A high-ranking delegation from the Canadian Western University (located in London, Ontario) visited the University of Bonn from March 22 to 25, 2026. One of Canada’s oldest higher education institutions and a leading research university, Western University was represented by Professor Penny Pexman, Vice-President for Research, and deputy VP Professor Jacquelyn Burkell. During the visit they talked extensively with University of Bonn Rector Professor Michael Hoch, Professor Birgit Ulrike Münch, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Professor Ilona Grunwald, Vice Rector for Research and Career Development and several other representatives of the University.
The talks centered on forming and expanding collaborations across numerous disciplines and research areas. Pexman and Burkell had discussions with representatives of the Matter and Present Pasts Transdisciplinary Research Areas (TRAs) and University of Bonn researchers in the fields of philosophy and ethics, migration and reconciliation research.
Commenting on the close dialogue ongoing between the University of Bonn and Western University for years now, Vice Rector Münch said: “International partnerships are a key driver of innovation and scientific progress, thus we are delighted that our Canadian partners are now affiliated with our NeurotechEU European Universities alliance, allowing a further expansion of our cooperation.”
Networking in neuroscience
Strengthening bilateral relations in the field of neuroscience was a particular priority, as ten delegates of the Western Institute of Neuroscience (WIN) attended the 2026 BonnBrain Conference. Held March 23–25, this high-profile international conference was attended by some 200 neuroscientists from all over the world as a forum for discussing how neuronal circuits control everything from genetic mechanisms to systemic brain functions, thus controlling behaviors. In November 2025 Western University became an associated partner of NeurotechEU—an alliance of nine leading European universities (including the University of Bonn) aimed at creating an innovative network of excellence in brain research and neuroscientific technologies.
As the delegation’s visit concluded, both parties declared an interest in expanding cooperation in the near future.
