Practical universities are earning accolades and recognition
The German academic landscape is undergoing a transformation, with Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW) increasingly focusing on research and international collaboration. This shift is being spearheaded by the German government, as evidenced by Research Minister Dorothee Bär's statements.
One such example of this new focus is the Berlin University of Technology and Economics, which, along with its Australian partner universities, supports the "Global Women in Engineering and IT" project. The project aims to promote gender diversity in these fields, but further details about its leadership are not currently available.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has been supporting HAW for over five years, helping to establish various international partnerships. These partnerships have led to the development of an international startup agency at Neu-Ulm University and a "Smart Textiles" bachelor program in collaboration with universities in Belgium, Finland, Sweden, and Indonesia at Niederrhein University.
The push towards research and innovation at HAW is evident in the latest calls for proposals, which cover a wide range of topics, including healthcare sciences, neurotechnology, and climate adaptation in rural areas. Minister Bär has emphasized the importance of these programs, stating that they could "better showcase the strengths of research" at HAW.
The DAAD program has highlighted the diversity of these international partnerships. At a conference in Dortmund in May 2025, the program showcased the establishment of the international startup agency and the development of the "Smart Textiles" bachelor program as examples of successful collaborations.
Universities of applied sciences in Germany achieve this focus through dual study programs that combine vocational training and academic education, ensuring students are prepared for professional activities in a highly focused manner.
Moreover, the German Research Foundation (DFG) is fostering exchange between German HAW researchers and their counterparts in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This exchange focuses on topics like digitization, sustainable urban development, renewable energies, and resource management.
Recently, countries like India and Indonesia have been included in HAW's DFG-supported international exchange, potentially attracting more students and researchers to Germany. The increased focus on research and internationalization could be a significant draw for talented individuals seeking to make a global impact.
In conclusion, Germany's Universities of Applied Sciences are embracing research and international partnerships, leading to innovative projects like the "Global Women in Engineering and IT" and the development of new programs like "Smart Textiles." This shift towards research and internationalization could potentially attract more students and researchers to Germany, further strengthening its position as a global hub for academic excellence.
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