Strengthening Higher Education Leadership and Collaboration in Timor-Leste

High-Level Opening and Plenary Session

The plenary session was attended by H.E. Thorsten Bargfrede (Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste), Annisa Fitria (representative of the German Embassy Jakarta), Dr. Guido Schnieders (Director of the DAAD Regional Office Jakarta), by University Leaders, officials from Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture, and from the Timorese National Science and Research Institute.

Exchange of Ideas and Collaborative DialogueResearchers, policymakers, and academics shared insights on strengthening university governance, developing collaborative research networks, and enhancing innovation and leadership in higher education.

Capacity-Building Workshops

Two parallel workshops provided practical training and inspiration for local university leaders and researchers:

• Empowering Research through Effective Collaboration and Innovation (E.R.C.I.) — led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tatas H.P. Brotosudarmo
• We LEAD for HE Transformation in Timor-Leste — led by Dr. Leenawaty Limantara

Strong Participation and Shared Commitment

Around 130 participants joined the event, including university leaders, early-career researchers, representatives of ministries and research authorities, and institutional partners dedicated to higher education transformation in Timor-Leste.

Moving Forward: Shared Vision for Transformation

The event concluded with inspiring presentations and a shared vision to strengthen leadership, collaboration, and innovation within Timor-Leste’s universities. Reflecting DAAD’s mission to promote academic excellence and sustainable development through international cooperation, the dialogue reaffirmed a collective commitment to empowering local leaders and researchers for a stronger and more resilient higher education landscape.