Delegation from the United States journeys to Thuringia, Germany, following their departure from Harvard University - US Delegation Moves from Harvard to Erfurt, Thuringia
The German state of Thuringia is hosting a delegation of around 40 students and alumni from the prestigious universities of Harvard and MIT, marking the first time the annual Harvard/MIT Germany Trek has stopped in Thuringia.
This visit, organised by the Stiftung für Technologie, Innovation und Forschung Thuringia (STIFT), is a significant step in strengthening economic and academic collaboration between Thuringia and the US.
The trek began with a meeting in Erfurt on Monday evening, where Economics Minister Colette Boos-John (CDU) and representatives of the startup scene and universities were present. On Tuesday, Minister President Mario Voigt and Economics Minister Boos-John will answer questions in Erfurt, providing an opportunity for open dialogue and discussion.
The visit is a direct follow-up to a May 2025 trip by a Thüringer delegation led by Minister President Mario Voigt and Minister Boos-John to the US, where they promoted Thuringia as a destination for scientific talent and innovation.
During the meetings, including with Boos-John and Voigt, the focus will be on discussing pathways for scientific experts from the US to come to Thuringia, encouraging academic exchanges, and expanding research and business networks between the region and US universities.
The visit also includes stops at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering and Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, highlighting key research hubs supporting innovation and collaboration.
The goal of the visit is to connect local actors in Thuringia’s economy, start-up scene, and universities with influential US academic talent, fostering potential cooperation and partnerships. This initiative signifies Thuringia’s ambition to become more integrated with top US research institutions and entrepreneurial ecosystems, which could boost the regional economy by attracting talent, stimulating startups, and expanding international academic partnerships.
Following Thuringia, the trek will continue to Dresden and Berlin, further cementing the ties between Germany and the US in the realm of science, technology, and innovation.
[1] Source: Thüringer Allgemeine (Thuringian General)
The visit to Thuringia is the first stop of the annual Harvard/MIT Germany Trek, with other stops including Dresden and Berlin. The delegation from the elite universities of Harvard and MIT is not just composed of US citizens, but people from all over the world. The purpose and significance of the trek center on strengthening economic and academic collaboration between Thuringia and elite US universities.
- The Commission, in light of the ongoing economic and academic collaboration discussions between Thuringia and elite US universities, might be asked to consider a proposal for a directive on providing financial assistance to workers in industries related to ionizing radiation, considering the potential risks they may face.
- As technology advancements continue to shape our lifestyles and education-and-self-development sectors, one can expect that the intellectual exchanges and collaborations fostered by the Harvard/MIT Germany Trek could lead to novel inventions and ideas that benefit both Thuringia and the US, further solidifying their relationship in the realm of science, technology, and innovation.
