The IOCB research group engages in extensive international cooperation due to the interdisciplinary nature of its research. Supported by the Rectorate of the University of Bielefeld, DFG, and the European Union, these collaborations span various partner groups and companies worldwide.
A notable partnership with the University of Osaka in Japan began in 2014, stemming from research internships
supervised by Prof. Shuji Akai. Prof. Akai's expertise includes a broad spectrum of organic chemistry topics, such as
environmentally benign asymmetric synthesis methods utilizing enzymes, medicinal chemistry leveraging the properties of
fluorine atoms, and regiocontrol and synthetic chemical applications of highly reactive benzynes.
This collaboration has recently reached a new milestone with the establishment of an 'Agreement on Academic Cooperation and
Student Exchange.' This agreement delineates the academic and administrative framework for joint doctoral programs between
Bielefeld and Osaka Universities. Within this framework, doctoral students from both institutions have the opportunity to
conduct research at each location through a cotutelle program. Upon completion of a jointly conducted doctoral examination
program supervised by members from both institutions, students can earn two interconnected doctoral degrees.