IMDEA Networks and TU Darmstadt strengthen research cooperation in computer science

Both institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster a culture of innovation through European collaboration

29 September 2026

IMDEA Networks Institute and the Computer Science Department of Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt), Germany, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen scientific cooperation.

Formalized on September 9th, the agreement commits both institutions to exchanging knowledge in basic research, applied research, and innovation transfer, and to jointly advancing research initiatives in areas of shared interest.

To bring these goals to life, the partners plan a range of joint activities, including bilateral workshops and events to connect researchers from both institutions, exploratory visits to lay the groundwork for future collaborations, and the joint development of research programs and projects. The agreement also promotes the exchange of scientists, including doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, technical staff, and experts, as part of these collaborative efforts.

About the Institutions

IMDEA Networks Institute is a leading European research centre in computer and communication networks, known internationally for foundational work in networked systems, wireless and mobile computing, AI-native networking, cybersecurity, and privacy. It combines cutting-edge research, large-scale experimental infrastructure, technology transfer, and international collaboration to advance the digital infrastructures of modern society.

The Department of Computer Science at TU Darmstadt is ranked among Europe’s Top 10 for computer science research according to CSRankings. It is internationally recognized for excellence in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, alongside very strong contributions to networked and distributed systems, cyber resilience, software engineering, and theoretical computer science. As part of one of Germany’s foremost technical universities, the department combines rigorous fundamental research, close industry and government partnerships, and a vibrant doctoral and postdoctoral community to advance both the science and application of computing.

“The combined excellence of IMDEA Networks and TU Darmstadt will help address some of the grand challenges in computer science research. This MoU further strengthens our already fruitful collaboration”, says Prof. Dr. Jörg Widmer, Research Director at IMDEA Networks.

Prof. Dr. Carsten Binnig, Dean of the Department of Computer Science at TU Darmstadt, adds: “International partnerships are central to our department’s research profile. This MoU connects two strong research communities, particularly in the area of Complex Interconnected Systems, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together”

Bringing the Partnership to Life

The MoU is anchored by the double affiliation of Prof. Dr. Matthias Hollick, who leads the Secure Mobile Systems group at IMDEA Networks and the Secure Mobile Networking Lab at TU Darmstadt, ensuring the collaboration translates directly into joint research activity from the outset.

“With our particular focus on networked systems, cybersecurity and cyber resilience, as well as artificial intelligence, we are working at the intersection of some of the most urgent topics of societal importance,” highlights Prof. Dr. Hollick, “and we have already started with the double affiliation of early career researchers that work partially in Madrid, partially in Darmstadt.”

This partnership reflects the strategic vision of both institutions to strengthen their international presence and foster a culture of innovation through European collaboration.