Launching Science Sets Sail!

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The Thor Heyerdahl crossing the Atlantic in December 2009KUS-Projekt

FAU explores new research horizons with voyage of scientific discovery on the Baltic Sea

Drawing on mankind’s earliest spirit of adventure, nine teams of Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) researchers and their international peers will forge new ideas together on the sailing ship ‘Thor Heyerdahl’ in the summer of 2017.

Recognised as a centre of excellence for innovation and international research, FAU has designed the ‘Science Sets Sail’ initiative around its eight major research topics.
Through moderated discussions, presentations, on-board life and teamwork, FAU’s goal is to grow together with research partners by sharing new experiences, while strengthening interdisciplinary research on themes that are critical to our world today. Meanwhile, ‘Open Ship Days’ at the five ports of call will broaden the initiative’s audience and appeal.

Why are we taking to the high seas?

FAU created Science Sets Sail as an innovative way to establish new forms of cooperation with academics in Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Poland, Sweden and further afield – not to mention attract potential students and researchers to come to Germany. In doing so, the University intends to encourage international individuals with high potential to participate in FAU’s cutting-edge research projects.

“I am really excited about the new scientific horizons that Science Sets Sail will enable us to cross, and so make our world a better place,” says Prof. Dr. Joachim Hornegger, President Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. “I believe that the Science Sets Sail trip will support us in building strong and committed teams of international researchers around the important Baltic region, enabling both FAU and guest academic institutions to push the boundaries of interdisciplinary research.”

Launching Science Sets Sail and a new website

FAU launched this exciting initiative – complete with the new Science Sets Sail website – at a press conference in Erlangen, Germany on June 20, 2017.

“With Science Sets Sail, we’ve created a dynamic environment for international collaboration,” says Blandina Mangelkramer, FAU’s Head of Communication and Marketing. “To widen our net beyond the direct participants, we’re taking every opportunity to share information and exciting stories from the ship and ports of call, including a growing list of events, and a ship’s log book which will be updated in the run up to and during the voyage.”

Please tune in here to find out more over the coming months!