Organisation

The goal is to increase the visibility in Brazil of Germany as a scientific and technological centre and foster exchange between German and Brazilian scientific institutions.

Both Germany and Brazil consider science and innovation to be key areas  for ensuring  economic, social and sustainable environmental development. For 50 years, the two countries have promoted comprehensive and fruitful scientific cooperation. With the opening of DWIH São Paulo, Germany took an important step towards strengthening ties with its Brazilian partners.

The city of São Paulo was selected for its representation in the international scientific scene, its history of cooperation with Germany and the prospects of success with partnerships. A place of strong German immigration, the city is home to educational, cultural and economic foundations and scientific institutions, as well as numerous German companies and agencies, which deal with exchange and cooperation between the two countries. DWIH São Paulo is located in the same building as the German-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Brazil), which facilitates contact between German research institutions and companies in Brazil. The city of São Paulo was selected for its representation in the international scientific scene, its history of cooperation with Germany and the prospects of success with partnerships. A place of strong German immigration, the city is home to educational, cultural and economic foundations and scientific institutions, as well as numerous German companies and agencies, which deal with exchange and cooperation between the two countries. DWIH São Paulo is located in the same building as the German-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Brazil), which facilitates contact between German research institutions and companies in Brazil.

The Centre is guided by several different bodies on both local and international levels.

The Organisation of the DWIH

As one of six centres worldwide, the DWIH São Paulo is managed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).  The São Paulo branch opened its doors on February 14, 2012. To coordinate the DWIH network, a central management office was established in Bonn, Germany in 2017. This office oversees the central bodies – the Board of Trustees and the Programme Committee – which help direct the activities of the DWIH and coordinate the local administrative structures.

Local organisational structure

The director of each DWIH forms the link between the DAAD and the DWIH. Directors are appointed by the DAAD and are typically also the director of the DAAD regional office in that location. The day-to-day activities of the DWIH are overseen by the Programme Manager. They are assisted by a Programme Officer and a Communications Officer as well as an Administrative and Finance Officer. The local management structure also includes the Advisory Board of the respective DWIH, which allows all supporters to be involved.

The Local Advisory Board

The Advisory Board of the DWIH São Paulo is composed of its main and associate supporters. The role of the board is to draw upon their networks and expertise to assist the DWIH São Paulo in programming and strategizing, and periodically review its overall effectiveness. Every two years, the Advisory Board elects a chairperson from among its own members.

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the central body responsible for the strategic control of the DWIH. It is composed of policy makers, scientists, and business representatives, and is chaired by the German Federal Foreign Office, with the chair of the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany serving as the board’s co-chair. The Board of Trustees recommends objectives for the DWIH that are agreed upon annually between the Federal Foreign Office and the DAAD.

The Programme Committee

The Programme Committee is the working body of the Board of Trustees. It is composed of members of the Board of Trustees as well as directors of the individual DWIH and local Advisory Board chairperson and is chaired by the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany. The Programme Committee reaches agreements with individual DWIHs on how to implement the Board of Trustees’ objectives and serve as an intermediary between the individual DWIH and the board. The committee is also where the DWIH’s annual plans are presented, discussed and reviewed.