Leipzig, Germany
Houston’s European Cultural Partner
Promoting arts, education, and commerce since 1993
Houston’s European Cultural Partner
Leipzig, Germany (1993)
Leipzig and Houston became sister cities in 1993, forming connections in culture, education, and commerce. The partnership was founded to foster citizen diplomacy, exchange programs, and mutual learning.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Cultural & Artistic Exchange: Music, art, and theatrical performances showcase German culture in Houston.
- Education: Academic exchanges strengthen language learning and cross-cultural understanding.
- Business & Industry: Delegations facilitate knowledge-sharing in trade, innovation, and urban development.
- Community Engagement: Programs connect Houston and Leipzig residents through civic and cultural initiatives.
Houston’s European Cultural Partner
Numan Oesguen
Numan OezguenDr. rer. nat., is a Houston-based biomedical scientist and community leader who loves connecting dots, between disciplines, between people, and between Houston and the wider world. Trained in physics in Aachen, Germany, he earned his doctorate (magna cum laude) before moving into biomedical research in the United States, where he has spent more than two decades applying computational and data-driven approaches to questions that matter for everyday health.
Today, Numan is an Assistant Professor of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine and in Pathology at Texas Children’s Hospital. His work sits at the crossroads of biology, computation, and medicine, using tools such as machine learning, molecular modeling, and multi-omics data analysis to better understand disease mechanisms and improve clinical decision-making. Along the way, he has contributed to projects spanning DNA repair and protein interactions to infectious diseases, always with an eye toward turning complex data into clear, useful insights. He is especially energized by emerging technologies, including AI tools that can accelerate discovery, and he enjoys finding practical, creative ways to translate new methods into real-world benefit for families and communities.
Numan’s commitment to civic life began early. While studying in Aachen, he became active in the German-Turkish Friendship Association EuroTurk, including serving on its board, reflecting a longstanding interest in cultural exchange and community building. Reflecting his dedication to connection across cultures, he speaks and writes fluently in English, German, and Turkish. Currently, Numan brings the same curiosity and bridge-building spirit to civic life in Houston. As President of the Houston Leipzig Sister City Association, he is passionate about creating opportunities for Houstonians and Leipzigers to meet, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships through cultural programs, educational exchange, and community partnerships. He believes sister-city relationships are at their best when they feel personal, built through shared experiences, welcoming conversations, and the kind of human connections that outlast headlines.
Board Member of Sister Cities of Houston
Steve Braun
As the Houston-Leipzig Representative, Steve Braun has been a Board Member of Sister Cities of Houston from 2006 to 2017, and from 2024 – present. Steve was a founding member of the Houston-Leipzig Sister City Association in 1992 and served as the Association’s President in 1997, 2003, 2011, and 2024. Also, Steve chaired the SCH Fall Concert/I-fest “Sister City Village” Committees from 2006 to 2017.
Notable Achievements / Stories:
- Hosting German music and art festivals in Houston.
- Student exchange programs promoting global learning experiences.
- Civic collaboration in municipal planning and cultural education.
Impact & Community Engagement:
Leipzig offers Houston residents access to European culture, arts, and education, strengthening global connections and fostering international friendships.