A Milestone in Expanding International Partnerships
International collaboration is crucial to addressing global challenges. From climate change and biodiversity to sustainable development and resilient societies, meaningful progress depends on strong partnerships that connect research, funding, innovation and implementation across borders.
Against this backdrop, WAITRO is proud to announce that it has officially been approved as an Associate of the Belmont Forum.
This marks an important milestone in WAITRO’s ongoing transformation into a globally connected platform for research and innovation collaboration, further strengthening its role within the international science and innovation ecosystem.
Expanding Opportunities Through Strategic Partnerships
The Belmont Forum brings together many of the world’s leading research funding organizations, science councils and international partners committed to advancing transdisciplinary research on global environmental and societal challenges.
As a Belmont Forum Associate, WAITRO will have the opportunity to engage more closely with this international community, participate in strategic discussions and explore new avenues for collaboration between research organizations, funding bodies and innovation partners.
The approval was confirmed during the Belmont Forum Plenary and Members’ Assembly held on 30 June 2026, where Dominik Reinertz delivered a presentation introducing WAITRO’s mission, strategic direction, and growing portfolio of international services and initiatives. The presentation was met with strong interest, and several organizations expressed their willingness to explore future collaboration opportunities with WAITRO.
Creating Value for the Global Innovation Family
This new partnership is expected to generate tangible benefits for WAITRO members and beyond. By strengthening connections with the Belmont Forum community, WAITRO aims to create new opportunities for:
- International consortium building
- Research matchmaking and partnership development
- Capacity development and knowledge exchange
- Participation in collaborative research initiatives
- Stronger connections between researchers, funders and innovation stakeholders
These ambitions closely align with WAITRO’s strategic focus on international research collaboration, capacity development and global partnership building, reinforcing its role as a bridge between research excellence and real-world impact. The organization’s recent strategic transformation places greater emphasis on connecting institutions, enabling international cooperation and supporting the implementation of innovative solutions to global challenges.
Looking Ahead
Joining the Belmont Forum as an Associate is another important step in WAITRO’s journey. Together with its members and strategic partners, WAITRO will continue building bridges across borders, strengthening international collaboration and empowering the Global Innovation Family to transform research into solutions with lasting global impact.
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