National Coordination of International Topics
The Leopoldina hosts the secretariat of the Committee for the Coordination of International Relations (AKA), which also serves as the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany’s Working Group on International Affairs. In this role, it enables key German science organisations to coordinate joint positions on international issues. As a cooperative body, the committee also serves as a platform for joint initiatives.
Last edited: 16. June 2026
Successful international engagement and strong visibility for Germany as a centre of science require close coordination among the key national actors. The Leopoldina plays a central role in this regard: through the AKA, it promotes informal exchange on current developments in international scientific cooperation and supports the coordination of the international activities of Germany’s science organisations. The AKA meets regularly, at least twice a year. It also develops and implements joint strategies, approaches and initiatives.
Founded in 1969, the AKA brings together Germany’s major science and funding organisations, including all ten members of the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany, as well as the Max Weber Foundation, the Volkswagen Foundation and the German Fulbright Commission. Since 2018, the Leopoldina has hosted the AKA secretariat.