Michaela Gottschling

Michaela Gottschling currently serves as Senior Program Manager and Deputy Head at the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), where she plays a pivotal role in shaping and advancing Germany’s international higher education and research initiatives. In this leadership position, she oversees strategic program development, ensuring alignment with global academic trends and fostering international collaborations across diverse disciplines. Michaela’s expertise in intercultural communication and international relations is instrumental in designing and implementing initiatives that promote academic exchange, research internships, and scholarship programs, such as the renowned RISE Research Internships in Science and Engineering. Her extensive experience in managing research internships focused on North America, the UK, Ireland, and Germany underscores her deep understanding of the complexities involved in international research mobility and capacity building.

Throughout her career, Michaela has demonstrated a strong aptitude for data analysis and qualitative research, utilizing tools like Matlab to evaluate program impact and optimize participant engagement. Her background in science and international education, combined with her skills in teaching and intercultural communication, enables her to effectively coordinate multi-stakeholder projects that enhance the global competitiveness of German higher education institutions. Michaela’s work is characterized by a commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and promoting scientific excellence through international research internships and scholarship programs. Her strategic leadership and expertise continue to contribute significantly to DAAD’s mission of strengthening international academic partnerships and supporting the next generation of global researchers and scholars.