On 20 February 2024, the Ambassador of Tajikistan, Dr Imomudin Sattorov, paid a visit to the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. Together with his delegation, he learned about German-Tajik research projects and the GFZ's involvement in Central Asia. The GFZ and the countries of Central Asia are linked by many years of successful cooperation within the framework of numerous projects, for example in the fields of geohazards, Earth surface research and adaptation to the consequences of climate change.

The visit started with a welcome address and a presentation of the GFZ by Scientific Director Susanne Buiter. Dr Oliver Bens presented the research activities of the Central Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences ZAIAG, based in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, which was co-founded by the GFZ 20 years ago and of which Bens is co-director. Project coordinator Dr Abror Gafurov presented the GFZ's work as part of the Green Central Asia Initiative. Subsequently, the prospects for the expansion of German-Tajik activities in the fields of research, transfer and education were discussed.

In the GFZ's Historical Library, the delegations discussed how to promote new application-oriented research initiatives and at the same time motivate and retain young talent for the geosciences. The GFZ was able to point to its great successes in the field of international cooperation, in recruiting top international researchers and in attracting highly competitive project funding.

We would like to thank the Tajik guests for the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences for strengthening scientific cooperation between Tajikistan and Germany in geosciences research.