The Leibniz Association has founded the Leibniz Research Network China. Coordinated by PRIF, the network will begin its activities in November 2025 with the aim of pooling the Leibniz Association's expertise on China and making it available to German academia, society, and politics. In addition, the exchange of experiences on cooperation with Chinese partners will further strengthen research security within the Leibniz Association.
The network, which has initially been approved for three years, involves scientists from 18 Leibniz institutions representing all scientific sections of the association. Experts from administration and science communication are also involved in the network. Susanne Boetsch, member of the Executive Board and Administrative Director of PRIF, and Christoph M. Schmidt from RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research will serve as spokespersons for the network.
PRIF's Berlin office serves as an exchange hub between academia and politics. The network develops tailored advisory services and discussion formats, including consultations with ministries and other stakeholders from business and civil society. Internally, the network bundles existing expertise and experience to provide a framework for critical exchange and cooperation and to contribute to responsible scientific exchange with China with a view to German research interests.
At the heart lies the political and scientific knowledge of China among the members of the network, which also reflects the Leibniz Association in all its diversity. Together, the institutions are initially focusing on five key topics: geopolitics and systemic competition; security, trade, and peace; innovation, education, and technology policy; climate, environment, and justice; and development and infrastructure.
The Leibniz Research Network China includes:
- Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB)
- Leibniz Institute for Information Infrastructure (FIZ)
- Leibniz Institute for Educational Media (GEI)
- Leibniz Institute for Global and Regional Studies (GIGA)
- Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (IfL)
- Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW)
- Leibniz Institute for Contemporary History (IfZ)
- Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ)
- Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO)
- Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA)
- ISAS – Leibniz Institute for Analytical Sciences
- IWT - Leibniz Institute for Materials-Oriented Technologies
- LIKAT – Leibniz Institute for Catalysis
- PRIF - Leibniz Institute for Peace and Conflict Research
- RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research
- Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN)
- ZEW – Center for European Economic Research
- Associated member: Leibniz Institute for the German Language (IDS)
Further information can be found on the press release of the Leibniz Association.