On 23 January 2026, in Rome, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the framework of the Italy–Germany intergovernmental consultations. Alongside discussions on economic, industrial and European policy issues, a particularly relevant outcome for the scientific community was the signing of a Joint Declaration on universities, research and innovation.

The Declaration was signed by the German Federal Minister Dorothee Bär and the Italian Minister for Universities and Research Anna Maria Bernini. It aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in strategic areas of research by promoting concrete instruments such as joint programmes, researcher mobility, cooperation between universities and research organisations, and more integrated use of research infrastructures. In the current European context, the agreement signals a shared commitment to translating political priorities into operational and measurable initiatives.

For SIGN, the Network of Italian Scientists in Germany and a non-profit registered association (eV), this development is of direct relevance. The Italian scientific community in Germany already constitutes a structural bridge between the two research systems. A political framework that places research at the centre creates favourable conditions to further expand collaborations, attract joint projects, and enhance the value of skills and infrastructures on both sides.

SIGN will continue to closely follow the implementation of this agreement, with the aim of informing the community, fostering connections between research groups and institutions, and contributing to the transformation of political commitments into effective and lasting scientific cooperation.

Press coverage (23 January 2026)

Germany
DIE ZEIT
https://www.zeit.de/

Italy
la Repubblica – Finanza
https://finanza.repubblica.it/