The Berlin University Alliance (BUA) is expanding its offers for junior researchers in the international field. A framework agreement for "Joint Doctoral Research Activities and Degrees" signed in July by the partner institutions Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in collaboration with the University of Melbourne creates the institutional and legal framework for the award of joint doctoral degrees. This will enable the establishment of structured formats such as a joint research training group in the future.

The initiative of BUA's cross-cutting theme of "Internationalization" enables doctoral candidates to undertake binational and cross-border doctoral studies at one of BUA's partner institutions and the University of Melbourne. Graduates will receive a doctoral degree from both institutions. Working with supervisors at both institutions and spending a year at the partner university, doctoral candidates will benefit from a variety of academic resources at two renowned universities and expand their international networks.

Within the framework of the strategic partnership of the Berlin University Alliance and the University of Melbourne, joint research projects have already been funded through targeted calls for proposals. The spectrum of interdisciplinary collaborations ranges from the life sciences to STEM subjects to the humanities and social sciences.