University and Research Centre create research alliance
Two of Germany's top research bodies have joined forces to create the 'Jülich Aachen Research Alliance' (JARA), in what a government minister has described as a 'forward-looking' move. The agreement between Aachen University and Jülich Research Centre was signed on 6 August in Düsseldorf. Together, the establishments have a budget of more than €900 million. The new alliance will see a fusion of both bodies' expertise: in neurological research, simulation science and information technology. The two partners will establish joint research aims, and make joint decisions on personnel and investment. Both Aachen University and Jülich Research Centre are carrying out leading research, according to Andreas Pinkwart, Minister of Innovation, Science, Research and Technology of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. 'Through JARA they are combining their strengths. This makes the region Aachen/Jülich a top research location in Europe, which will be recognised worldwide,' he added. Mr Pinkwart also said that the state of North Rhine Westphalia is well on its way to becoming Germany's top state for innovation. Parliamentary State Secretary Thomas Rachel, from the Ministry of Education and Research, said that the alliance proves that a completely new quality of cooperation between universities and non-university research establishments is possible. 'This should catch on in the rest of Germany,' he said, adding that his ministry is currently considering ways of encouraging such cooperation.
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