Due to current global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change consequences, it is important to explore networking concepts with reduced amount of travel. Our pilot project “Blended Networking Wisconsin – Central Hessen” promotes digital networking and cooperation of researchers from the states of Wisconsin, USA and Hessen, Germany of all career levels (from pre-docs to senior PIs). Researchers can find new cooperation partners who perfectly complement their research profile using an AI-based matchmaking tool and/or present existing projects and project ideas to potential partners here on our Project Wall.
This initial digital matchmaking and networking then forms the basis for an exchange and further collaboration in person. German cooperation partners can apply for customized travel funds to support the individually planned exchange on-site. For example: invite American partners to give a talk in Germany, enable American partners to join a conference at a German partner institution or invite German partners to an American institution for a lab visit.
The Blended Networking project is divided into three phases: