Germany/1st unit for French-speaking science at Saarland University

Germany's first Francophonie Science Unit has been set up at Saarland University. It will be headed by Professor of Romance Studies Claudia Polzin-Haumann, under the organizational aegis of Saarland University's Frankreichzentrum, and will be dedicated to scientific activities concerning the entire French-speaking world.

Saarland University has set up this new position in close collaboration with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, which is now officially represented in Germany. Claudia Polzin-Haumann, Professor of Romance Linguistics, will head up the new position as "Référente de la francophonie scientifique en Allemagne", working closely with Saarland University's Frankreichzentrum.

The "Cellule francophone en Allemagne" is to act as a central contact point for the promotion and coordination of French-speaking scientific activities. The aim is to strengthen cooperation between member institutions of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie and other players in the French-speaking world, and to raise Saarland's profile as a French-speaking scientific, economic and cultural location. The office will also work closely with the Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft (htw saar) as well as with various political and economic partners.

This initiative is the result of several years' cooperation between Saarland University and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie. The latter will provide financial support for the new work center, and funds from the Saarland state government and the university will also be invested in the project. Particular emphasis will be placed on French in the German educational landscape, and on networking with French-speaking countries in Africa and North America. In addition, the working center will initiate new cooperative ventures and projects that should sustainably strengthen not only science, but also the economy and culture in Saarland.

"With the creation of the Cellule francophone, Saarland University is affirming its role as a bridge between Germany and France, and as a gateway to the international French-speaking world. This project underlines the importance of Saarland as a model region for cross-border cooperation," says Professor Claudia Polzin-Haumann.

David Lindemann, Head of Saarland's State Chancellery and Plenipotentiary for European Affairs, adds: "The creation of the Cellule francophone en Allemagne at Saarland University is a further milestone for the European orientation of our higher education. The French language plays a central role for Saarland, not only culturally, but also as a driver of cross-border research, innovation and education in France and the wider French-speaking world. Finally, this project strengthens our position at the heart of Europe, and at the same time proves the great importance of multilingualism and international cooperation in our Land".

Source: www.auf.org/nouvelles/