The five state universities in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region work closely together. At the start of 2016, the rectors and presidents of Bielefeld University, Paderborn University, Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts, OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the University of Music Detmold signed a co-operation agreement. This saw the founding of “Campus OWL” – a joint network that facilitates cooperation, provides a platform for developing ideas for collaboration and enhances the visibility of Ostwestfalen-Lippe as a region of science and innovation.

The liaison office in New York – Campus OWL, Inc. – advertises study and research opportunities and promotes collaboration with North American partner institutions. It serves as a service centre and contact point for students, academics and researchers, entrepreneurs and administrative staff from OWL and North American universities.