The University of Glasgow welcomed a delegation from the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, celebrating its links with Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU).

Minister President Malu Dreyer of Rhineland-Palatinate headed the delegation on 18 April, which included federal German government officials, academic representatives from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), and members of the German press.

Staff and students from the School of Modern Languages and School of Law were in attendance, including German students who are studying here at Glasgow.

The delegation also enjoyed a tour of the Advanced Research Centre (ARC) to gain an overview of the University of Glasgow’s ambitions in the field of life sciences research.

They were welcomed to the University by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Frank Coton and Scottish Government Minister for Higher and Further Education, Graeme Dey.

Professor Coton cited the University’s strong international student profile, emphasising that the institution "is and will remain proudly European".

Remarks followed by Minister President Dreyer, in which she directly addressed the students in the audience, expressing her thanks that German students remain able to take advantage of the opportunity to study at Glasgow.

This was proceeded by a welcome from Scottish Government Minister Graeme Dey, who emphasised the governments’ shared values as Europeans and social democrats, and desire to strength cooperation between the two parties in tackling issues such as climate transition.

Professor Stephen Forcer, Head of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, and Professor Jane Mair, Head of School of Law, reflected on the importance of language learning for employability, as well as the rich benefits of student and staff mobility for the University and legal scholarship.

Professor Forcer commented that “There is much to celebrate and build on in languages…this international partnership is an opportunity to continue leading and striking out together”.

Professor Mair stressed the importance of not “limiting horizons…central to our philosophy is making sure that we are an outward looking international law school, whilst being proud to be a Scottish law school."

Professor Jim Murdoch, former International Dean for Mobility, and Professor of Public Law shared his reflections on the long-standing links between the School of Law and the Law School of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Professor Murdoch cited the establishment of the Glasgow-Mainz exchange as the launchpad for the School’s successful study abroad programme, which has seen over half of third-year School of Law students take part in international mobility placements.

Following the close of formal proceedings, Minister President Dreyer and members of the delegation enjoyed speaking with German students about their experience of studying at the University.

The visit to the University of Glasgow was part of a longer trip to Scotland to discuss strengthening ties in culture, education and research, which included a meeting between Minister President Malu Dreyer and First Minister Humza Yousaf.

Further information

First published: 20 April 2023

<< 2023