientific community, industry, and the broader public. It places particular emphasis on knowledge transfer, especially through the Leibniz research museums. A further priority is technologically relevant research and active technology transfer: Leibniz institutes work to translate innovative developments into practical application and, through close cooperation with business and industry, help bring new technologies into society.

Leibniz institutions maintain close partnerships with universities — including through the Leibniz ScienceCampi — as well as with industry and other partners in Germany and around the world. They are subject to a transparent and independent evaluation process.

Reflecting their national importance, the institutes of the Leibniz Association are jointly funded by the federal and state governments. Together, Leibniz institutes employ around 21,400 people, including 12,200 researchers, and have a total budget of more than €2.3 billion.