Post by German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) New York

Last night, DWIH New York was pleased to join colleagues, partners, policymakers, and international academic exchange alumni at the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the launch of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus, a timely and important bipartisan initiative highlighting the enduring value of international exchange. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mark Overmann of the Alliance for International Exchange and to Jason Czyz and our friends at the Institute of International Education (IIE) for the invitation and for bringing together such a distinguished group of leaders committed to international engagement. We are also grateful to the Caucus co-chairs Senator John Boozman, Senator Cory Booker, Representative Jeff Van Drew, and Representative Ami Bera, as well as ECA Assistant Secretary Cate Dillon, for their leadership in establishing this important platform and for their thoughtful remarks on the role of international exchanges in strengthening cooperation and understanding. For DWIH New York, the occasion underscored the importance of sustained transatlantic dialogue across research, education, innovation, and policy. International exchange is not only a cornerstone of academic collaboration; it is also an essential foundation for science diplomacy, mutual understanding, and the global partnerships needed to address shared challenges. At a time when international cooperation faces new pressures, initiatives such as the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus send a powerful message: academic and educational exchange remains an investment in future leadership, innovation, diplomacy, and peaceful international collaboration. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to strengthen bridges across borders, institutions, and generations.