Geisenheim University and the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU) have elevated their long-standing collaboration to a new strategic level. On Thursday, President Prof. Dr. habil. Karl H. Mühling and ANAU Rector Dr. Hrachya Zakoyan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Geisenheim. The agreement provides a framework for expanding cooperation in research, teaching, and academic exchange while reinforcing the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing their internationalization strategies.
Through the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, both universities intend to further deepen their cooperation. The key objectives include the development of a joint double master's programme in Viticulture, Enology and Wine Business, as well as Geisenheim's support in further developing ANAU's bachelor's program to better address the demands of international markets and the global challenges facing agriculture and viticulture.
“The major challenges facing agriculture, viticulture and food systems can only be addressed through international cooperation. Partnerships such as the one with the Armenian National Agrarian University enable us to combine expertise, learn from one another and jointly develop innovative solutions for the future,” said Geisenheim University President Prof. Dr. habil. Karl H. Mühling at the signing ceremony.
ANAU Rector Dr. Hrachya Zakoyan likewise described the agreement as an important milestone for both institutions:
“Our partnership with Geisenheim University is built on mutual trust and shared academic interests. This Memorandum of Understanding provides the foundation for offering even greater international opportunities to our students and researchers while strengthening our collaboration for the long term.”
Strong ties between the two universities
The Armenian National Agrarian University is Armenia's only state university specializing in agriculture and plays a central role in higher education as well as in the country's transformation towards modern and sustainable agriculture. Armenia also boasts a winemaking tradition spanning more than 6,000 years and an exceptional diversity of indigenous grape varieties.
The two universities have been successfully connected through the Erasmus program since 2015. Since then, numerous students, academic staff and researchers have participated in exchange activities. Beyond Erasmus, HGU and ANAU have collaborated on a wide range of initiatives, including the "Enology and Wine Business" continuing education program at the EVN Wine Academy, which awards a joint certificate, collaborative research and doctoral projects, scientific publications, and international summer schools.
Another important element of the partnership is the Alumni Hub in Yerevan, established with support from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The network connects international alumni with stakeholders from the wine sector and promotes professional exchange on sustainable viticulture and wine business.
Intensive week of academic exchange
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marked the culmination of an intensive week-long visit by a delegation from the Armenian National Agrarian University and the International Business College Mitrovica (IBC-M), Kosovo, to Hochschule Geisenheim University. Together with Geisenheim University researchers, academic staff and colleagues, the visitors gained comprehensive insights into the university's research infrastructure and study programs.
The program included visits to the departments of Viticulture, Enology, Beverage Technology, Vegetable Crops, Soil Science, and Landscape Planning and Nature Conservation, as well as numerous meetings with researchers and opportunities for professional networking. The visit concluded with the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Geisenheim University and ANAU.
At the same time, Geisenheim University also welcomed representatives from the International Business College Mitrovica (IBC-M) in Kosovo. HGU and IBC-M have maintained a successful Erasmus partnership since 2019, enabling the exchange of students and staff. During the visit, both institutions explored opportunities to further strengthen their cooperation, including the potential development of joint academic programs.
