As part of the German-French Bachelor’s program (FA) “UdS-Bio(logie)” (University of Strasbourg / Saarland University), an intercultural seminar took place in Bonn on May 7, 2026. Prof. Dr. Michael Famulok of the Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) and the Rector of the University of Bonn, Prof. Dr. Michael Hoch, assisted in organizing a scientific symposium at the LIMES Institute.
For the 2025/2026 cohort, the primary objective was to involve students from all three years of the German-French Bachelor’s program, as French and German students in their first year of study have few opportunities to engage in joint intercultural and scientific activities within the framework of this international degree program.
Under the pedagogical direction of the Vice President for Franco-German Relations and Biochemist at the University of Strasbourg (Dr. Joern Pütz) and two instructors from the University of Strasbourg’s Language Institute (Susanne Marten and Patricia Krauth), as well as with the participation of a chemistry professor from the University of Bonn (Prof. Dr. Michael Famulok) and the support of a doctoral candidate within the framework of the course "Scientific Language for German-French Students" (Lisa Bellemin-Laponnaz) - the project "Intercultural Seminar Bonn / Cologne 2026" was prepared. This preparation was carried out in particular by the French students (L1) as part of their German language instruction. Following an independent project planning phase conducted by the students, the exploration of the former German capital, Bonn - specifically as a hub for scientific research centered on the University of Bonn - and the city of Cologne was selected as the central intercultural theme. Travel and accommodation costs are being funded through a grant program for dual-degree programs administered by the Franco-German University (DFH-UFA), as well as through "Sen$us" excellence funds provided by the University of Strasbourg (International Office).
*UdS-Bio – University of Strasbourg / Saarland University / Franco-German University
The integrated Bachelor's degree program in Molecular Biology (UdS-Bio) is offered jointly by Saarland University (Saarbrücken/Homburg) and the University of Strasbourg. The program comprises 180 ECTS credits, 60 to 90 of which must be completed at the partner university. Students initially enroll at one of the two universities (for the 1st and 2nd semesters). Subsequently, the German and French students spend the 3rd and 4th semesters in Strasbourg before studying together for the 5th semester in Saarbrücken/Homburg. The Bachelor's thesis is completed at the partner university as the final component of the program. Upon graduation, students are awarded two degrees: the German "Bachelor of Science" and the French "Licence Sciences de la Vie." in a bound double-degree certificate (www.bionational.eu).