Interview with Christian Strowa

Welcome to New York! What are you looking forward to?

Thank you! There are many things to look forward to in New York: The energy, the opportunities, the random encounters. Everyone here has an interesting story to tell – whether you want to hear it or not. But I think most of all I am looking forward to working with the wonderful colleagues at ASNY and DWIH and really diving into the DWIH’s activities. The DWIH network is very visible not only here in the US, but also in Germany. While I was still responsible for the DAAD’s Center for International Academic Collaboration KIWi, I had the opportunity to work closely with DWIH colleagues on some past activities. To now be able to help shape DWIH New York’s mission and activities whilst living in the city of my dreams is a true privilege.

What is your background? What did you do before coming to New York?

I have always been fascinated by American culture, especially New York City. My first visit was during high school, and I later majored in American Literature at the University of Bonn, spending a year in the US on a DAAD scholarship. After teaching German Studies in Dublin and London, I worked at the DAAD’s London Office and later coordinated the DAAD’s Centers for German and European Studies, a program rooted in the US. I then focused on scholarships, assisting students traveling to Asia or Germany, before moving to the Strategy Department, where I worked on topics relevant to DWIH NY and its network, including science diplomacy, research security, and science-based start-ups.

As the new DWIH NY Director, which areas of work are you most excited to advance with your team?

Our focus is on enhancing our networking efforts with US partners, both in New York and beyond. It is crucial to continuously deepen our network and increase the visibility of DWIH New York across the United States. Over the past few years, we have built successful exchanges in Michigan, Texas, and Indiana, and now aim to explore other science and innovation hubs, such as those in Florida, the Carolinas, and Colorado, where there is significant untapped potential. Additionally, we plan to initiate collaborations with partners in Canada. Lastly, we aim to expand DWIH’s role as a valuable knowledge resource for students, scientists, and researchers in both Germany and the US.

The DWIH focuses on German research and innovation. What might U.S. audiences not know about Germany’s role as a research powerhouse?

Germany has for many years been among the top countries for R&D investment, successful patent applications, and scientific impact. There is a tradition of German universities, research institutes, and industry working together closely and successfully when it comes to innovation and technological advancement. At the same time, there is not just an openness, but an eagerness to form international partnerships and work with researchers and institutions in partner countries abroad, particularly the US. This is where the DWIH comes in: As a platform for fostering transatlantic exchange, networking and collaboration.

And what should readers know about U.S. research and innovation?

I think one of the key areas in which we can learn from the US is how to truly develop an entrepreneurial mindset and make the most of your ideas. There is a really infectious can-do attitude here in the US that we are sometimes still lacking in Germany, particularly when it comes to capitalizing on innovation. It’s no coincidence, for example, that the STEP USA scholarship program is so popular – and unique to the US. The program is a partnership between DWIH New York and the German American Chamber of Commerce New York. It is aimed at German university startups and spinoffs looking to expand into the U.S. market and includes workshops focusing on, among other things, investor engagement and pitching your idea. Allegedly, the concept of the elevator pitch was developed here in New York – and there’s certainly no better place to practice.

Do you have a favorite spot in the city? If so, which one?

I was fortunate enough to receive a DAAD scholarship for New York University, so I spent a lot of time in Washington Square Park and Greenwich Village… and the occasional classroom, of course. The Park has undergone quite a few changes since then, but it’s still my favorite spot in the city – and one of the best spots for people watching, free live music, interesting conversations as well as a quiet lunch, dinner or late-night snack. All the while being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps. It is a truly unique place.