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In the presence of the Rector of Leipzig University and Chair of the Saxon Rectors’ Conference (LRK), Professor Eva Inés Obergfell, another Saxon Science Liaison Office was opened on Monday, 18 August 2025 - this time in Santiago de Chile. Led by Chemnitz University of Technology, the Saxon Science Liaison Office (SSLO) Chile aims to attract Chilean students to study or continue their academic training at higher education institutions across Saxony - thereby potentially contributing to the Free State’s workforce in the future.
Alongside efforts to attract young people, supporting academic exchange between research institutions and universities in Saxony and Chile is a key focus of the SSLO.
Professor Heike Graßmann, State Secretary at the Saxon Ministry of Science, Culture, and Tourism (SMWK), opened the SSLO together with German Ambassador Susanne Fries-Gaier. Also part of the Saxon delegation were the Rector of Leipzig University, Professor Eva Inés Obergfell, and the Vice President for Academic and International Affairs at Chemnitz University of Technology, Professor Maximilian Eibl.
The programme highlights included discussions at the Chilean Ministry of Education and at the Ministry of Science, where the delegation met with Alejandra Pizarro Guerrero, Director of the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID).
Saxon Minister of Science Sebastian Gemkow sees strong potential among young people in Chile, who can apply to study in Saxony with little difficulty: "One reason for this is the low language barrier, as many young people learn German. The Saxon Science Liaison Office in Santiago de Chile also benefits from excellent starting conditions, given the already strong ties between Saxon and Chilean universities and research institutions. What’s more, we expect that showcasing Saxony’s study opportunities will generate interest across other South American countries."
The German Ambassador to Chile, Susanne Fries-Gaier, emphasises the good reputation that German science and research institutions have in Chile: Research and science know no national borders. They depend on exchange and cooperation across national borders. Chile and Germany have a long history of scientific and technological cooperation as well as educational cooperation. German universities and research institutions enjoy a good reputation in Chile, and there is great interest in cooperation with Germany. With the Saxon Science Liaison Office, we are gaining another player to intensify this exchange of knowledge in order to inspire even more Chileans to choose Germany and Saxony as a place to study and train. As well-educated professionals, they enrich both our economies and serve as ambassadors for our excellent bilateral relations."
Strengthening established ties with Chile
Prof Eva Inés Obergfell, Chair of the LRK and Rector of Leipzig University, highlighted the traditionally close ties between Saxony and Chile: "Scientific cooperation and student recruitment are important for internationalisation in Saxony, and the opening of the SSLO in Santiago is also a symbol of living history and the future. Close ties between Saxony and Chile have existed for decades. The fact that former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet learned German in Leipzig in 1978 shows how deep the connections between Saxony and Chile are. With the new office, we are creating a place where academic cooperation, cultural understanding, and joint innovations can grow - supported by a tradition of openness and collaboration."
The President of Chemnitz University of Technology, Professor Gerd Strohmeier, also refers to the already good connections with Chile: "I am delighted about the opening of the Saxon Science Liaison Office in Santiago de Chile - and that Chemnitz University of Technology has taken on the lead role for this liaison office. Chemnitz University of Technology has a wide range of connections with Chile, which have really grown lately. Some examples are the existing and upcoming partnerships with Chilean universities, the visit of the Chilean ambassador, and the visit of the Chilean business association SOFOFA to Chemnitz University of Technology, partly to learn more about hydrogen research.
Leipzig University recently opened two SSLOs in Vietnam : In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Further Saxon Science Liaison Offices are currently located in Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and India. They are part of the state government’s action plan to attract international specialists and skilled workers to Saxony.
Building Bridges between Saxony and Vietnam - The Saxon Science Liaison Office in Ho Chi Minh City
Universität Leipzig eröffnet Saxon Science Liaison Office in Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt und Hanoi
