The German Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI) in New York has become an essential component of our country’s science policy. The Center, which opened in February 2010, has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone of the German government’s internationalization strategy. The GCRI is a joint initiative of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office and its Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). It has successfully strengthened transatlantic collaboration in science and technology since its inception. One of the hallmarks of GCRI’s success is its ability to foster interdisciplinary collaborations by presenting cutting-edge German research to a diverse, highly educated audience.

Through its manifold panel discussions, symposia, and workshops, the GCRI provides a platform to enhance innovation between North America and Germany. Last year’s topics ranged from cyber security and e-health to sustainable development and renewable energy. The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in New York and consortium leaders, the DAAD and the DFG, have collaborated with the GCRI from the outset, resulting in a fruitful relationship. The Consulate General was honored to host the GCRI’s Fifth Anniversary Celebration on March 18, 2015, and is proud to continue to support the highly successful center. Organizing joint events, hosting scientific delegations, facilitating mutual introductions to a variety of stakeholders, and sharing ideas are just a few aspects that contribute to our successful collaboration. I hope this report will inspire you to actively engage with the German Center for Research and Innovation in the future.