A network that connects the world

More than 500 students and doctoral candidates from all over the world descended on Heidelberg to celebrate 100 years of the DAAD. Their different life paths are testimony to how academic exchange creates bridges transcending national borders and generations. 

An anniversary with a vision 

The anniversary meeting was more than just a look back - it was a reaffirmation of the future of international cooperation in research and teaching. The scholarship holders from nearly 100 different countries spent the weekend engaging in exchange with one another, talking to DAAD staff about the challenges they face during their stay and exploring Heidelberg together. In his welcome speech,DAAD President Professor Joybrato Mukherjee emphasised that “our scholarship holders are important ambassadors across borders and oceans.” 

Since being founded in 1925, the DAAD has supported more than three million people in their academic exchange. The scholarship holders told stories of inspiring careers and ground-breaking innovations, and often of lifelong friendships. 

A place with history 

It was no coincidence that the anniversary celebrations were held in Heidelberg. This is where the DAAD was founded – by a small group of highly motivated students who, in the wake of the First World War, wanted to foster international dialogue through academic exchange. Today, 100 years later, the DAAD is the world’s largest organisation for the funding of international exchange for students and researchers.