Earth Sciences are also a field in which flexible funds can help facilitate international cooperation, for example with short term stays of guest scholars from Latin America who work closely with the research group of Prof. Piquer-Rodríguez and develop joint research projects. In addition to the co-authorship of scientific publications, they prioritised the exchange with junior researchers and knowledge transfer in teaching during their visit.

Dr. Lia Montti from Argentina gave a guest lecture for bachelor’s students and worked with doctoral students of the research group to discuss current research topics. The personal exchange was especially helpful because discussions and joint work sessions often lead to new ideas faster and facilitate quicker results than an exclusively digital exchange. In addition to flexible funds, the exchange was supported by funding to prepare an application for a Humboldt Research Fellowship.

The opportunity to work together in person motivates guest scholars to participate actively in joint projects. Funding options are often limited in their countries, so the funding is seen as a special acknowledgement of their work and greatly contributes to a positive exchange.

For Prof. Piquer-Rodriguez, international cooperation is a central component of her work. The cooperation with researchers from Latin America strengthens the connections of Freie Universität Berlin in that region and guest scholars like Dr. Montti expand the international network of the research group, especially in Brazil and Argentina, and develop sustainable partnerships.

Funding programs like the flexible funds bring people together or, as Prof. Piquer-Rodríguez would say, “we make great things happen.”