Special Projects

1. "Universities of the Future" 2002 - 2003, Bonn, Dresden, Berlin

The first special project established in 2000 within the New Traditions Network has developed a three-part conference series entitled "Universities of the Future." These conferences aim at determining the needs of, and developing models for, universities in the transatlantic context. The ultimate goal is to address leaders from government, academia and business with these results, thus giving new impetus to higher education. Five network partners have teamed up to present this common project, sharing ideas, experience, resources and costs. In addition, other network partners are offering their expertise and help in selecting speakers and participants.

Conference I: June 6, 2002, Wissenschaftszentrum Bonn
Conference II: November 28 - 29, 2002, Technische Universität, Dresden
Conference III: June 4, 2003, Haus der deutschen Wirtschaft, Berlin

The partners include:

- Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
- Fulbright Kommission
- Hochschulrektorenkonferenz
- U.S. Embassy
- Veranstaltungsforum der Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck

This project is being sponsored by the ERP Fund of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology.

2. Eastern Initiative

The second NTN special project, the "Eastern Initiative", wants to promote the transatlantic dialogue in the New Federal States (NFS) as well as Eastern Europe. During a meeting with Ambassador Daniel R. Coats on June 10, 2002 the partners evaluated the current situation, exchanged their experiences with programs in the NFS, and developed new ideas in order to strengthen transatlantic relations in Eastern Germany, thereby leading to a diversified and better understanding for one another.

The U.S. Embassy has established three contact offices that coordinate programs in the New Federal States:

- Consulate General in Leipzig for Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia
- Consulate General in Hamburg for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Amerika Haus Berlin for Berlin and Brandenburg

More information:
- Luncheon Discussion with Ambassador Daniel R. Coats - Conclusion (pdf)
- NTN Partners' Activities in the New Federal States (pdf)