A five-year memorandum of understanding will see Macquarie University and the Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR) explore opportunities to work together to expand knowledge and understanding of human resilience.

The agreement between Macquarie, based in Sydney, Australia, and the LIR, based in Mainz in Germany, paves the way for collaborations in areas including joint research projects, sharing of expertise, staff and student exchange, joint conferences and symposia, and contribution to public policy.

Resilience is the maintenance or quick recovery of mental health during or following stressful events or circumstances, and it is a key employee attribute sought in a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, the military and emergency services.

LIR Scientific Director and Research Group Leader, Professor Klaus Lieb welcomes the signing of the new agreement.

"This agreement is an important step for resilience research. It enables us to work together with Macquarie University to develop innovative approaches to better understand how people can maintain their mental health under stress,” Professor Lieb says.

“I am very much looking forward to the collaboration and the exciting projects that will emerge from it."

LIR Research Group Leader, Professor Thomas Rigotti expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.

“I am thrilled to see our productive partnership over the past few years not only continue but expand,” Professor Rigotti says.

“In 2025, we are excited to welcome two young researchers from Macquarie University to Mainz, Germany, where they will investigate the mechanisms of team resilience and explore how leadership can enhance employee resilience.

“This memorandum will allow us to advance cutting-edge research by combining the expertise and strengths of both institutions.”

Professor of Organisational Psychology, Monique Crane is the Director of the Macquarie University Performance and Expertise Research Centre, and leader of the University’s Resilience Research and Training Systems Team.

“The LIR is the world-class hub for resilience research, and we are very much looking forward to the opportunities that the closer relationship with the LIR will offer to both institutions,” she says.

“We have been privileged to collaborate with its researchers on a number of projects to date, and look forward to working more closely together.

"As well as opening up valuable research opportunities for the resilience team at Macquarie, the agreement will allow higher degree research (HDR) students to visit the LIR and expand their understanding and work to the German context.”

Macquarie University Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Health Strategy, Professor Roger Chung, says the University places great importance on building strong collaborative relationships with key research institutions and industry partners.

“If we are to successfully navigate the world’s current and future challenges, increasing the understanding of how to foster and strengthen personal resilience will be of immense benefit,” Professor Chung says.

“I look forward to the insights and knowledge that will be developed through this new partnership with LIR.”

About the Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research

The Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research is a non-university research institute in the Leibniz Association, whose mission is to research resilience. The main objectives of the LIR are to understand resilience mechanisms from a neuroscientific point of view, to develop and to provide appropriate psychological, pharmacological, and biotechnological interventions to promote resilience and to work towards changing living and working environments in order to strengthen resilience. The LIR is dedicated to matters that are of a very high social relevance and international importance.