Hamburg Messe und Congress and Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (HSU/UniBw H) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The aim is a strategic partnership to further develop the Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS) as an international platform for dialogue on security, innovation and leadership.
Through this partnership, GSIS gains a key academic partner to expand its scientific network. Together, both institutions aim to strengthen exchange between academia, government, industry, public administration and the armed forces, while further positioning Hamburg as a leading European centre for security dialogue, innovation and strategic networking. A first visible milestone of the partnership will be the GSIS Science Track, “Wissen.Schafft.Sicherheit / Science for Security”, taking place on 9 December 2026. HSU/UniBw H will play an active role in shaping both its academic content and programme.
In addition, the partners intend to develop a Future Leaders Programme, expand academic networks across the North Sea and Baltic Sea regions, and, in the longer term, establish an Academic Council. The objective is to create a lasting network that brings together academia, strategic dialogue, practical decision-making responsibility and the next generation of leaders.
“Europe’s security will increasingly depend on how effectively we connect knowledge, technology and leadership across institutional boundaries. With Helmut Schmidt University, we have an outstanding academic partner in Hamburg. Together, we aim to build a lasting network across the North Sea and Baltic Sea region that extends far beyond the annual Summit and brings together the next generation of leaders,” said Dimitrios Argirakos, Executive Chair of GSIS.
Uwe Fischer, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress, added: “Hamburg brings together academic excellence, industry, international connectivity and security expertise in a unique way. Through this partnership, we are strengthening the city’s position and creating a platform where new connections and collaborations can emerge.”
“Security policy challenges cannot be addressed from a single perspective. Academia can help to contextualise developments, reveal connections and enable informed decision-making. Through this partnership, we are bringing this academic perspective directly into GSIS and strengthening the exchange between research and practice,” said Prof. Dr. Klaus Beckmann, President of Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg.
With this agreement, both partners are laying the foundation for a long-term collaboration. Together, they aim to build a resilient network at the intersection of academia, security and innovation, further strengthening Hamburg’s role as a European hub for dialogue on the security challenges of the future.
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About Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg
Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (HSU/UniBw H) is a federal public university based in Hamburg. It was founded in 1972 on the initiative of then Federal Minister of Defence Helmut Schmidt. Under the leadership of President Prof. Dr Klaus Beckmann, HSU/UniBw H combines excellent research and international networking with academic teaching and practice-oriented education. The university educates officer candidates as well as civilian students, preparing them for specialist and leadership roles in society, business and the Bundeswehr. Across four faculties, it offers 39 state-recognised Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, including five continuing education programmes. Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (HSU/UniBw H) has more than 2,500 students and employs around 1,300 staff in academia, administration and technical services.
More information: Helmut-Schmidt-Universität/Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg
About the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
The Global Security and Innovation Summit is built on the combined expertise of its partner institutions. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a globally renowned think tank for security and defence policy with deep expertise in regional geopolitics and geoeconomics. It is known for high-level forums such as the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue (Asia), the IISS Manama Dialogue (Middle East) and the IISS Prague Defence Summit (Europe). The institute provides policy-relevant and business-relevant analysis through its international research team.
More information: The International Institute for Strategic Studies
Chris Egerton
Press Communications Manager
International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
Phone: +44 7935 420493
christopher.egerton(at)iiss(dot)org
