Interview with Dr Hubertus Hille, Managing Director of IHK Bonn/Rhein-Sieg, and University President Marion Halfmann promoting talent, driving innovation, shaping digital transformation Annual Report 2024
MAGAZINE
Imprint
PUBLISHED BY:
The President of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – University of Applied Sciences
EDITOR (RESPONSIBLE ACCORDING TO GERMAN PRESS LAW AND THE MEDIA):
Dominik Pieper – Head of Communications and Marketing
CONTENT DESIGN AND EDITING:
Daniela Greulich, H-BRS, and Katja Spross, con gressa GmbH, Bonn
AUTHORS:
Jürgen Bode, Lea Brandes, Yorick Fastenrath, Angela Fischer, Daniela Greulich, Alina Groen, Marion Halfmann, Lara Korte, Remi Maier-Rigaud, Dominik Pieper, Katja Spross, Alexandra Straush, Anna Richter, Marco Winzker, Michaela Wirtz
TRANSLATION:
Jennifer Hatherill
LAYOUT AND DESIGN:
Bosse und Meinhard, Wissen und Kommunikation, Bonn
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renewal
promoting talent, driving innovation, shaping digital transformation
Thomas Hümmerich
Dear Readers,
Today more than ever before, higher education institutions are at the heart of social, economic and technological transformation. They are places of knowledge, reflection and active participation in shaping our future. Against this backdrop, the past year at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – University of Applied Sciences was marked by strategic decisions, targeted renewal, and a clear commitment to our strengths in research, teaching and knowledge transfer.
The title of our annual report – renewal: promoting talent, driving innovation, shaping digitalisation – sums up what we have already set in motion together and where our journey is taking us.
For us, renewal means more than mere adaptation. It represents a courageous departure towards sustainable structures. Over the past year, our university has demonstrated its readiness to evolve – through the modernisation of our degree programmes, innovative research projects, and a university culture that embraces diversity, interdisciplinarity and sustainability.
Special focus was placed on promoting talent. With targeted measures to support early-career researchers – such as new professional pathways and doctoral opportunities through the Graduate School for Applied Research in North Rhine-Westphalia (PK NRW) – we are investing in the future of our society.
Innovation is and remains our central driving force. Universities are hotbeds of new ideas – whether in technological developments, social innovations or cultural discourse. Further developing this innovative strength requires openness, cooperation and the courage to break new ground.
We have also consistently pushed ahead with digitalisation. Digital teaching, networked research and intelligent administration are now fundamental components of a modern university. At the same time, we know that there is still much work to be done in this area.
This annual report impressively documents what we at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg have achieved together over the past year. It shows that we are on the right path – and that we will continue along it with conviction, creativity and responsibility.
With the new university development plan, which is being drawn up this year, we are creating the strategic framework for this renewal process. As president, I am fully committed to this – and I am convinced that with the dedication and ideas of our colleagues we will successfully shape this path.
Marion Halfmann President of H-BRS
study
Higher education in transition: Sustainability, digitalisation and skills for the future
Renewing, shaping, and responding to important developments are ongoing themes at a university, frequently reflected in projects and often linked to special events.
Continual development of the degree programme portfolio is regularly on the agenda. In close coordination with one other and in consultation with the President’s Office, the departments worked together last year to update the existing programmes. By focusing on the future-oriented topics of sustainability and digitalisation, H-BRS ensures that its courses remain up to date and relevant. These efforts have led to developments that will result in new degree programmes.
Another driving force for renewal is generative AI. The university senate discussed the opportunities and risks of using GenAI and passed an AI resolution that provides guidance for both teachers and students. Workshops and the AI newsletter from ZIEL offer support for keeping pace with these developments and provide suggestions on how to enhance teaching methods by incorporating them.
A special event for me in 2024 was the Day of Teaching. Under the motto “Future Skills @ H-BRS”, we exchanged ideas on interdisciplinary skills. Through a keynote speech, workshops, and lectures from the university, we were able to see what is already being implemented and where we can learn from each other. The goal: to educate students so that they understand the complexity of the modern world and are as well prepared as possible for the challenges of the future. An important step towards strengthening future skills has been taken.
This marked the seventh Day of Teaching since its launch in 2012. The number seven holds special significance in many cultures worldwide and in everyday life. With this in mind, I hope that the Day of Teaching 2024 will continue to work its magic across the university long after the day itself is over.
Prof. Dr Marco Winzker
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Teaching and Digitalisation (until 28 February 2025)
2nd Place for dry toilet at “Engineers without Borders”
A major success: Students from the Department of Engineering and Communication (IWK) secured 2nd place in the “Engineers without Borders” challenge with their innovative dry toilet for Sierra Leone. The task was to develop a sustainable toilet system that functions without electricity or running water. The students impressed the jury with a concept that is easy to implement, cost-effective, and specifically designed to use locally available building materials. The individual components for the model were produced using a 3D printer.
“Engineers without Borders” is a non-profit, independent organization for development cooperation.
Writing marathon for summer solstice
On 20 June 2024 – the longest day of the year – Rheinbach Library hosted its very own “Longest Writing Day of the Year”. Students took the opportunity to explore all aspects of academic writing in depth. From practical tips on literature searches and citation methods to interactive workshops, the programme offered something for everyone. Participants had the chance to discover their own personal learning styles and learn helpful strategies for overcoming extreme procrastination. A workshop in English was available for international students, and several events were held in hybrid format for greater flexibility. Healthy snacks kept energy levels up throughout the day. Students with any additional questions could find further guidance at the Writing Centre’s information stand.
Bridge2Success actively addresses the skilled labour shortage
Connecting international talent with regional companies
Shortage of skilled workers? Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg is actively working to mitigate the problem. With Bridge2Success, the university of applied sciences is tapping into the potential of its international students and graduates. “We want to connect talented young people with companies in the region and make it easier for them to enter the German job market,” explains Abdelrahman Fatoum, coordinator of the project.
Studying in Germany poses many challenges for international students. In addition to navigating a new university environment, questions about their professional future arise early on. How do I apply for a job successfully? What career opportunities are out there? What language skills do German companies expect me to have?
Win-win situation for students and companies
This is where H-BRS comes in. The university supports international students on their path to the German job market by establishing cooperation networks and transitional structures between higher education and businesses. “Together with our partners, we are creating a platform that not only promotes the integration of students into the job market, but also strengthens regional companies in the long term,” emphasises Fatoum.
Bridge2Success accompanies talented international students throughout their entire academic career: from preparatory courses and mentoring programmes, through language courses and alumni meetings, to career fairs and networking events with companies. As partners of the university, employers from the region can network with international students at career fairs and conferences. They are also invited to participate in the Bridge2Success workshop series “Grenzenlos attraktiv” (Attractive without Borders) and thus come into direct contact with the next generation of skilled professionals.
From campus to career
Eight international alumni acted as role models, sharing their success stories on how they entered the German job market. The Alumni Office and the International Office jointly hosted the event in December 2024, to promote personal exchange of experiences and dialogue. Around 40 students from countries including India, Syria, Iran, Brazil, Nigeria and Russia came together for the alumni meet-up. The relaxed world café format gave participants the opportunity to ask the alumni questions directly, as well as network with fellow students and young graduates. Attendees also received first-hand tips on topics such as the expectations of German employers, the strengths and challenges of international graduates, and the skills they should ideally acquire during their studies.
From studies to career: International alumni share their experiences at the alumni event
“Thoroughly preparing for the application process is crucial,” says alum Sogol Haghighat. “A convincing letter of motivation and a professional résumé helped me receive significantly more positive responses,” reports the Master’s graduate of the Autonomous Systems degree programme, who now works as a research engineer at the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems (IAIS). Her advice to students: “Build a strong network and stay curious. Lifelong learning is the key to success.” Bilal Akhter, now a research assistant at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Bonn, emphasises: “Openness to different people and perspectives is essential. Those who actively seek out exchange not only learn more about their own field but also expand their career opportunities.”
Chandra Mohan has also found her place in the German job market. She works as a circular economy strategist at the company Siegwerk Druckfarben. As a Master’s graduate of the CSR & NGO Management programme at H-BRS, she stresses the importance of building professional contacts while studying. “I made full use of opportunities to network with sustainability professionals. That definitely helped me advance my career,” Mohan reports.
With Bridge2Success, international students can choose from a wide range of events and initiatives each semester that support them on their path to a successful professional future.
E-exams demonstrate their effectiveness, while digital competence continues to grow
The digital transformation of studying and teaching is progressing rapidly – including in the area of electronic examinations. Today, digital tools are used to carry out examinations, lecture-accompanying tests, exercises, and module assessments, which are then integrated into teaching. “Our goal is to establish e-exams at the university and promote competence-oriented assessment,” explains Miriam Wegener, Consultant for E-Learning and E-Assessment.
The e-assessment team has been using Dynexite, the examination software developed by RWTH Aachen University, for some time now and expanded the digital examination infrastructure in 2024. “We have more e-exams every semester,” reports Miriam Wegener. A new handbook also ensures that e-exams are legally compliant. “The main advantages of e-examinations are that they enable efficient correction of large volumes of exams and reduce errors,” she emphasises. The procedure has proven particularly effective in Bachelor’s programmes with large numbers of students. In 2024, 72 Dynexite exams were conducted at H-BRS with a total of 3,335 participants.
Media and digital competence
In addition to expanding the use of e-exams, H-BRS also supports the development of media and digital competence among students and teachers. In 2024, the e-learning team at the University and District Library once again offered the two certificate programmes: E-Tutor and E-Teacher. “Students acquire basic skills in presentation techniques, e-learning tools
such as Articulate, and the LEA learning management platform. They can choose to specialise in video, podcasting, virtual courses, copyright, or e-assessment,” explains Eva Besgen, Consultant for E-Learning and Media Didactics. The E-Teacher qualification focuses on the didactic design of specific teaching projects. “Faculty members apply with a project, which we support from the initial idea through to its implementation,” says Besgen. The results for 2024: 13 students qualified as E-Tutors and 16 faculty members as E-Teachers.
Certificate presentation to the new E-Teachers in summer semester 2024
E-exams via the Dynexite examination platform
Media competence officially certified: the new E-Tutors in winter semester 2024/25
Videos at the press of a button
The One Button Recording Studios at the university libraries in Sankt Augustin and Rheinbach offer a particularly convenient solution. In these fully automated, push-button film studios, instructors can record videos without any prior technical knowledge. Lighting, camera and sound are all preset. “The concept is deliberately low threshold. Even without experience, you can get started right away,” says Tim Trampert, media production consultant. Demand is high: “There were 117 bookings in 2024,” says Trampert. The current goal is to increase awareness of the studios and what they have to offer.
Screw Loose, Short Fuse
What do everyday objects such as ladders or scissors have to do with social issues? Quite a lot, as demonstrated by the travelling exhibition “Rad ab, Schraube locker” (“Screw Loose, Short Fuse”) organised by the Blue Engineering association and sponsored by TU Berlin. The exhibition, which was on display at H-BRS from March to June 2024, focused on everyday objects that reflect connections between democracy and technology. With the help of symbolic tools – from the “ladder of higher, faster, further” to the “beard of patriarchy” – it revealed the deep interconnections between technical, industrial and social development. At the same time, the exhibition encouraged reflection on individual responsibility. First presented in 2018 by IG Metall Berlin-Brandenburg-Saxony, it was brought to H-BRS in cooperation with the Centre for Ethics and Responsibility (ZEV). The ZEV supplemented the exhibition with an accompanying programme that explored the relationship between technology and society in greater depth.
Professional videos made easy with the One Button Recording Studio
“We are open to technology”
H-BRS welcomes the use of AI in teaching – Clear framework established to guide its implementation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking our world by storm: virtual assistants, chatbots and spell checkers are integral parts of our daily lives. AI is also playing an increasingly important role in higher education. With its “Resolution on Good Academic Practice in Student Work and the Use of AI”, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg has established a clear framework for the responsible use of AI in academic work.
“H-BRS is open to technological innovations and supports the meaningful use of AI in teaching,” explains Andrea Schröder, Administrative Director of the Centre for Teaching Development and Innovation (ZIEL) and Presidential Commissioner for High Education Didactics. At the same time, the university has established clear guidelines. “The use of AI tools must be transparent. Students must continue to perform independently, and any information generated by AI must be critically reviewed by the authors,” says Schröder. These principles are embedded in the university’s new resolution.
AI assistants: more than just a learning aid
As a practice-oriented university, H-BRS aims to prepare students for the professional world in the best possible way.
“AI plays a central role in this,” emphasises the presidential commissioner. Both students and teachers need to learn how to use AI effectively. In order to support teachers in integrating AI meaningfully into examinations, H-BRS has launched the Exam4Life programme. It is designed to establish a sustainable, competence-oriented examination culture with relevance to the real world. “If we want to promote AI-related
competencies, then we should consider them in every phase of the examination process: from exam planning and the choice of exam format to design, assessment, feedback and integration into teaching,” says Schröder.
Another offering for teachers is an eight-part lecture series on current AI topics, covering everything from chatbots as learning aids to AI and copyright, and even ChatGPT as a research assistant. The “Prompt Workshop” with Dr Matthias Rüdiger is especially popular. “Anyone who has ever worked with ChatGPT or another AI knows that crafting the right prompt is an art in itself. That’s why we created the Prompt Workshop,” explains Schröder. In this workshop, teachers learn which questions are suitable for creating teaching or exam materials and how the algorithms operate in the background. “With Matthias Rüdiger, we have an absolute expert at our side who can explain in depth how AI works and what we need to pay attention to,” Schröder continues.
Pedagogically sound use of AI
But how exactly is AI used in teaching and assessment? Esther Smialowski from the Centre for Teaching Development and Innovation (ZIEL) explains: “In addition to setting the technical prerequisites, it is particularly important that the selected tools are used in a pedagogically sound way.” To support this, ZIEL has developed a needs analysis that helps teachers make informed decisions about when AI should and should not be used in testing – and what tailor-made assessment formats might look like.
The aim is to use AI in a targeted way so that it offers added value. AI also influences how exams are designed. “If AI is used in examinations, the assessment criteria should also be adjusted,” says university didactics expert Smialowski. Aspects such as spelling and formatting could be supported by AI in the future, while competencies such as creativity, originality and critical thinking should be given greater weight.
A practical example illustrates how this approach can be applied. “One department decided that students should document their communication with the AI at the end of their Bachelor’s thesis in the form of an interview transcript – similar to a qualitative study,” reports Schröder. “This makes it possible to trace which questions were asked and how critically the students reflected on the AI’s responses.”
Future-oriented teaching and assessment culture
With its resolution, H-BRS is setting clear guidelines for the responsible use of AI. “We want to ensure that AI is not seen as a substitute for human competencies, but as a tool that must be critically reflected upon and used in a didactically meaningful way,” emphasises Schröder. By supporting both teachers and students and launching innovative programmes such as Exam4Life, the university is creating a future-oriented teaching and assessment culture.
Read the resolution:
www.h-brs.de/de/ziel/news/neue-ki-resolution
How AI would illustrate the topic of AI in teaching – generated with LeChat
Assia, Maryam and Khadija El Majjaoui
The three sisters study in the Department of Computer Science and appreciate how studying at H-BRS promotes their individual development
“As women passionate about STEM subjects, we’re in excellent hands here at H-BRS.
Through personal guidance, modern teaching methods and individual support programmes like the Deutschland Stipendium (Germany Scholarship) – which Maryam was awarded in December 2024 – our diverse talents and abilities are recognised and individually nurtured. Here, performance and commitment count, regardless of origin or external characteristics. This creates a positive learning atmosphere that gives us plenty of freedom. It’s also great that current topics and the latest developments in fields such as artificial intelligence are quickly integrated into teaching by the professors. This motivates us to stay on top of the subject matter and develop our own ideas. We study computer science and business informatics because these subjects not only allow us to apply our strengths but also give us the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. The knowledge we gain at the university will later enable us to actively shape the digital future. After graduation, we can get started right away because we gain a lot of valuable hands-on experience during our studies. This is a great motivation for our professional futures.”
Top-ranked again for overall study satisfaction
Graduate survey: H-BRS stays on top
In 2024, H-BRS once again ranked first in a survey of graduates in North Rhine-Westphalia in terms of “Overall Satisfaction with Studies”. According to a study conducted by the Institute for Applied Statistics (ISTAT) in Kassel, the university scored 3.2 out of a possible 4 points on a scale ranging from zero (“very dissatisfied”) to four (“very satisfied”). “I’m very pleased that students recognise and appreciate the high quality of our teaching,” says Professor Marco Winzker, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Teaching and Digitalisation until February 2025.
University scores points for practical relevance
“Overall Satisfaction with Studies” is made up of various factors and provides a retrospective, subjective evaluation. The graduates from the class of 2020 rated their studies about a year and a half later – also with regard to entering the job market. For Winzker, this is a decisive criterion for the good results.
“Our teachers must have at least three years of practical experience, so they know exactly which requirements are important in the professional world. This enables them to prepare our students well for these demands during their studies.”
Engineering programmes especially popular
The positive feedback from graduates is consistent across most subject areas. But one field of study is especially highly rated: engineering. Many formats focused on practical experience are firmly integrated into the curriculum of these degree programmes. “We’ve had very good experience with this, as it allows students to acquire knowledge independently, which has a much more lasting impact,” explains Winzker.
“We strive for high quality teaching”
The alumni’s self-assessment is based on a wide range of experiences – from the support provided by teaching staff, to the facilities and organisation, to the practical relevance of the degree programmes. For Winzker, one thing is particularly important: “We are committed to and continuously strive for high-quality teaching. And we’ve created the structures necessary for supporting this, such as our Centre for Teaching Development and Innovation.” The latest survey results reinforce his approach: “They show that our teaching methods are effective and well received by students. That’s a welcome confirmation.”
New Master’s programme “Digital Communication and Media Innovation”
“Digitalisation and the growing use of artificial intelligence have profoundly changed the media landscape in recent years, and the process continues,” explains Professor Tanja Köhler, head of the new degree programme. Content is consumed differently today, new formats are gaining importance, and media habits are changing rapidly. “All of this requires new skills in addition to traditional journalistic craftsmanship,” says the professor of digital journalism. With the new Master’s programme in “Digital Communication and Media Innovation,” H-BRS is specifically responding to this media transformation. The programme will launch in summer semester 2024.
Theory meets practice
The interdisciplinary degree programme combines theory and practice. “We don’t just impart sound knowledge, we empower students to apply it directly,” emphasises the programme director. “Moreover, we work closely with partners in the field and regularly invite experts from the industry, such as those from Deutsche Welle, WDR or the Bonner General-Anzeiger.”
Over three semesters, students acquire skills in digital journalism, communication, digital leadership, innovative format development, and media and design aesthetics. Career changers with practical media experience are also welcome as students. “This encourages the exchange of various perspectives and fosters a creative learning environment,” explains Köhler.
In order to prepare students as effectively as possible for their future careers, they can make use of the university’s own TV and radio studios during their studies. They also have the opportunity to publish journalistic work in the online magazine Werksgelände allowing them to build up a portfolio of work samples.
Promising start
Judging by the first year, the programme has been very well received. “The degree programme is easy to combine with professional commitments, allowing students to gain additional hands-on experience in the media industry,” says student Tim Breuer. “I like the strong connection to current topics – from AI to TikTok. The practical nature of the seminars makes me feel well prepared for the professional world,” explains student Angela Valdivia Manchego.
Applications are open each year until 15 March – the programme begins in the summer semester.
More about the degree programme:
Celebratory farewell at the Telekom Dome:
Together with around 3,000 guests, the graduates celebrated the completion of their degrees at H-BRS
“We are counting on you”
Graduation ceremony and first-semester welcome
Emotional graduation ceremony: A sea of hats soared into the air as Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) bid a celebratory farewell to around 550 graduates from the past academic year in October 2024. The ceremony took place at the Telekom Dome in Bonn’s Hardtberg district and was attended by close to 3,000 guests, including families, friends and figures from politics, industry and science.
Outgoing University President Hartmut Ihne praised the achievements of the graduates and encouraged them to face the future with confidence. In view of global challenges such as climate change and digitalisation, he emphasised: “We all need to put our heads together to successfully manage this transformation.” Addressing the young academics, he added: “We are counting on you!”
New semester, new faces: Firstsemester welcome 2024
Just a few days earlier, H-BRS officially welcomed its new students. A varied programme along with the Market of Opportunities, offering extensive information about studying, ensured a successful start to winter semester 2024/25. Hartmut Ihne urged the newcomers to stand up for themselves confidently and not underestimate themselves: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. Without trial and error, science would not be possible.” Nearly 2,000 students started the winter semester at H-BRS in 41 degree programmes, 1,700 of them in Bachelor’s programmes.
Start of winter semester 2024/25: H-BRS welcomes its new students to the Sankt Augustin campus
“Promoting interdisciplinary skills”
Day of Teaching with all the answers about “Future Skills @ H-BRS”
Marco Winzker, until end of February 2025 Vice
President for Academic Affairs, Teaching and Digitalisation
Showcasing outstanding approaches and promoting exchange among teachers – that is the goal of the Day of Teaching. Under the motto “Future Skills”, the focus in 2024 was on forward-looking competencies. Professor Marco Winzker, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Teaching and Digitalisation until the end of February 2025, explains the background.
| What is the idea behind “FUTURE SKILLS @ H-BRS”?
ą At our university, we teach not only subject-specific knowledge but also interdisciplinary competencies. “Future skills” are key qualifications that we aim to structurally embed in our teaching and make more visible. That’s why we support teachers in further developing their approaches. The Day of Teaching offers an opportunity for joint discussion: Which future skills are important? How can they be promoted? How can we integrate them into our degree programmes?
| Which “Future Skills” are most important in your opinion?
ą At the university, we have developed three core categories of future skills: classic skills, digital skills and transformation skills. Classic skills include basic abilities such as communication and teamwork. Digital skills relate to working in the digital space, from collaborating in virtual teams to making meaningful use of new technologies such as AI. The third category, sustainability and transformation, focuses on how change can be actively and sustainably shaped. These categories are intended to serve as a guide – the emphasis may vary depending on the degree programme.
| The 2024 Teaching Award went to “Der gehende Hörsaal – Rheinbacher Rundtour” (The Mobile Lecture Hall – Rheinbach Walking Tour) by Professor Christine Buchholz. What makes this teaching concept stand out?
ą The concept supports students in their development. They leave the university to gain practical insights into companies and learn about sustainability firsthand on site. What impressed us most was the didactic and inclusive implementation. The students actively worked together, and everyone was able to contribute. It convinced us in every respect.
| Does the Day of Teaching have a long-term impact?
ą Interdisciplinary exchange is a clear advantage. It’s especially rewarding when an approach presented in one department is later adopted and further developed by another. We’ve seen this happen on several occasions. Teaching concepts take time to develop, but when we see ideas taking root in other areas, it’s a positive sign that the Day of Teaching promotes genuine exchange and provides lasting inspiration.
Our university of applied sciences is systematically driving innovation in research. Over the past year, we have focused our efforts on promoting talent at early career stages: the new opportunity to enrol at H-BRS for doctoral studies at the Graduate School for Applied Research in North Rhine-Westphalia (PK NRW) has been very well received. In another first for 2024, doctoral graduates and their supervisors at H-BRS were honoured by the President’s Office during a reception hosted by our Graduate Institute. Postdocs find support too, through the FH-Personal project PeP@H-BRS. In “tandem positions”, they gain the practical work experience required for an academic appointment by collaborating with a partner from industry, while simultaneously acquiring their research and teaching qualifications at H-BRS. This dual-track model for attracting talent to professorships at universities of applied sciences served as the inspiration for the planned introduction of junior professorships with the prospect of a permanent position (tenure track) as part of the revision to the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Hochschulgesetz – HG NRW).
H-BRS is committed to making the research system future-proof. To this end, it became the first university of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia to join the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) and its corresponding national chapter. In 2024, many stakeholders at the university set out to develop proposals to improve research evaluation at H-BRS in the coming years.
By renewing and strategically aligning our applied and knowledgedriven research, H-BRS remains a respected player in an evolving research landscape. But one thing remains unchanged: careful research cannot be produced at the push of a button. It is an investment in our future, as its rewards only mature after many years. For this reason, lasting support for research structures, like those we have here at H-BRS, is essential. They make our university an attractive partner for students, researchers, and employers who want to shape our future. Only together can we succeed in countering anti-scientific tendencies, protecting the independence of research, and renewing academic freedom for researchers, even in times of global crisis.
Prof. Dr Remi Maier-Rigaud
Vice President for Research and Young Academics (until 28 February 2025)
Start-up funding for early-career researchers
Sought, tested, found – new formats for smart knowledge transfer
In times of climate change, communicating scientific findings to society is becoming increasingly important. That is the concept behind KLUGER Transfer (Smarter Transfer), a joint project between the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) at H-BRS and the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC). The goal is a two-step knowledge transfer: from basic research to universities of applied sciences and then on to politics, industry, and the broader public. Through this collaboration, problem analyses are transformed into practical proposals for action. H-BRS has played a key role as a bridge builder between theory and practice and developed innovative transfer formats for various target groups. One example is Citizen Science. In this project, citizens, supported by the IZNE and MPIC, examined local vegetables for the trace element selenium and collected data for future research. The goal was achieved: teamwork between research and society promotes trust in science and strengthens commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
The first step is the hardest – and this holds true for a scientific career as well. For this reason, in 2024, H-BRS supported seven outstanding scientists with start-up funding of up to 20,000 euros from the university’s own budget. The programme primarily targets researchers at an early stage in their careers and is intended to help them realise research ideas, build their own teaching portfolios, or secure international contacts during a particularly difficult phase.
“The start-up funding is an excellent tool for helping researchers establish collaboration with international partners early on,” emphasises Professor Jürgen Bode, who served as Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity until February 2025. One young researcher is currently being funded from this vice-presidential budget for the second time. The other six receive their funding from the budget of the Vice President for Research and Young Academics – Professor Remi Maier-Rigaud until February 2025.
Sensors for smart cities
How about analysing the environment with mobile sensors on your back? This may sound like something straight out of a sci-fi film, but now it is becoming reality thanks to the project “New Analysis Methods for Complex Safety and Environmental Data” (NAkSU). Using both stationary and mobile sensors, researchers at H-BRS are collecting precise environmental data on indicators such as air humidity and pollutant levels. They then process and visualise this data to present it in a clear and accessible way to cities, citizens and other target groups. To achieve this, the Institutes for Safety and Security Research and Visual Computing are working hand in hand. The aim of NAkSU is to use complex environmental data effectively for a wide range of applications, from urban planning to disaster management. The project is already in its practical phase – the first measurements are now being carried out with the support of local citizens.
Efficient inverters for the future
A step closer to sustainability: After four years of intensive research, the team led by Marco Jung, Professor for Electromobility and Electrical Infrastructure, successfully completed the LEITNING project at the end of 2024. The scientists conducted research on an innovative battery inverter that is significantly more efficient and cost-effective than previous solutions. By integrating locally generated renewable energies, the inverter’s control system can stabilise weak power grids in emergency situations such as natural disasters. At the same time, Marco Jung was leading the GaN-HighPower research project, which concluded in April 2025. This project focused on the next generation of high-performance power converters for photovoltaic applications. The key: gallium nitride (GaN). This semiconductor is significantly more efficient than alternative materials, but until now it could only be used to a limited extent – for example in LEDs. “Our goal is to push the boundaries of GaN technology,” explains Jung. “This will enable us to make even better use of solar energy while reducing resource use and costs.” With these two projects, H-BRS is making an important contribution to the development of sustainable energy technologies.
Blockchain, soil microbiome and two AI-tools
Federal Ministry of Education and Research Funds Four Innovative Transfer Projects at H-BRS
Scientific findings should benefit society as quickly and tangibly as possible – this is the core idea behind the DATI innovation sprints organised by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). DATI, the German Agency for Transfer and Innovation, is currently being established to accelerate the practical application of research. Original research projects are funded in close cooperation partners from practice. The ambitious goal is to translate the research results into practical applications within 18 months.
H-BRS stood out with four innovative transfer ideas: a blockchain application for energy cooperatives, an AI methodology for optimising the product design process, a soil microbiome meter that enables a new type of soil diagnostics in agriculture, and an AI tool for research transfer. The projects were launched in December 2024.
Uncovering hidden treasures
Professor Matthias Bertram from the Department of Computer Science is leading the development of the AI tool for research transfer. The so-called Science Transfer Navigator is designed to make life easier for those responsible for transfer in the future. “Our main goal is to simplify the matching process between researchers and partners from practice,” explains Bertram. Given the large number of research projects at universities, it is not possible to fully exploit the transfer potential of all of them. Bertram’s idea for solving this problem is a tool based on generative AI that enables scientists to search more precisely for suitable external partners for their research
projects. This strengthens the transfer between science and society.
The H-BRS team is working closely with KERN AI, a company that tests concepts developed at H-BRS in real-world settings. The start-up, a spin-off from the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering in Potsdam, offers AI-assisted solutions for the insurance industry, among other sectors. However, the Science Transfer Navigator is not intended to replace active players in the transfer field. “Our tool won’t make decisions. It simply improves the efficiency of certain processes,” says Bertram.
Strengthening transfer: Professor Sebastian Houben, Professor Kerstin Lemke-Rust, Head of ZWT Simon Roth, Vice President Michaela Wirtz (until February 2025),
Patient and motivating
H-BRS develops learning robot for autism spectrum therapy
Consciously directing attention to a stimulus and fully focusing on it can be a real challenge for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). They often exhibit differences in attention span, information processing, emotional development, interaction and learning. But targeted therapy and support services can encourage children’s development. Could learning robots also play a role in the future? This question was explored over a three-year period by the interdisciplinary research project MigrAVE, which involved H-BRS, FH Münster – University of Applied Sciences, and Rheinische Hochschule Köln – University of Applied Sciences.
Learning robot motivates and supports
What stands about 60 centimetres tall and can be operated via tablet? It is the prototype of a therapy robot developed at H-BRS. The research team based their work on a robot specifically designed for social interactions between humans and machines. For MigrAVE, the robot was programmed to independently carry out a variety of learning tasks with children while interacting with them throughout the process. Activities range from practice in matching animal names and learning colours, to daily routines such as washing hands or brushing teeth. Additionally, a multilingual online platform was created to provide families and therapists with scientifically grounded information on the subject of ASD.
The therapy robot not only knows the correct answers to all the questions in the learning programmes but can also use the 3D camera built into its head to monitor whether a child is paying attention. Eye gaze, head position and facial expressions provide insights into the learning progress. “The robot recognises when the child is distracted and motivates them to continue with encouraging, child-friendly prompts,” explains Dr Alex Mitrevski, an expert in learning robots at H-BRS. However, the learning robot is by no means intended to replace therapists. “Our system can help ease the burden of ASD therapy, especially during time-consuming, repetitive learning processes,” emphasises Mitrevski. The learning assistant offers a key advantage: it never loses its patience and always stays friendly. While initial tests show that children respond positively to it, additional research is needed before the learning assistant can be integrated into routine therapy.
More:
ȹ https://migrave.de
Always friendly and patient: The learning robot supports children in ASD therapy
Digital helpers
Center for Assistive Technologies Rhein-Ruhr established
Whether at work, at school or at home, digital assistants such as learning, therapy or care robots can open up new possibilities for people with disabilities. But every person is different and has individual needs. Assistive technologies can be applied to a wide variety of tasks. So how can these digital assistance systems be individually and proactively adapted to meet people’s specific needs? Researchers at the newly established Center for Assistive Technologies Rhein-Ruhr (ZAT) are addressing this question.
The focus of ZAT Rhein-Ruhr is on assistive devices that proactively adapt in the areas of work, living, health, mobility and education – so-called pro-adaptive solutions. In this project, funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia with 2.7 million euros, H-BRS aims to lay the foundation for future solutions together with the
Rhine-Waal and Niederrhein Universities of Applied Sciences and the University of Duisburg-Essen. “With ZAT Rhein-Ruhr, we are creating a sustainable research and development structure that will benefit everyone,” says Dr Iman Awaad, Project and Strategy Manager. From fundamental AI systems to the development of standardised data protection guidelines, the ZAT team aims to provide expert support.
Working together with users
Communication also plays a central role, explains Awaad: “Exchanging ideas as equals – with nursing staff, care recipients and other key participants – is an essential part of ZAT RheinRuhr, because we need user feedback to develop adaptive systems that truly work.” The digital assistance systems are developed in close collaboration with the people who use them. To this end, the researchers test new developments with the help of a mobile laboratory in care facilities and establish contacts at international trade fairs. Among other contributions, H-BRS brings its many years of expertise in robotics.
Project Lead Professor Teena Chakkalayil Hassan, an expert in human-machine interaction, says, “People are at the centre of our work. Our project is a promise for the future”.
More: ȹ www.zat.nrw
The ZAT Team at H-BRS put people at the centre of their research
Fresh ideas for cutting-edge research
Interdisciplinary life-science research consortium CytoTransport launched
In 2023, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg was one of only ten universities of applied sciences in Germany to win a prestigious new grant: the German Research Foundation awarded around six million euros in research funding. H-BRS’s proposal for an interdisciplinary research centre called CytoTransport – to investigate cellular transport processes as underlying causes of conditions such as high blood pressure and diseases of the metabolic or immune systems – was convincing across the board. CytoTransport combines expertise in biomedicine, computer-based modelling, structural biology, chemistry and materials science. Implementation of this large-scale research project began in 2024.
The first few months were exciting for the spokesperson of the consortium, Professor Mike Althaus, and his team, as 14 new positions had to be filled. One of the goals of the DFG Research Impulses programme is to promote early-career researchers. “We had a tight schedule, but we
Researching complex biomedical connections: Doctoral candidate Mariana da Silva and technical assistant Simran Madaan
were able to fill all the positions with highly qualified candidates,” says Althaus. Among other benefits, CytoTransport offers eleven doctoral students and five postdocs excellent conditions for further developing their individual scientific profiles. Most of the young researchers come from outside the university, and they represent eleven different countries. They bring their own ideas and innovative research approaches with them – from measurement methods that detect individual protein activities in artificial cell membranes to the use of simulations for modelling biological systems. “Working with such a large, international team is fantastic. The laboratories are fully staffed, and professional exchange among colleagues is flourishing,” reports Althaus.
Biomedical research is also expanding in the field of congenital metabolic disorders. Thanks to DFG funding of around one million euros, H-BRS has launched a new analysis platform for investigating molecular mechanisms and cellular functions. This platform enables researchers to gain a deeper understanding of how the human body works. One such project is ValCat, in which Professor Jörn Oliver Sass and his team are using additional DFG funding to study disorders related to the breakdown of the amino acid
valine. Valine must be obtained through the diet and plays a vital role in processes such as protein formation. Using the analysis platform, the H-BRS team is exploring the disease mechanisms linked to this essential protein building block. As Sass reports, “It’s exciting that research into rare metabolic disorders can also provide insights into common conditions such as diabetes mellitus”.
Prof. Dr Michael Sauer
conducts research on labour migration in the Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies and sees strong potential for effective strategies to attract skilled workers, particularly at the municipal level
“Labour migration is a reality. But we need to take a more active role in shaping our approach to the complex social challenges it presents. To me, this means not only considering the needs of the host country but also reflecting on how it could potentially benefit the countries of origin. This could be achieved through measures such as strengthening local vocational training, facilitating knowledge exchange and establishing long-term cooperation structures. There are many successful examples we can build on, such as the “Fair Recruitment Healthcare Germany” seal of quality, which sets high ethical standards for the recruitment of care workers from third countries. We should highlight these examples and take a clear stand on this sometimes highly controversial issue. In my research, I focus on the municipal level because this is where things become concrete: in construction, in nurseries and in IT development. Do skilled international workers have access to affordable housing near their workplace? Are they culturally integrated? We must answer questions like these positively if we want to promote foreign talent. It’s not easy, but if all the stakeholders work together and learn from one another, we can succeed. My research aims to provide impetus for such efforts and support the development of innovative solutions.”
Professor Remi MaierRigaud welcomes the H-BRS joining CoARA
“We need a culture shift”
H-BRS joins coalition aimed at reforming the assessment of research
https://coara.eu
In research, what counts is how much is published, how often a publication is cited, and how much third-party funding is acquired. Professor Remi Maier-Rigaud, Vice President for Research and Young Academics until February 2025, explains why this approach is no longer appropriate and why H-BRS has joined the international alliance CoARA (Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment). The alliance co-initiated by the European Commission, now has over 700 members worldwide and aims to reform how research performance is evaluated.
| Why has H-BRS joined CoARA?
ą As the first university of applied sciences in North RhineWestphalia to join, we are setting an example. We want to strengthen the quality and impact of research. A purely quantitative assessment, based on metrics such as publication volume or citation frequency, is no longer appropriate because scientific work is evolving – not least through the use of AI. Today, researchers can produce articles much faster with the tools available to them, potentially increasing their publication rate. There are also numerous “predatory journals” that prioritise profit over proper peer review. For these reasons, quantity does not necessarily equal quality. We need a culture shift towards a more comprehensive approach to research evaluation, one that reflects the entire spectrum of scientific achievements. This includes the active involvement of researchers in peer reviews to collectively ensure high quality research.
| What should a more comprehensive research assessment look like?
ą As a university of applied sciences, we are particularly committed to application-oriented research. Our scientific findings are quickly put into practice and have a tangible impact on society. For this reason, a modern research assessment system must adequately reflect knowledge transfer. Similarly, interdisciplinary research, which is so important, deserves greater recognition. The previous focus on quantitative research evaluation tends to encourage researchers to stay within their own disciplines where publishing is often easier. The “gender citation gap” –women tend to be cited less often than men – is another problem and reinforces existing inequalities. The goal is not to abolish quantitative assessment entirely, but to apply it more thoughtfully and only when it truly makes sense.
| What happens next?
ą We’ve established a working group consisting of researchers and other key stakeholders from across our university, including the library, the Graduate Institute and Human Resources, to develop an action plan. Our goal is to actively shape how research is assessed here at H-BRS over the next five years. As part of this, we plan to develop guidelines for the responsible use of research evaluation. By incorporating qualitative criteria, we hope to make the assessment process fairer and more balanced.
Gaming hub NRW
Sustainable network for game research and development created
Computer games are now a major economic force. At the same time, the sector offers great potential for research –especially in North Rhine-Westphalia with its strong media and creative industries. To promote gaming technology, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg joined forces with RWTH Aachen University, TH Köln and HS Düsseldorf to establish the Games Technology Network (GTN). Together the partners laid the foundation for a faster transfer of research into practice. They pooled their expertise and developed concrete applications, such as demonstrators. From 2021 to 2024, the GTN was funded by the Zukunftfonds NRW (Future Fund NRW) of the Ministry of Culture and Science.
A lot happened during this time period. The universities established a sustainable network for teaching and are considering closer cooperation. “Cooperation would provide a huge boost to specialised training. Students could take advantage of courses at partner universities without cumbersome bureaucracy and benefit from the partners’ expertise,” explains Professor André Hinkenjann, GTN project lead at H-BRS.
Next Step: Innovation cluster for game development
Close cooperation with stakeholders from the games industry and the cultural sector is another key achievement of the GTN that the project partners plan to build on in the future. For example, this network has led to the development of a game-based citizen science project on biodiversity in cooperation with the Museum Koenig Bonn. The business community has also shown great interest. “The games industry thrives on
innovation, so close exchange with research is a natural fit. Through workshops and networking events with companies from the region, we’ve made significant progress in this area in recent years,” says Hinkenjann. The vision shared by all involved is to create a game development innovation cluster with a Games Technology Centre at a permanent location in North Rhine-Westphalia so that science and industry can jointly develop innovative game technologies. Hinkenjann is optimistic: “We’re well on the way to making this vision a reality”.
H-BRS at Gamescom: Visitors test the newly developed adventure and puzzle game Honu
More diversity in journalism
Research Project on Discrimination in Journalism Training Launched
Journalism should reflect society in all its diversity – but what happens when many perspectives are missing altogether? “Studies show that most journalists in Germany have an academic background and little contact with other life realities,” says Professor Tanja Köhler from the Institute for Media Research and Development (IMEA). According to the Mainz Longitudinal Study on Media Trust, a significant portion of the population feels that they are not represented in the issues covered by the media. Köhler knows that this is not good for our democratic coexistence in the long term. “The question of who ‘makes the media’ has a socio-political dimension because trust in journalism and the media is essential for a functioning democracy.”
Training for all
For this reason, Köhler is researching the under-addressed topic of classism in journalism as part of a project funded by the Otto Brenner Foundation. The career path into journalism is more challenging for people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. A university degree is frequently expected. But only 27 out of every 100 children from non-academic families make it to university at all – and journalism internships are also
Professor Tanja Köhler researches classism in journalism training
essential for a strong CV. In the media industry, however, these positions are often poorly paid or even unpaid. Not everyone can afford that. The result is inequality in hiring and promotion. This persists despite the fact that all major media organisations are now well aware of the benefits of heterogenous teams and want to promote diversity within their workforce
“Our research findings aim to contribute to the development of structural and long-term measures that make it easier for people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to enter journalism,” explains Köhler. To close the data gap in this area, the researchers surveyed a large cohort of journalism trainees in Germany about their social backgrounds and their understanding of their roles as journalists. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted with early-career journalists from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and training managers at major media companies were surveyed about existing diversity initiatives. “The response rate to the quantitative survey was surprisingly high. We struck a nerve with this topic,” says the journalism professor. The results of the online survey are due to be published in autumn 2025.
Driving the sustainability transformation
Specialty professorships strengthen research focus
What do a professor of journalism, a professor of chemistry and a professor specialising in catalysis techniques have in common? They are all deeply committed to the topic of sustainability – in its ecological, economic and social dimensions – and they each hold what is known as a specialty professorship. At the Institute for Technology, Resource and Energy-efficient Engineering (TREE), they are driving the transformation towards sustainability. Margit Schulze and Marc Williams share the professorship for sustainable technologies. Together, the chemist and the engineer are researching how renewable raw materials, as well as residual and waste substances, can be recycled and potentially repurposed for use in packaging and (bio) medical applications. “As a society, we’re facing enormous challenges that don’t respect disciplinary boundaries,” says Schulze. Rising to meet these challenges requires cooperation at every level. “Thanks to the specialty professorship, we’re able to advance promising transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary research projects and collaborations that will have a real, lasting impact.”
Social sustainability and gender
Journalism professor Susanne Keil also wants to make a real difference through her specialty professorship for social sustainability and gender. Her focus is on strengthening the involvement of women in scientific and technological development. “In order for innovations to truly benefit everyone, researchers need to incorporate as many perspectives as possible during the development process,” explains Keil. One of the planned initiatives is the project “STEM Women and Sustainability” in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology FIT. Through interviews with female professors and researchers, the project aims to explore the importance of ecological and social sustainability for women working in applied research.
Since winter semester 2023/24, there have been a total of four specialty professorships – Alexander Bode (economic and social sustainability) and Simona Helmsmüller (sustainable social policy) have also been appointed. These professorships allow professors to focus on the sustainability aspects of their disciplines and drive innovation in research. The programme is set to run for five years and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Strengthening cultural participation in rural areas
Theatre, clubs and festivals – the project “Social innovations in Arts and Culture as a Factor for Resilience and Cultural Participation in Structurally Weak Rural Regions” (SIKUL) explores how these and other cultural offerings emerge in rural areas and how they impact the region. Using case studies from three rural districts, the researchers demonstrated how these initiatives strengthen social cohesion.
One mayor, for instance, describes a new cultural venue as a “place of encounter and village togetherness”. The findings are meant to be transferable to similar regions and support policymakers and researchers in actively promoting cultural participation in rural areas. The SIKUL project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH).
First interdisciplinary seminar of the Graduate School for Applied Research NRW at H-BRS
The granting of the independent right to confer doctorates in 2022 marked a milestone for universities of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia. On 8 November 2024, doctoral students from across NRW gathered at the Sankt Augustin campus for the first time to discuss their research projects. The occasion was the first in-person interdisciplinary doctoral seminar hosted by several departments of the Graduate School for Applied Research in North Rhine-Westphalia (PK NRW). Twenty-seven doctoral students, including 13 from H-BRS, and their supervisors came together from three of PK NRW’s eight departments: Computer and Data Science, Technology and Systems, and Resources and Sustainability.
Insights into current research topics
The parallel sessions addressed topics such as the optimisation of thin-walled hollow bodies considering non-linear buckling, improving the reliability of 3D time-of-flight camera systems, and research on neural networks for explainability and continuous learning. “The wide range of topics reflects the innovative research approaches found at universities of applied sciences,” says Professor Rainer Herpers. “We’ve struck a chord with this event.” The computer scientist is not only the long-standing Director of the Graduate Institute at H-BRS, but also Head of the Department of Computer and Data Science at PK NRW. It was his idea to combine a previously planned PhD project exhibition at H-BRS with the doctoral seminar into a single-day event. Anyone enrolled in the doctoral programme is required to present their own research project once a year. So why not combine the planned poster presentation with an official academic talk?
University President Marion Halfmann opened the event together with Professor Martin Sternberg, Chair of the Board of the Graduate School for Applied Research in North Rhine-Westphalia (PK NRW). She praised the independent right to confer doctorates granted to universities of
applied sciences in 2022 as a major achievement for North Rhine-Westphalia as a centre of science and research. During a poster tour, Halfmann and Sternberg took the opportunity to talk to the doctoral candidates about their research projects.
1 FH Aachen – University of Applied Sciences
2 FH Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts
3 Hochschule Bochum – University of Applied Sciences
4 Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – University of Applied Sciences
5 Fachhochschule Dortmund – University of Applied Sciences and Arts
19 Rheinische Hochschule Köln – University of Applied Sciences
20 Hochschule für Polizei und öffentliche Verwaltung Nordrhein-Westfalen
(The marked points indicate the administrative offices of the universities.)
Proud of research at universities of applied sciences: H-BRS President Marion Halfmann and Professor Rainer Herpers at the PhD Project Exhibition
European security research
ISF develops system for detecting explosives
Students practice the safe collection of a white powder sample discovered while opening a letter –possibly an explosive substance
In emergency situations, every minute counts. Whether it is a fire, a chemical accident or a flood disaster like the one that struck the Ahr Valley in 2021, firefighters, police and rescue workers are the first responders on the scene and must act quickly. And as non-experts, they are required to assess chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive hazards on site – a process known as “CBRN-E-Lageeinschätzung” (CBRN-E situation assessment). For example, is the powder that has been secured a stimulant, or is it highly explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP) or another explosive substance?
Standardising international structures
“First responders are currently unable to adequately assess the danger posed by CBRN-E incidents due to a lack of training and established procedures,” explains Professor Peter Kaul from the Institute for Safety and Security Research (ISF). Since 2024, the institute director and his team have been involved in the large-scale European research project TeamUP. In this project, researchers work closely with emergency and security forces to develop standardised strategies and solutions at the European level with the aim of better preparing first responders for CBRN-E operations. As one of 22 EU project partners, the H-BRS research team is developing a detector that will help improve danger assessment on site in the future.
The battery-powered detector uses a light adhesive film to collect a very small sample of material – no more than 5 to 10 milligrams. The device then heats this sample to a high temperature within a few seconds, triggering a chemical reaction. Emergency services can then use the results of this reaction, which may reveal characteristics such as explosiveness, to make informed decisions.
This also concerns the health of the first responders themselves, as Kaul explains. “In chemical and biological hazard situations, such as during the flood in the Ahr Valley, substances are released that can pose health risks to emergency personnel. Raising awareness of this issue is another important goal of TeamUP.” The prototype is scheduled for completion by mid-2025, after which it will undergo extensive testing by fire services, police and military units in realistic scenarios at training grounds in France and Belgium. “Being able to develop new technical solutions in such a practical, application-focused way is very rewarding for us,” says Kaul. The finished product will later be available for international deployment.
More:
ȹ teamup-project.eu
renewal
promoting talent, driving innovation, shaping digital transformation
18 research institutes
2,388 first-year students
1,160 employees more than 90 partner universities in 45 countries
110 doctoral students 5 departments
1,180 graduates
9,059 students
12 12 languages offered at the Language Centre
19 Master’s degree programmes
21 Bachelor’s degree programmes
Thank you, Hartmut Ihne!
University President retires after 16 influential years
His name will remain firmly associated with the successful development of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – University of Applied Sciences. At the end of October, H-BRS bid a fond farewell to its long-serving President, Hartmut Ihne, as he entered retirement. Around 400 university staff, colleagues and guests from the spheres of science, politics and society attended the emotional ceremony in Sankt Augustin. “The departure of Professor Dr Hartmut Ihne marks the end of an era. For 16 years, he has played a decisive role in shaping the course of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg with his foresight, resolve and integrity,” said Ina Brandes, Minister of Science for North Rhine-Westphalia, in her tribute.
Ihne took office in November 2008 as the first president after founding rector Wulf Fischer. He has been a driving force behind transforming Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, founded in 1995, into a research-intensive university of applied sciences (HAW). This transformation is also reflected in the granting of doctoral rights to the Graduate School for Applied Research (PK NRW) of the universities of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia – a milestone for which Ihne campaigned tirelessly. During Ihne’s tenure, the range of degree programmes at H-BRS expanded to around 40, and the student body has grown to approximately 9,000 today. Sustainability was a cause close to his heart, which he established early on at the university and advanced throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. With foresight, he consistently focused on promoting emerging topics such as artificial intelligence. He also successfully managed crises, such as the 2021 flood disaster at the Rheinbach campus.
“Hartmut Ihne has always been a visionary who knew how to bring people and issues together successfully,’ said Chancellor Angela Fischer at the ceremony. “He always had an open ear for us students,” emphasised former General Students’ Committee (AStA) chair Masharika Zamil.
The appreciation for the long-standing university president was also reflected in the title of the farewell ceremony. The university simply chose to call it “Thank you, Hartmut Ihne!”
And how does he himself look back on his time here? “I have always regarded it as a privilege to be able to work in academia. So many intelligent, capable people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and fields of knowledge! An inspiring, colourful world of ideas and visions, of discourse and insights! And great freedom –always with a hint of the future,” he said. “I feel immense gratitude for what I was able to do and what I was allowed to accomplish.”
A presidency in pictures: Hartmut Ihne served as President of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg from 2008 to 2024.
Marion Halfmann – the new woman in charge
It is the biggest staff announcement of 2024. After 16 years in office, President Hartmut Ihne is retiring on 31 October. Who should succeed him? Someone from within the university or someone external? A man or a woman? And with what academic background – natural sciences, engineering or humanities? Questions upon questions. The University Election Assembly provided the answers on 23 April 2024. In a nearly unanimous decision, they elected Professor Marion Halfmann, 55, an economist at Hochschule Niederrhein – University of Applied Sciences. She was nominated by the university’s Selection Committee following a rigorous process involving numerous applicants.
“Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg is a young, innovative and research-intensive university. I am very much looking forward to working with a committed team to help drive its continued development. I find the opportunity to shape its future both
exciting and inspiring,” said Marion Halfmann after her election.
Who is the newcomer? Originally from the Sauerland region, Marion Halfmann first studied Business Administration and Business Education at the University of Cologne, where she also earned her doctorate. After spending several months abroad studying at the University of California, Berkeley (USA), she spent a few years working in the private sector – initially as a consultant at a marketing and strategy firm, and later as a project manager at a management consultancy. In 2004, she was appointed Professor of Business Administration, specialising in Marketing, at Cologne University of Applied Sciences (now TH Köln). Eight years later, she became Professor of Marketing and Market-Oriented Management at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve. For several years, she served as Vice President for Teaching, Learning, and Further Education at this internationally
focused university. Starting in September 2020, Marion Halfmann held the position of Professor of Business Administration, Marketing, and Sales at Hochschule Niederrhein – University of Applied Sciences. She also served as Presidential Commissioner for Internationalisation there.
On 1 November 2024, she assumed the presidency of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg. “We want to build on our strengths, our reputation and our ties to this dynamic, fast-growing region, and continue strengthening the great sense of community at this university,” she said upon taking office. The “Renewal” project was set to kick off immediately. Alongside familiarising herself with the university, her initial priorities included reorganising the President’s Office and preparing the University Development Plan. Marion Halfmann, married with two children, is the first woman to serve as president of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – University of Applied Sciences.
Chancellor Angela Fischer will remain in office for six more years
Reliability and continuity in turbulent times:
On 27 June 2024, Angela Fischer was unanimously confirmed in her role as Chancellor of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – University of Applied Sciences. The Chancellor is not only a member of the President’s Office but also serves as Head of Administration and Commissioner for the Budget.
“The university has set ambitious goals for the coming years in order to remain one of the leading universities of applied sciences in teaching, research, and knowledge transfer. I look forward to continuing to support and help shape this development,” says Angela Fischer.
When Angela Fischer took office as Chancellor in 2019, two defining issues of her first term were not yet foreseeable: the COVID-19 pandemic and the flood disaster of July 2021, which severely damaged the Rheinbach campus. Despite these challenges, the Chancellor achieved significant progress across a range of areas. These include the strategic development of financial planning and establishing robust property management. Other key priorities – then and now – remain the digitalisation of the university administration and the expansion of compliance structures.
With the start of her second term in April 2025, the experienced lawyer will remain part of the President’s Office until 2031 – during a phase of renewal and strategic realignment alongside the new President, Marion Halfmann. In addition to completing the renovation work in Rheinbach, campus expansion in Sankt Augustin is also on the agenda. From the Chancellor’s perspective, attracting and retaining skilled personnel, as well as further expanding efficient digital administrative processes, will
also be key challenges in the years ahead. Intensive networking and cooperation with other higher education and research institutions will also play a major role. “I’m looking forward to my second term because the university is well prepared for the future,” said Angela Fischer. “The university leadership sees itself as a team – one that wants to, and can, overcome the challenges that lie ahead.”
President’s Office restructured
The term of the former President’s Office ended on 31 October 2024. At that point, Hartmut Ihne stepped down as President, and Marion Halfmann took over. Vice Presidents Marco Winzker, Remi Maier-Rigaud, and Michaela Wirtz stayed in their posts for a transitional period. Since 1 March 2025, there have been just three Vice Presidents, with newly defined portfolios: Peter Muck (Teaching and Learning), Johannes Steinhaus (Research and Transfer), and Teena Chakkalayil Hassan (International Affairs and Digital Transformation).
The new President’s Office team at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg: Johannes Steinhaus, Angela Fischer, Marion Halfmann, Teena Chakkalayil Hassan, and Peter M. Muck (from left to right)
We are firmly focused on the future”
Securing skilled workers, dual study models, start-up culture: universities and the regional economy face common challenges. They are addressing these issues in a networked, practical and forward-looking way. University President Marion Halfmann and Dr Hubertus Hille, Managing Director of the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, explain their approach an interview.
| Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. One of the founding ideas was to establish close ties with the regional economy as a defining feature. How successful has this been?
ą Marion Halfmann: Very successful. We work closely with regional companies in teaching, research and knowledge transfer. Numerous practical projects give students early insights into the professional world. At the same time, large-scale transfer projects such as “Campus to World” promote regional networking. Student initiatives such as BRS Motorsport also benefit significantly from the expertise and support of the business community. Without this close cooperation with the regional economy, many university projects would not be feasible. We also actively support spin-offs – entrepreneurship is firmly embedded in our university.
ą Hubertus Hille: H-BRS is a genuine success story. It was founded using compensation funds following the government’s move to Berlin – one of the best investments ever made in the region. First, the university provides hands-on practical training. Its graduates are quickly ready to contribute in the workplace, which is a major advantage for businesses. Second, applied research is a real plus – many companies work with H-BRS researchers on concrete solutions. And third, the university is start-up incubator. More than 100 start-ups have emerged from it, including the nationally recognised company True Fruits.
| What kind of labour market situation do the graduates face?
ą Hille: They are in desperate demand. Due to the difficult economic situation, the shortage of skilled workers has receded somewhat into the background, but this is misleading. As soon as the next economic upturn comes, the shortage of skilled workers will return with full force – mainly because of demographic change. According to forecasts, by 2035 there will be a shortage of around 57,000 skilled workers in the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg region alone, out of approximately 370,000 employees subject to social insurance contributions. That is a significant number. Qualified skilled workers are particularly sought after, both those with and those without a university degree.
ą Halfmann: An interesting point is that roughly a quarter of our graduates stay in the Rhein-Sieg district and around 70 percent remain in North Rhine-Westphalia overall. This shows that those who study here find good job opportunities, feel at home – and don’t move away.
| Ensuring enough university graduates in the future means keeping student numbers up. How is the interest in studying at H-BRS?
ą Halfmann: First-semester enrolment figures are currently stable, which we are very pleased about. According to forecasts by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, there will be a dip in 2026 due to the absence of an Abitur (school-leaving examination) cohort, but after that we expect numbers to rise again. We are not resting on our laurels but continuously developing our range of degree programmes. We are planning a new degree programme in Sustainable Industrial Engineering, as well as programmes in Business Informatics and Artificial Intelligence. Sustainability and digitalisation are key social and economic issues. We are also responding to demand in the social sciences with a new Master’s programme in Socio-ecological Transformation. Youth welfare offices and social institutions are all seeking young talent. At the same time, more young people are interested in dual study programmes or wish to pursue further qualifications later on. We see H-BRS as
a place for lifelong learning – whether through full-time study, dual study, practiceintegrated study, or continuing education.
| Dual study programmes require companies as partners. Are local businesses willing to participate?
ą Hille: There is strong interest, with companies generally favouring the traditional dual model – that is, combining a degree programme with vocational training leading to two qualifications. However, we also recognise that this can place a heavy burden on students. Practice-integrated degree programmes are therefore an attractive alternative. Companies value students who not only have theoretical knowledge but also understand daily working life. In turn, they get to know talented young people early and can train them in a targeted way. The numbers speak for themselves: with a dropout rate of only 20 per cent, universities of applied sciences perform well compared to other educational institutions. The dual or practice-integrated study model is a future-proof approach. It benefits students, companies, and the region alike.
ą Halfmann: I can only underscore that point. Traditional dual models add a third learning environment – vocational school – which makes the organisation very demanding, not only for students but also for us as a university of applied sciences. Nevertheless, we see great opportunities in this area. In times of skilled labour shortages, young people are increasingly focusing on practical qualifications, and as a university, we would do well to follow this trend. That is why we are currently developing new practiceintegrated study formats and exploring how we can adapt existing programmes, such as Cyber Security & Privacy. This involves creating a scheduling model that better combines theory and practical experience. The goal is to use this as a blueprint for further programmes. Demand is high, and private universities are very active in this field. We want to respond with a strong practiceoriented portfolio.
ą How are student numbers looking in traditional engineering programmes such as Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering?
ą Halfmann: Like many universities, we are seeing a decline in interest. These programmes are viewed as particularly demanding. To make them more attractive, we need to better connect them with current topics such as computer science and sustainability. An orientation semester is also being discussed. Many prospective students are unsure about their direction at the start of their studies. Providing more guidance in this area could also help strengthen these traditional subjects.
| Could an orientation semester also help lower student drop-out rates?
ą Halfmann: Students who complete an orientation semester are better able to understand the demands of a degree programme, which helps reduce dropout rates. This introduction can break down prejudices against technical or scientific subjects and offers a meaningful alternative to taking a gap year after finishing school. Additionally, students can acquire initial
skills, such as “how to learn effectively”, and gain insights into regional businesses. This strengthens both their motivation and their connection to the region.
| How do small and medium-sized businesses compare to large companies in the region when it comes to recruiting skilled workers?
ą Hille: Large, well-known companies often have an easier time attracting applicants because of their reputation. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it is considerably more challenging, especially if they are located outside central areas or have limited transport connections.
ą Halfmann: That is exactly why we, as a university, want to engage with SMEs more proactively. We understand that smaller companies often find it harder to approach us directly. While we already offer good opportunities to connect through events like our Company Day, we want to become even more accessible – through our Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (ZWT), for instance. Our goal is for SMEs to feel well supported by us.
The Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (ZWT) you mentioned is the central point of contact for cooperation between academia, industry, and society. What are your plans for the ZWT?
ą Halfmann: Thanks to the ZWT, a great deal is already achievable in terms of collaboration with businesses. For those interested in more than our standard offerings, like the job portal or Company Day, we provide tailored solutions. For example, we recently launched the “Sustainability Shelves” in our library, now sponsored by Deutsche Telekom. This initiative is part of a strategic partnership we have with each other. Demand for such customised activities is noticeably growing. In this respect, we may need to reposition ourselves somewhat, moving more towards a key account management approach, as is common in companies. This means ZWT staff would take responsibility for specific companies and become experts in particular industries. This would also make sense for SMEs, so they know exactly who to contact at our university.
| Mr Hille called H-BRS a start-up incubator – is that an accurate description?
ą Halfmann: Yes, entrepreneurship is a core topic, and we want to develop it further in the future. Measures such as encouraging our students’ interest in entrepreneurship more strongly and at an earlier stage in their studies could help to achieve this. To do so, we need to integrate entrepreneurship more deeply into our degree programmes and present self-employment as an attractive career option after graduation. In the Natural Sciences the entrepreneurial spirit could be fostered more effectively through teaching modules on topics such as writing a business plan. This is already common practice in the Management Sciences, so why not extend it to other departments as well?
| To further support the development of promising startup ideas, the Digital Hub was founded in Bonn in 2016. Stakeholders include the City of Bonn, the Rhein-Sieg District, H-BRS, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), as well as various companies and organisations. What does this innovation centre mean to you?
ą Hille: The Digital Hub is an important partner for the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Chamber of Industry and Commerce when it comes to growth and innovation in the region. As Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Digital Hub, I would be personally delighted if we could open a third location in the near future to offer even more founders ideal conditions for realising their ideas. Of course, each location must also be financially viable. From state-of-the-art offices and individual coaching to access to venture capital, starting a business always involves financing questions, and the Hub aims to provide support in this area as well. We have now built up some capital which we invest in companies or start-ups with good prospects for the future. Through this, we
acquire a small equity stake and ultimately benefit from their success. My vision is for the venture capital fund to continue growing, making us increasingly attractive to new start-ups.
ą Halfmann: For us, the Digital Hub is an important hotspot for promoting spin-offs. That is why H-BRS is also involved as a shareholder. I would like to become more personally involved with the Digital Hub in the future so that the topic of start-ups becomes even more visible at H-BRS. In addition to the Natural Sciences already mentioned, our applied research in the field of cyber security also holds great potential for promising spin-offs.
| Is Cyber Security a focus area of the Digital Hub?
ą Hille: Yes, as Ms Halfmann already mentioned, the potential for start-ups in cyber security is very high. This is particularly true here in the region, where excellent research is being conducted at H-BRS and the University of Bonn, and where the Federal Office for Information Security is located. We are currently expanding our range of support services for spin-offs specifically in this area. We also hope that the new federal government will support us in establishing the long-planned Cyber Security Campus in Bonn. There, scientific institutions and companies can work together to develop secure solutions and help shape our digital future.
Dr
Hubertus Hille
has been Managing Director of the Bonn/ Rhein-Sieg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Bonn/Rhein-Sieg) since 2012 and represents the interests of the regional economy in politics and public affairs. In this role, he is actively involved in numerous committees, including serving as Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Digital Hub, in which H-BRS is also involved. Previously, he was Managing Director for Economic Policy and Metropolitan Development at the Frankfurt am Main Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Frankfurt am Main) and Head of Department at the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK). Hille, who holds a doctorate in economics, gained professional experience in the private sector working for the insurance group Allianz SE.
Measurably sustainable
Alumni Tim Prescher and Artur Völk are driving the sustainability transformation. Both completed the Master’s programme in Materials Science and Sustainability Methods, and they are now benefiting from the hands-on, interdisciplinary education they received at H-BRS.
Fresh fruit in supermarkets is often presented either in disposable cardboard packaging or in sturdy reusable plastic crates – at first glance, this difference seems negligible. “But the option the supermarket chooses is ultimately a question for policymakers,” says H-BRS alum Tim Prescher. A closer look reveals a complex system of logistics and resource consumption behind the scenes, the environmental impact of which can be determined in detail. These are precisely the details that interest Tim Prescher, who works as a research assistant in the Institute of Acoustics and Building Physics at the University of Stuttgart, where he is involved in preparing so-called life cycle assessments. For him, they offer a way to combine his technical interests with socially relevant issues. Life cycle assessments can be used to determine the environmental impact of a product or system across its entire lifespan – from raw material extraction, through production and use, to disposal.
The smallest details make a difference
“To create a life cycle assessment, we need a large amount of reliable data – from the energy input during the manufacturing process to the transport route,” explains the materials scientist. A plastic produced in Germany has a different environmental footprint from one made in China, simply due to differences in the electricity mix. Tim Prescher owes his current position at a university institute – which, in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute, is laying important scientific foundations for the sustainability transformation – to H-BRS. “My studies have shown me that scientific expertise can make a real contribution to a more sustainable society – and that it can actually make a difference,” reports the H-BRS alum, who is currently planning his doctorate.
Tim Prescher is currently a research associate at the Institute for Acoustics and Building Physics at the University of Stuttgart.
Strategic foresight
With the knowledge he acquired at H-BRS, Artur Völk is also making a big difference in one of Germany’s key industries. As Head of Circular and Low Carbon Solutions, he is deeply committed to shaping the sustainability transformation at the international chemical company Envalior. The company develops and produces highquality plastics that are used in industries such as automotive manufacturing. For the sustainability expert, one thing is clear: to make the chemical industry more sustainable, you not only have to think technically, but also have the courage to break new ground. In order to make meaningful strategic decisions, Völk and his team rely, among other tools, on life cycle assessments such as those prepared by Tim Prescher. “My job is to unite ecological and economic performance. If we succeed in doing so, we will have a real lever for sustainable solutions,” says the materials scientist. The knowledge he gained from his interdisciplinary studies provides a good foundation for tackling this challenge: “The combination of scientific depth and sustainability expertise that I acquired here at H-BRS is quite unique and helps me today to develop creative ideas for sustainable product solutions.”
Artur Völk also benefits from his longstanding ties to the chemical industry. After training as a chemical technician, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with Materials Science at H-BRS, followed by a Master’s degree. In his Master’s thesis, he explored ways of incorporating climate-related risks into corporate management processes and how to present them in reports. This earned him an Award for Outstanding Thesis from the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE). Today, he works on sustainable product solutions, promotes the use of alternative raw materials and introduces new technologies in a key industry. “For me, sustainability in plastics production means questioning familiar methods and thinking in new ways. With well-thought-out approaches, it is possible to achieve measurable progress in terms of sustainability – that’s what motivates me.
Artur Völk works at the international chemical company Envalior
Neanderthal –who are you?
An encounter at Bonn Science Night
So, there I am at Bonn Science Night, looking curiously into a camera.
And suddenly, a strangely familiar face is staring back at me.
Oh – it’s me in the form of a prehistoric human! Or rather, my digital self in the form of a surprisingly lifelike Neanderthal.
With a furrowed brow, sharp eyes, realistic expressions and an unmistakable prehistoric charm.
Behind my digital caveman lies genuine high-tech: a combination of deep learning and classic computer graphics. The result is an avatar that not only looks like me as a Neanderthal but also moves and reacts like me – almost as if my ancient twin were really there. The Neanderthal avatar was developed by the Games Technology Network (GTN) team at the Institute of Visual Computing (IVC).
In addition to the avatar, the 13 game developers from the H-BRS GameDev team presented their 3D adventure game “Project Honu”. The game begins on an island in an old village in the forest. From there, players explore the island, solve puzzles, actively shape life in the village community, and form new friendships.
My takeaway: At Bonn Science Night, you discover not only new things but maybe even yourself –Stone Age style.
A visitor at Bonn Science Night
Fresh ideas for a sustainable economy
How can a bicycle made of recycled plastic contribute to the mobility transition? What potential does brown algae offer as a raw material? And how can shared ownership be reimagined as a new economic model? Students are exploring these three questions in the scholarship programme “Regenerative Economy and Socio-Ecological Change,” which has been promoting sustainable innovation projects since 2024.
In the very first year, nine students from H-BRS and TH Köln were awarded a scholarship for 500 euros per month over a six-month period. “The many positive responses have encouraged us to continue the scholarship,” says Susanne Weisheit, mentor in the scholarship programme and founder of the organisational consultancy rethinking organisations.
Sustainability on two wheels
But what does sustainability look like in practice? That is exactly what Mieke Vanderheiden and Karolina Wirtz-Dürlich, students of Sustainable Engineering at H-BRS, wanted to find out. Their team investigated the so-called igus bike – a bicycle made almost entirely of recycled plastic. To do so, the scholarship holders examined the environmental impact of the material in detail. They analysed it and compared it with conventional bikes and their life cycle assessments. In the process, they also learned how important it is to take a broader perspective:
Mieke:
“I’ve learned how important collaboration between departments is – and how to communicate complex sustainability issues so they are also understood outside the university.”
Mieke and Karolina were scholarship holders in the “Regenerative Economy” programme.
Karolina:
“The scholarship showed me that sustainability is more than just technology – it also involves social and economic issues. Anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping sustainability should definitely apply!”
The scholarship programme
… is a joint initiative of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, TH Köln, the Cologne chapter of The Association of German Engineers (VDI), and the organisational consultancy rethinking organisations. The Gothaer Foundation and the VDI each supported the project with 15,000 euros.
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Cyber Campus NRW pulls the plug on hackers
Whether it is a spontaneous video call with your aunt in Bolivia, taking an exam from the comfort of your own home, following a fascinating online lecture or finding the perfect recipe for your Christmas roast – (almost) anything is possible online. But where many doors are open, uninvited guests can also slip into the (digital) space. Scientific institutions and companies are regularly targeted by cyberattacks – from phishing emails and malware to DOS attacks.
But NRW is putting a stop to cybercriminals’ plans. With the extended funding of Cyber Campus NRW (CCNRW), the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is taking a firm stand against cybercrime. CCNRW – a strong partnership between H-BRS and Hochschule Niederrhein – is training the digital bodyguards of tomorrow: highly qualified and ready to ramp up firewalls to make the digital world more secure. The continuance of the funding underscores that training cybersecurity experts is not a luxury, but a necessity. Cyber Campus NRW shows how it is done – with sharp minds, robust systems and a future in which cybercriminals knock on well-protected doors – and are kept out.
More:
ȹ www.cybercampus-nrw.de/en/
live
Communication is the key to university transformation
The concepts of talent, innovation and digitalisation not only play a central role in the ongoing development of teaching and research, as well as in the modernisation and increased efficiency of administration – they are also closely interrelated.
Digitalisation and the integration of artificial intelligence into workflows are seen as valuable opportunities for making processes more efficient and transparent. At the same time, automating routine tasks can create space to focus on more complex and strategic issues.
Modern working methods and conditions make the university more attractive to skilled professionals and promote the career development and satisfaction of its employees. However, this only holds true if we also acknowledge the fact that artificial intelligence and automation are not only drivers of efficiency, but also pose major challenges for workplaces, leadership and staff.
It has now become almost standard practice to use digital tools and collaborative working methods and to network via social media to find, develop and retain talent. This (sometimes) sparks enthusiasm and (often) boosts motivation, but it can also lead to isolation or overload.
Communication plays a crucial role here and ultimately serves as the link between the three key areas – talent, innovation and digitalisation. Communication requires time and appropriate formats, not only in professional contexts such as training courses, strategy workshops or staff meetings, but also in social settings such as company outings or Christmas parties. In addition, the need for support and guidance should not be underestimated, especially when, for instance, work-life balance has been disrupted.
In all these diverse areas, we have discussed, planned, tested, expanded and created new offerings at the university over the past year. I would like to thank everyone involved for their contributions. Looking ahead, I hope to see an even stronger user-centric approach to innovation and digitalisation, along with the willingness of all university members to contribute collaboratively and with mutual understanding.
Angela Fischer Chancellor
live
Alliance “Together against Sexism”
Through awareness-raising and prevention, H-BRS aims to ensure that all members of the university feel safe and valued in their work environments.
In March 2024, the university reaffirmed this commitment by joining the alliance “Together against Sexism”. Alongside more than 550 other institutions, organisations and companies, H-BRS is working to promote greater safety and equal opportunity in the workplace. Equal opportunity officer Barbara Hillen-Haas believes that managers carry particular responsibility.
“Those who assess performance and thus influence future career paths and access to research projects hold considerable power and – especially in the STEM fields – they are disproportionately male,” she explains. The Equal Opportunities Office provides information and confidential counselling for anyone who is interested. It calls on all members of the university to contribute towards a culture of respectful collaboration, free from sexism and discrimination.
Praise from Minister Scharrenbach
“Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – University of Applied Sciences is one of the top locations in Germany. Research is continuously being conducted here into how we can further improve the level of information security,” concluded Ina Scharrenbach, Minister for Regional Identity, Local Government, Building and Digitisation of the State of North Rhine Westphalia (NRW), after gaining an overview of the current research projects at H-BRS in April 2024. Her first stop was the Institute for Cyber Security & Privacy (ICSP), where H-BRS researchers demonstrated how public authorities can better protect themselves against hacker attacks in the future. Scharrenbach also visited Germany’s first Institute for Consumer Informatics (IVI). Among other projects, researchers here are developing innovative solutions for sustainable mobility and are currently testing a platform for shared mobility services in Bonn. With her visit, the Minister underscored her appreciation for the important role of H-BRS in times of digital transformation. She emphasised: “The Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Cyber Security & Privacy are training the urgently needed specialists of tomorrow.”
H-BRS catches robot fever
Playing football, escaping from a maze, and carrying out simulated rescue missions – the self-built robots of the school teams can do all this and more at “RoboCup Junior”, the largest international robotics competition. A total of 26 teams from North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) competed in various disciplines and age groups in Sankt Augustin on 24 February 2024. The top teams qualified for the German Championships in Kassel in April. In June 2024, the excitement returned for all young robotics fans at H-BRS. During Robot Night, they had 24 hours to build a robot capable of mastering a course designed by students at the university. “The challenge lies in the correct programming, because without the right code, no robot will do what we want it to,” explains Professor Irene Rothe from the Department of Engineering and Communication, who oversees the competition. The aim of both events is to awaken enthusiasm for STEM subjects in schoolchildren from an early age.
Survey for a healthy workplace
Noise, time pressure, overwork – a variety of stress factors can quickly build up in the workplace. Often overlooked, these issues can take a toll on both mental and physical wellbeing. To counter this, H-BRS conducted a survey in September and October 2024 across all staff in administrative units one through five, the Law and Compliance Office, and the Chancellor’s Office. Employees were invited to report on their levels of psychological stress. Since 2013, the analysis of such stress factors has been a core component of the legal requirements aimed at preventing risks to employee health. Based on the evaluation of survey results, the project team works with all those involved to prepare tailored workshops. These sessions, scheduled for 2025, are specifically adapted to the needs of H-BRS in order to safeguard the health of all university employees even more effectively in the future.
Readings with prominent guests
Prominent authors are regularly “Guest on the Sofa” as part of the H-BRS Library’s reading series of the same name. The guests read from their gripping novels, moving stories, or latest non-fiction books. In 2024, the series welcomed journalist and author Petra Reski (non-fiction book: All’italiana! How I Tried to Become Italian) and Joe Bausch (Crazy Blood: Or—How I Became Who I Am), best known for his role as a doctor on the Cologne Tatort TV series. A total of ten events took place in 2024, several of which sold out. But it is not just the audience who are enthusiastic, the authors are fans of the format, too – some have returned to the library sofa at H-BRS several times.
Overview of all events: ȹ www.h-brs.de/de/bib/bisherige-veranstaltungen
Study – and then?
Students produce talk show with live chat: Roadmap – the Alumni Talk
And action! Students independently produced two interactive live streams in 2024 – with more to come in 2025
How do we design the show’s intro? Are the lighting and sound in the studio just right? Where are the cameras positioned? What video inserts are planned? Who’s behind the cameras, and who’s directing? The list of tasks involved in producing a professional-quality talk show like Roadmap –the Alumni Talk is long. Students from the Visual Technical Communication and Technical Journalism degree programmes were responsible for the entire technical implementation of the two live broadcasts produced in 2024 – and they rose to this challenge with impressive skill. Each half-hour episode of Roadmap – the Alumni Talk was produced in the university’s own television studio and streamed on YouTube. Viewers who tuned in live were able to submit questions for the guests via the chat function and thus become part of the show themselves.
Each episode showcased one degree programme along with example career paths of former students. “The term ‘roadmap’ is commonly used in business or politics to describe the planning of a project,” explains Pascal Schröder, presenter of the programme and a staff member in the Administrative Unit for Communications and Marketing. “For us, it’s about the many paths that our graduates have already taken.” As guests on the Alumni Talks, they discuss their personal roadmap: their profession and career, how they have applied the knowledge they gained during their studies in their jobs – and what advice they would offer to young people who are interested in their degree programme.
Career tips from alumni
Saskia Peek, a graduate of the degree programme in Sustainable Social Policy, now works as a junior consultant at a Cologne-based consultancy in the agricultural sector. As a guest on Roadmap, she felt it was important to pass on her knowledge and experience. She says, “I want to show that many of the uncertainties students may have are perfectly normal.” As a student in a new degree programme, she would have liked to have had access to a resource like Roadmap “to get a clear idea of possible career paths”. Further episodes are planned for 2025.
More:
ȹ www.h-brs.de/en/kum/roadmap-alumni-talk
The content of the Alumni Talk is overseen by the Administrative Unit for Communications and Marketing, with film editor Esther Hummel and alumni coordinator Barbara Wieners-Horst. Studio direction is led by lecturer Sabine Fricke, and the show is hosted by science editor Pascal Schröder.
Joint project Alumni Talk:
H-BRS takes a stand
Demonstration for human dignity and democracy – special commission on anti-discrimination concludes its work
In a powerful expression of human dignity and democracy, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) took a stand against racism, antisemitism, hatred, and all forms of discrimination: Around 150 participants responded to the invitation of the President’s Office and the General Students’ Committee to a rally in Sankt Augustin on June 4. Not only students and employees attended the event, but also citizens from the city and the surrounding area, including the mayor of Sankt Augustin, Max Leitterstorf, who also addressed the crowd.
Report of the special commission on anti-discrimination
After allegations of discrimination by a female student against a professor came to light, the President’s Office set up a special anti-discrimination commission in summer 2023. Its purpose was to submit proposals for improving the diversity system at H-BRS, in particular in the area of complaints management. The allegations against the professor were investigated independently of this through formal proceedings, which have since been concluded.
In autumn 2024, the special commission completed its work and submitted its report to the President’s Office for consultation. Following the change in university leadership, the newly established President’s Office addressed the topic for the first time at the beginning of 2025 and subsequently published a report summarising the commission’s findings and recommendations. “We would like to sincerely thank the commission for its work and commitment,” said the new President
Marion Halfmann. “With regard to discrimination, the report reveals latent developments that exist both at the university and in society. As a university, we are a reflection of society. Of course, every case of discrimination is one too many. The report provides guidance on where we can initiate changes and improvements.”
One approach is to increase the visibility of contact points and their networking. The commission has put forward proposals for improving organisational structures. Another important point in the report is prevention. One suggestion is that the diversity competence of employees and students should be promoted through measures such as employee development and training events on campus.
The commission consisted of 13 internal university members. The student body was also represented. Professor Karim Fereidooni from Ruhr University Bochum also joined as an external expert. It was headed by then Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity, Jürgen Bode, and Sarah Friedrichs, the Presidential Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism.
Comeback at the Rheinbach campus
Student life returns to the Rheinbach campus: Three years after the flood, much of the campus reopened to the university community in 2024.
Reconstruction of the Rheinbach site is progressing
Three years after the flood disaster of summer 2021, the Rheinbach campus of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg has been largely restored. Progress is clearly visible in building section C. Following the official reopening of the library on 8 January 2024, the student union cafeteria and three of the five lecture halls resumed operation there, with the elevator system returning to service in October.
“There are still some restrictions,” explains Thomas Hümmerich from the Facility Management, Building and Safety Unit. “The kitchen isn’t operational yet, for instance, but the dining hall can be used as a lounge and lecture hall. A temporary food service station has been set up in the lecture hall area.” The central ventilation system is not operating yet either, but this problem can be managed through short ventilation breaks.
By winter semester 2022/23, sections E and F, which house the biology laboratories, had already been renovated. Since winter semester 2024/25, the Department of Management Sciences has been able to use building section B again. In September 2024, work was also completed in building section G, which includes offices and seminar rooms for the Department of Management Sciences and laboratories for the Department of Natural Sciences.
Reconstruction and renovation go hand in hand
The last major construction project to be completed is building section A, which has the largest floor area and sustained the most damage on campus. “We’re tackling this project in phases,” says Hümmerich, “since we not only need to repair the flood damage in the basement and on the ground floor, but also carry out initial renovation and energy-efficiency upgrades.” On the upper floors, for instance, the floor coverings, lighting and laboratory equipment need to be replaced. The measures are already underway and are scheduled for completion by mid-2026. The first construction phase, which comprises the seminar rooms on the ground floor and the first set of laboratories, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, at which point these spaces will be reopened for use.
At the same time, work is beginning in the basement of building section C. There, the infrastructure for the dining hall kitchen, the two large lecture halls, and the WC facilities will be restored and brought up to modern standards. The aim is to complete this work by the end of 2025.
mascot named
She has long been an integral part of the Children’s University, but what is her actual name? We’re talking about a clever owl with a graduation hat – the Children’s University mascot. Until recently, she remained nameless, but that all changed at the Children’s University graduation ceremony in 2024, as this time a name was awarded alongside certificates to proud young researchers. The H-BRS jury received a total of 160 creative name suggestions from the Children’s University participants. The curious owl has now been given the name Cosma, a suggestion from Sami Odenwälder, Children’s University graduate and pupil at the Alexander-vonHumboldt-Gymnasium. His inspiration: Humboldt’s five-volume work Cosmos. With her new name, Cosma will continue to accompany young researchers on their journeys of discovery into the world of science in 2025.
Christmas magic for everyone
O wishing tree, O wishing tree, how lovely is your gesture! For the fourth time, H-BRS brought joy with its wishing tree campaign. A total of almost 200 wish cards adorned the Christmas trees at both university locations. In Rheinbach, H-BRS once again fulfilled the wishes of children from refugee families in cooperation with the town. In Sankt Augustin, the campaign was aimed at people affected by poverty in old age. Here, members of the Obstkäppchen association, co-founded by H-BRS graduate Chris Kossack, handed over the gifts. Esther Hummel, who organises the Wishing Tree campaign along with Samira Haase, is delighted by the solidarity and looks to the future with confidence. “Sometimes it seems as if we lose the strength to show solidarity with and compassion for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. So it’s all the more heartening to see once again how willing people are to send a message to these groups that we are thinking of them.”
Rubber ducky flood in Sankt Augustin
What happens when you mix a computer science lecture with a comedian’s video? Rubber ducks take over! Hundreds of mini ducks suddenly appeared on every corner of the Sankt Augustin campus, sparking surprise and laugher. The story behind this? Members of the Computer Science student council had recently learned about “rubber ducking” in a lecture. In this creative problem-solving strategy, you explain your own coding approach to a neutral listener – such as a rubber duck – to help identify programming errors more quickly. Inspired by this and a come dian’s rubber duck prank, one student council member spontaneously ordered 200 mini rubber ducks, which began appearing all over campus as if by magic. The 200 soon multiplied into around 5,000 mini ducks, which not only took over the university campus but also travelled the world thanks to some students. To this day, the exact number of university ducks remains a mystery.
Thomas Hümmerich
is responsible for implementing climatefriendly solutions in building operations in his role as team leader of the Facility Management, Building and Safety Unit
“When we renovate buildings, like at the Rheinbach campus which was recently damaged by flooding, we also upgrade them to meet higher energy-efficiency standards. We rely on renewable energy technologies for this, such as heat pumps, new insulation, modern ventilation systems with heat recovery, and photovoltaic panels on the roofs. All of these climate-friendly solutions are being used here at H-BRS. Our goal is to significantly improve the university’s carbon footprint. Our buildings should not only be functional but also future-proof – ready for new degree programmes and emerging areas of research. Research requirements change over the years, which is why we must constantly rethink our approach to building and energy management to stay current. As a research-intensive university of applied sciences, we strive to provide state-of-the-art laboratory technology and infrastructure. What I appreciate about H-BRS is that we have considerable flexibility when it comes to refurbishment and renewal projects. A lot can be achieved – technically, functionally, and always in terms of sustainability.”
Getting creative together:
“Sewing Bees” connects people at H-BRS through needlework and crafts.
Spaces for exchange and encounters
Diversity Management launches programmes
Sewing, crafting and needleworking together, making connections, learning from one another and discovering more about each other – that is the idea behind “Sewing Bees”, the international sewing and needlework gathering at H-BRS. It was launched as part of “Respect! Diversity Day” in October 2024. This one-and-a-half-day conference was intended to give students, staff and interested members of the local community the opportunity to explore various aspects of diversity while encouraging dialogue and networking.
Working together and community
“Sewing Bees” was all about working together and community. Under the guidance of Jill Yates, who works at the university’s Language Centre, around 20 students and employees got together with their creative projects. “Spaces for exchange and encounter are essential for a respectful university culture and help break down prejudices,” says Sarah Friedrichs, Head of Diversity Management. “People come together and learn different handicraft techniques from one other – but also more about each other, about their diverse stories, experiences and perspectives.” Following the positive response to this initiative, it will now take place regularly.
Diversity Thursday also became a permanent fixture in 2024. Once a month, the Diversity Management Team shares information via email, on the website and through social media channels on a range of diversity and anti-discrimination topics, such as antisemitism, gender identity and social justice. As Sarah Friedrichs explains, the aim is to impart knowledge and provide important impetus for mutual understanding. Interested parties can then read about the topics in more depth through additional sources.
One for all
New unisex toilets on the campus
A vertically divided pictogram – half skirt, half trousers – marks the new toilet facilities on the Sankt Augustin campus. Behind the door are seven cubicles, fully enclosed from floor to ceiling, and a dispenser with free menstrual products. Privacy and comfort for all users were key priorities in the planning. The unisex toilet is also a structural symbol of respect for diversity and the recognition of individual needs and different gender identities. A toilet facility of this kind will also be built at the Rheinbach campus as part of the renovations there.
On the path to equal opportunities
Embedding gender equality in the appointment process
In 2023, just under 29% of professorships in Germany were awarded to women. This marks a significant increase compared to 2000, when just one in ten professorships was held by a woman – but it is still far from equal representation. This is why the German Rectors’ Conference adopted a voluntary commitment to greater gender equality in May 2024, which Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg has officially endorsed.
On the path towards equal opportunities, H-BRS has implemented measures at various levels. One of these is active sourcing. “We want to make the university even more attractive to female applicants in order to receive more applications from women in the future,” explains Elke Kitzelmann, Head of Human Resources. For this reason, academic colleagues are called upon to actively approach potential female candidates at conferences and congresses and to draw attention to job vacancies. In future, these efforts will be documented as part of the appointment process. In addition, the members of appointment committees will undergo full-day training sessions to raise awareness on the topic of gender equality and their own unconscious biases.
Transparent remuneration structures
Another key element is the development of gender-equitable remuneration structures, which are set to be adopted in 2025. In addition to the W2 basic salary, male and female professors can receive freely negotiable allowances. “There’s still a clear gap between the genders here,” says Elke Kitzelmann. “We want to create equal opportunities for everyone.” Therefore, this process is set to become more transparent in the future. What allowances are customary, in what amounts, and who can claim them? In addition, new appointment regulations are being developed that place an even stronger focus on gender equality.
With these measures, H-BRS is sending a clear signal in support of diversity, fairness and equal opportunities for all.
More about equal opportunity: ȹ www.h-brs.de/en/gleichstellung
Plants replace paving
Sustainable redesign of the Sankt Augustin campus
In 2024, excavators were busy on the Sankt Augustin campus – in many areas, paving was replaced with plants. Ute Schmitz and Thomas Hümmerich from the Facility Management, Building, and Safety Unit explain what was important to the planners during the redesign.
| According to the university’s mission statement, sustainability should be expressed in all areas. How is this reflected in the construction work?
ą Ute Schmitz: For the Sankt Augustin campus, this specifically involved removing sealed surfaces, installing infiltration paving, planting more trees and greenery, and improving the quality of outdoor spaces with additional seating. These measures apply to the central square, the courtyard near the lecture hall centre, the atrium in building section C, and the terrace area between building sections C and A.
| How has the square in front of the main entrance –previously a large paved area featuring the “Spule” sculpture as a focal point – changed in character?
ą Thomas Hümmerich: The layout is much more segmented now. We had to retain a broad, diagonal strip of paving for the fire service access road, but the triangular areas on either side have been designed to feel more park-like. New trees provide shade, and park benches have been placed in small niches between the flowerbeds. The “Spule” sculpture remains in its original location but now stands within a flowerbed. To the side, a tree-lined avenue leads to the main entrance, accompanied by five seating niches framed by hedges. A new focal point is a 15-metre-long wooden bench that runs alongside the fire service access road.
| The atrium in building section C was already a green space. Why was it redesigned?
ą Schmitz: The 600 square-metre lawn in the atrium wasn’t used much. That’s why we’ve now installed four benches that can be reached via gently curving paved paths. While the main square was designed more for social interaction, the atrium, which is completely enclosed by buildings, is intended as a space for people to relax, read a book and unwind.
| So these construction measures are primarily aimed at enhancing aesthetics and comfort?
ą Hümmerich: Not only. Sustainability also involves functional considerations. We had to excavate a significant amount of soil to ensure that trees can thrive in the long term. We also replaced diseased trees with new species that are more resilient to heat and drought. The concept includes renewing and expanding the bicycle stands. Instead of a steel roof, they will feature a green roof – and 20 lockable bike boxes are planned.
| What has the response been to these changes?
ą Schmitz: At first, reactions were hesitant – understandably so, since when the work started there wasn’t much to see apart from a desert of sand, plus a lot of concrete had to be poured for the structure. Combined with the rust-coloured Corten steel borders, the overall look was more grey-brown than green. Today, everything is planted and looks completely different. I often hear people say, “Wow, this turned out great”.
More greenery and enhanced comfort: The redesign of the Sankt Augustin campus is taking shape
Sustainability for a viable future
From strategy to action
To implement its sustainability strategy, the university’s Sustainability Management Team developed and carried out a collaborative sustainability roadmap process covering all areas of activity, on behalf of the President’s Office. All sustainability initiatives at H-BRS were documented, consolidated, and clearly presented in a comprehensive overview. The participants prioritised sustainability goals and defined concrete measures – such as an app developed by the university itself to provide shading for lecture halls and seminar rooms, helping to regulate heat. “This kind of collaboration should set the tone for the university culture and other key areas,” says Chancellor Angela Fischer.
Expertise meets commitment
In addition to its own sustainable development, H-BRS is also committed to raising awareness of the topic within society. One example of this is Sustainability Week, which the university organised for the second time in cooperation with the city of Sankt Augustin from 13 to 17 May 2024. During workshops and lectures, 15 researchers from the university offered insights and suggestions for improving sustainability. The events were aimed at employees of both the city administration and the university, as well as students. The opening event, featuring meteorologist and TV presenter Sven Plöger, who summarised the current state of global warming, was attended by 400 citizens.
The aim of “Sustainability Transfer Day” was to use H-BRS’s expertise to drive the socio-ecological transformation forward. On 20 September 2024, representatives from politics and local authorities joined researchers for a professional dialogue at the Sankt Augustin campus. By sharing knowledge, the participating institutions sought to better meet the requirements of all dimensions of sustainability – ecological, economic and social – in their respective areas of responsibility. The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Manfred Fischedick, President and Scientific Managing Director of the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy.
Strong together for sustainability
Change can only be driven forward effectively through networks. This is why the university is a member of the Sustainability Alliance for Applied Sciences (NAW.NRW) and organised the lecture series “Sustainable Together” in 2024. The topics ranged from wood and clay as building materials of the future, to sustainable weed control using learning robots, and the benefits of learning gardens and forest education. For the past three years, H-BRS has been in charge of the event. From 2025, the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts (TH OWL) will take over its organisation.
collaborate
Reliable partner in regional and international networks
As a forward-looking university of applied sciences, we focus on innovative transfer activities and strategic partnerships to actively shape a sustainable, digital future. In 2024, we significantly intensified our commitment to knowledge and technology transfer – both regionally and internationally.
One flagship project is the “Denkschmiede” think tank – a municipal innovation partnership with the towns of Hennef and Ruppichteroth. Two new transfer hubs, hands-on workshops, and the AI Customer Experience Lab create space for digitalisation in small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby strengthening local innovation capacity. Further momentum comes from the HOBIT project, which accelerates the transfer of research results through design thinking and co-creation labs. Close cooperation with the Transferallianz Rheinisches Revier (TARR) supports sustainable transformation in regions undergoing structural change. In addition, new transfer professorships and continuing education concepts help reinforce knowledge transfer and innovation capabilities.
Internationally, we reached an important milestone in 2024. For the first time, two strategic university partnerships were established – with the German-Jordanian University (Jordan) and the University of Cape Coast (Ghana). The selection process was structured and co-designed by the departments and was supported by the DAAD’s “HAW.International”, a funding programme for the internationalisation of universities of applied sciences.
The aim is to expand cooperation across departments and projects over the long term – in teaching, research and knowledge transfer. Additional partner institutions will follow, enabling us to harness synergies at the international level.
Our goal is clear: as a reliable partner in regional and international networks, we work collaboratively to develop sustainable solutions – for business, society and science. Because renewal depends on cooperation. Today more than ever.
Prof. Dr Michaela Wirtz
Vice President for Transfer, Innovation and Sustainability (until 28 February 2025)
Prof. Dr Jürgen Bode
Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity (until 28 February 2025)
collaborate
Joint research with the
Bundeswehr
Central Hospital
A cooperation agreement seals the partnership between the Centre of Applied Research (ZAF) and the Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz. The collaboration focuses on bioscientific research and teaching – with tangible results. As part of her Bachelor’s thesis, an H-BRS student at the Bundeswehr Central Hospital studied free-living amoebae and analysed their metabolism. Her findings have deepened our understanding of molecular processes, particularly with regard to the brain-eating amoeba – a potentially deadly pathogen. “A better understanding of rare diseases is often of crucial to the development of treatment approaches,” says Professor Jörn Oliver Sass. In addition to research, students at H-BRS benefit from new courses, while Jörn Oliver Sass helps strengthen the exchange between research, teaching and practice through his reserve service at the Bundeswehr Central Hospital.
Radio astronomy and artificial intelligence
How can huge amounts of big data from radio astronomy be analysed efficiently? This question was the focus of an interdisciplinary workshop at H-BRS. The aim of the meeting was to explore new approaches to analysing astrophysical data – with artificial intelligence as a key technology. The participants came from the Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence and the Big Bang to Big Data (B3D) cluster. The workshop demonstrated that neural networks are extremely useful – they decode patterns, recognise structures, and open up new paths for scientific discoveries. Particularly exciting is the way the Institute of Visual Computing (IVC) brings precisely this data to life. Software developed as part of B3D makes it possible to visualise complex data not only on desktops, but also in virtual reality – an impressive interface between science, technology and immersive research. “By participating in the B3D cluster, we gain access to very large, non-personal data volumes. This enables us to expand our expertise in the field of visual analysis of extensive data and broaden our research network,” says Professor André Hinkenjann, Director of the IVC.
After eight years of research: “One Health” comes to an end
How do urban changes affect the health of humans, animals, and the environment? Scientists at the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) at H-BRS have spent the past eight years exploring this question as part of the research consortium “One Health and Urban Transformation”. The consortium was funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MKW). The researchers, including six doctoral students supervised at H-BRS, studied urban development in locations in North Rhine-Westphalia – particularly in the Ruhr metropolitan region – as well as in São Paulo (Brazil), Accra (Ghana) and Ahmedabad (India). The research focused on topics such as food security, hygiene, and public health. Special attention was given to peri-urban agriculture and role of green spaces and bodies of water in promoting health. Backed by a strong network led by the Center for Development Research (ZAF) at the University of Bonn, the researchers collaborated with partners around the world. “One Health” leaves behind valuable findings that will continue to make an impact long after the project’s conclusion.
Renewable energies degree programme in Rwanda
Rwanda has one goal: a nationwide power supply for all households – decentralised, renewable and sustainable. The Ruhengeri Institute of Higher Education (INES), the only university of applied sciences in the country, is playing a key role in this endeavour. As part of the Erasmus+ project GREATER, H-BRS and INES are collaborating on the establishment of a new degree programme in renewable energies at INES. Drawing on its own experience from the Sustainable Engineering programme in Sankt Augustin, H-BRS is contributing to the curriculum development and the implementation of a remote laboratory infrastructure at INES. Professor Pater Fabien Hagenimana, Vice-Chancellor of INES, sees this as a valuable opportunity for the future of energy in his country. With its expertise, H-BRS is making an important contribution to sustainability.
Sustainable land management
INTERFACES connects research with practice
Working together towards the e-learning certificate: A certificate course in “Sustainable Land Management” was developed in collaboration with the UESD in Ghana
How can productive collaboration between German and African universities in the field of sustainable land management be achieved? The INTERFACES project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), is seeking answers to this question – with a focus on partnership-based cooperation in research, teaching and knowledge transfer. Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, together with the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) and the Institute for Media Research and Development (IMEA), is an important project partner.
“INTERFACES stands for the interplay between science, policy and practice. But above all, it stands for active collaboration – across universities, across countries and across disciplines,” explains Dr Eefje Aarnoudse, IZNE research associate at IZNE and a member of the project team.
Cooperation is not a byproduct
One example is the e-learning certificate in “Sustainable Land Management in Africa” developed jointly with the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Ghana. Both partners contribute their expertise: subject-specific, technical and didactic. The course content draws on several research projects that are being carried out as part of the BMBF’s funding programme for sustainable land management in sub-Saharan Africa.
“The e-learning certificate is more than just an online study programme. It’s a collaborative product that shows how we have jointly developed, shared and anchored knowledge for the long term,” emphasises Wiltrud Terlau, professor in the Department of Management Sciences, director of IZNE, and academic lead for the project. There is also close cooperation within H-BRS – with the library’s e-learning team for instance, which is involved in the didactic development.
At the same time, the team at H-BRS provides impetus for the further development of research and transfer funding policy. “Cooperation doesn’t just start after the project has begun. It must be considered and facilitated as early as the idea development stage – and that includes time and financial resources,” says Aarnoudse. For this reason, the team is actively involved in dialogue formats with funding bodies and African partners in order to shape these framework conditions precisely.
Journalism up close: H-BRS at the b.future festival
Presenting the news yourself doesn’t have to remain a dream. The H-BRS interactive news studio at the b.future festival in Bonn made it a reality. This experience was not just fun, it also raised awareness about journalism, according to Tanja Köhler, Professor of Digital Journalism and Audiovisual Media. She emphasises: “We can strengthen trust in fact-based reporting with opportunities like this – which is essential at a time when disinformation poses an increasing threat to our democracy.” H-BRS also presented its media degree programmes at the festival, including the new Master’s in Digital Communication and Media Innovation, which prepares aspiring journalists for the world of digital media. Long-established degree programmes, such as Technical Journalism, International Media Studies, and Technology and Innovation Communications, also offered exciting insights into the media industry.
Knowledge
creates tomorrow: Xiaomeng Shen at the UN Summit of the
Future
Science and research are the essential building blocks for a secure future
– because only they enable wellfounded political decisions that lead to sustainable change. This was the core message of H-BRS honorary professor Dr Xiaomeng Shen’s speech at the UN’s Summit of the Future in New York in September 2024. The meeting brought together national leaders from around the world. They adopted a Pact for the Future as a shared roadmap for accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The United Nations University (UNU), where Xiaomeng Shen serves as Vice-Rector, was involved in the development of the pact. Shen called for knowledge transfer, cooperation and the courage to innovate and highlighted the role of the UNU – it bridges science and politics, promotes innovative ideas and leverages its expertise and global networks to develop sustainable solutions.
More about the 2030 Agenda: ȹ https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
Kant and Education
Is Immanuel Kant’s philosophy still relevant to (higher) education today? Professor Klaus Lehmann from the Centre for Ethics and Responsibility (ZWV) at H-BRS explored this question as part of a distinguished panel at the event “Kant and Education – Three Bonn Universities”. Lehmann emphasised the importance of a holistic education that goes beyond pure specialist knowledge and requires critical discussions. He also highlighted the creative power of knowledge in contributing to solving the social challenges of tomorrow. It became clear that education is one of the most sustainable investments in the future. It not only imparts knowledge, but also promotes critical thinking, creativity and responsibility. The key takeaway from the event: Kant’s philosophy of education remains highly relevant today. The event was organised by the Bonn Academy for Research and Teaching of Practical Politics (BAPP), the Forum Sozialversicherungswissenschaft, and the Bonner Bürgergesellschaft LESE.
Virtual representations of real systems
Das Labor für Digitale Zwillinge und das Projekt EcoTwin – digitale Werkzeuge für reale Herausforderungen
Digital twins are considered key concepts in industry. They are more than just computer simulations, as sensors continuously collect data from the physical object – such as temperature, movement or wear. This data is transmitted in real time to a digital model in which the behaviour of the physical object is simulated, analysed and predicted. Through the “Digital Twin-4-Multiphysics Lab” (DT4MP) and the EcoTwin research project, H-BRS is strongly committed to advancing work in this field.
The scope of the Digital Twins Laboratory ranges from questions of urban resilience to process optimisation in industry – for example, the Keymode project with automotive supplier GKN Driveline. “We’re developing an AI system to optimise product design. It’s based on established methods that allow for powerful models even with limited data, thereby accelerating the design process,” says Professor Sebastian Houben, co-founder of the lab. Particular focus is placed on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. “Many SMEs are highly specialised, but they lack their own research and development resources to use AI models effectively – that’s where we come in,” explains Professor Dirk Reith, Director of the Institute of Technology, Resource and Energy-efficient Engineering (TREE). Cooperation projects with the Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems (IAIS), and the Dr Reinold Hagen Foundation further strengthen the DT4MP network.
EcoTwin: Digital support for green spaces
The EcoTwin research project, developed in collaboration with TH Köln, focuses on urban green spaces. A digital twin is intended to help mitigate the effects of climate change. “We want to provide municipal green space authorities with a tool that enables them to make decisions based on reliable data,” says Professor Martin Hamer. This tool relies on geodata and environmental data, supplemented by sensor technology. “Which trees in the urban area are suffering from drought stress and need to be watered first? Which areas are suitable for which climate-resilient planting? In the future, these decisions can be made right at the desk.”
Citizens will soon be able to find out where cool green spaces are located or sign up to sponsor trees. Tim Wessel, a research assistant on the project, emphasises: “Ultimately, the one thing that matters most to us is that our tools are used.”
“This cooperation is absolutely essential for us”
H-BRS and its Ukrainian partner university in Chernihiv are researching data security
How a theoretical idea developed into a partnership – as recounted by computer science professors Petra Haferkorn from H-BRS and Mariia Dorosh from Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, which has been a partner university of H-BRS since 2022.
| How did your collaboration start?
ą Petra Haferkorn: The starting point was a joint article aimed at developing a new theory on information security. We wanted to show that not only technical and psychological systems are relevant, but social interactions as well. We looked at how internal communication can strengthen information security in companies and organisations. Around 60 to 90 percent of hacker attacks are what are known as social engineering attacks. This means employees are manipulated so that attackers can gain access to the system. Targeted communication processes can therefore ensure greater data security.
| How did the broader collaboration develop?
ą Mariia Dorosh: The collaboration has opened up new ways of thinking for me. I come from a background in mathematical modelling, but that alone isn’t enough for effective information security management. My colleague introduced me to Luhmann’s systems theory. That was really inspiring. In addition, thanks to funding from the DAAD, four to five students, doctoral candidates, research assistants, or professors visit H-BRS each year. This is important for us because we have been working exclusively online since the war started. We miss the personal exchange. Projects like these motivate us and give us the feeling that we are not alone.
ą Haferkorn: Our research is now being integrated into teaching. We’re also considering a joint doctoral programme, and we complement each other very well. Mariia Dorosh is familiar with the academic system and brings valuable experience in supervising doctoral candidates.
| What comes next?
ą Dorosh: We’re planning joint teaching and research projects, which we’ll present at international conferences. For us, academic exchange is just as important as rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine. When I return from Germany and tell my students that we’re working closely together, they feel supported. That gives them a sense of stability. This cooperation must continue – it’s absolutely essential for us.
Professors Mariia Dorosh (right) and Petra Haferkorn (left) with Ukrainian scientist Dr Oleksandr Velihorskyi (left) and Dean Professor Sascha Alda
Prof. Dr Anna-Lena Menn
conducts research focused on sustainable electromobility at the Institute of Technology, Resource and Energy-efficient Engineering (TREE) and has held a transfer professorship since 2024
““The transfer of knowledge to society is a crosscutting task involving many university stakeholders, even if their contributions often remain largely invisible. As a transfer professor, I place great importance on this topic. My focus is on transferring my research to fellow researchers, to companies, to citizens, and also into teaching. I’m especially committed to establishing and revitalising transdisciplinary networks to initiate impactful collaborations. This is how I want to make North Rhine-Westphalia a strong hub for sustainable solutions in electrical energy technology through the development of an innovative research cluster. By networking research activities and launching targeted funding programmes, we can effectively drive the energy transition forward. Transferring research findings into teaching directly benefits our students. One example of this is our degree programme, Sustainable Engineering. A major success in knowledge transfer is when talented graduates, equipped with the skills and expertise they gained here – in the sustainable development of car engines or wind turbines, for instance – go on to take positions at companies here in the region. As a transfer professor, I have the opportunity to actively shape the sustainability transformation – that motivates me every day.”
Business ideas grow through international exchange
Anniversary at the Language Centre: Ten years of the Intercultural & Social Entrepreneurship Exchange
Ten years, a decade, or 3,650 days – that’s how long the Intercultural & Social Entrepreneurship Exchange (ISEE) project has been connecting students from different countries to develop social business ideas. What began in 2014 as a cooperation between Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg and the German Jordanian University (GJU) has since expanded. As of winter 2024, Shenzhen Technology University in China has also joined of the network. ISEE combines entrepreneurship with intercultural exchange – through an online programme, H-BRS students develop sustainable business ideas and receive feedback from fellow students in Jordan and China. This gives them insights into how their ideas are received in different markets and what adjustments would make sense. The students also discuss what kind of advertising strategies would be most suitable for each of the countries. In this way, they gain first-hand experience into how global business works. “The discussions have shown me how different markets tick and which factors play a role,” one participant shares her impression.
High innovation potential
Through practice-oriented dialogue, students from all three partner universities gain business expertise coupled with new perspectives. “The project goes far beyond the academic framework. It creates connections, promotes intercultural understanding and inspires creative solutions,” summarises Eileen Küpper from the Language Centre. In addition, ISEE imparts skills that are highly valued in the professional world – from strategy and project management to confident English language skills.
But the anniversary is more than just a retrospective. In the future, H-BRS wants to involve other universities – in the Balkans, for instance. The ISEE project at the Language Centre (SPZ) thus remains an important platform for exchange, networking and joint learning. As one participant reflected on her experience, “I not only learned a lot about working with other countries, but also about myself”.
A successful project with a future
• Participants over the project period: approx. 3,000
• Number of seminars over the project period: 121
• Participating universities: 3
• Staff members: Eileen Küpper, Kerri Vernon and Beate Roggenbuck (H-BRS), Eva Haddah (GJU Jordan), Zhanlu Ma (SZTU China)
Supporting practice-oriented research and successful transfer
ZWT bridges science and practice
“Through the successful transfer of knowledge and technologies, we as a university of applied sciences underscore our significance to both the economy and society,” says Dr Simon Roth, head of the Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (ZWT). “Close cooperation with partners in practice is essential for us as a university so that research and teaching remain aligned with real-world needs,” he explains.
As the central interface between universities, industry and society, the ZWT has a mission: to provide researchers with the best possible support in initiating and implementing research projects, as well as in transferring knowledge and innovations into practical applications.
The two teams at ZWT – Research Funding and Innovation and Stakeholder Management – support researchers in areas such as securing funding, navigating legal issues and matters relating to usage rights, and networking with industry partners.
HOBIT: How agile approaches support effective transfer
With the Holistic Bidirectional Transfer Management (HOBIT) project, ZWT has been breaking new ground in innovation and technology transfer since 2024. The project develops and tests methods for transferring knowledge to industry and society more quickly and in a more targeted manner. “Researchers and companies often view innovations from different perspectives. HOBIT helps to unite these perspectives,” explains project manager Carola Kürten. Transfer manager Dr Eva
Kesternich adds, “With agile methods and approaches, we can respond to needs more quickly and flexibly”.
Connecting young talent with regional companies
The ZWT connects students with companies during their studies and supports them in exploring potential career paths. The annual careers fair “Unternehmenstag” (Company Day) brings over 150 companies and organisations to the Sankt Augustin campus and offers students a low-threshold opportunity to make contacts for internships, final theses or career entry. A university-specific job portal, where companies can publish job advertisements, complements the range of services available to students.
Particularly committed students benefit from the Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship), for which the ZWT recruits companies and foundations as sponsors. “In 2024, we were able to provide almost a hundred students with a Deutschlandstipendium, and we anticipate another significant increase in 2025 – a success that demonstrates how we are working together with companies and foundations to promote talent and contribute towards securing skilled workers for the region,” says Sabine Baumgartner, Innovation and Stakeholder Manager at ZWT.
Making career entry easier: Company Day connects employers with students
Olive oil and social security
Alumni events promote exchange, networking and knowledge transfer
About 7,000 kilometres separate Rheinbach from Accra. And in terms of content, an olive oil tasting event and a conference on social security could not be more different. In Rheinbach, flavours were analysed, while in Accra, social challenges were discussed. Yet both alumni meetings invited participants to take a closer look, understand connections, and explore knowledge from new perspectives. Each also offered plenty of opportunity for exchange and networking.
A taste of the Mediterranean
Summer temperatures provided the perfect backdrop for a special alumni event. Under the guidance of Professor Gerd Knupp, founding dean of the Department of Natural Sciences and now retired, H-BRS alumni immersed themselves in the world of olive oil, exploring its aromas and flavour profiles. The event offered not only culinary delights but also the chance to reconnect and network. For many, it was a particular pleasure to meet their former professor again. He shared his expertise hands-on – with passion and skill.
Rethinking social security
In Ghana, too, former students played a key role – both in the capital city of Accra and the town of Cape Coast. While olive trees grow in Ghana as well, the event hosted by the degree programme Social Protection focused on the topic of inclusion. The DAAD-sponsored conference in Africa brought alumni together and pooled their knowledge. “The conference provided an opportunity for further training, networking and
The goal of the conference in Ghana was to empower people with disabilities and enable their participation
developing joint ideas,” emphasises Abdelrahman Fatoum. Experts from international organisations, UN representatives and the Ghanaian National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPD) convened. The aim was to develop a strategy paper to support governments in empowering people with disabilities and ensuring their participation in society. The momentum continued in Germany. A few months later, a seminar was held at H-BRS to deepen insights and maintain synergies. The meeting was also a milestone for the Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies. It marked the first collaboration with the University of Cape Coast, a strategic partner university of H-BRS.
University partners in Ghana and Jordan
Cooperation covers research, teaching and university development
From the ancient ruins of Amman to the lively city of Cape Coast – H-BRS is intensifying its existing cooperation with the German Jordanian University (GJU) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The new strategic partnerships strengthen exchange in the areas of research, teaching and university development. “Establishing strategic partnerships simplifies cooperation. At the same time, we are expanding opportunities for students, staff, teachers and researchers to enhance their international profiles,” emphasises Professor Jürgen Bode, Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity until February 2025. Alongside mobility programmes, the focus is on developing research projects and degree programmes.
Partnership search with clear criteria
The development of the partnerships was supported by the DAAD project TOFI (Take-Off4Internationalisation). First, H-BRS assessed the potential of several universities through a twoyear evaluation process. “We pursued both bottom-up and top-down strategies because broad participation and sustainable networking are important to us,” says Janina-Domenica Wörmann, who is responsible for the TOFI project. The aim was to engage universities in a participatory process to secure long-term cooperation. The result: GJU and UCC proved to be particularly suitable.
The plan for the future is to build on existing connections and create a strong international network. The GJU offers its students the opportunity to spend an exchange year at H-BRS. Nadine Kutz, research assistant in the Department of Computer Science, emphasises: “International students enrich the study experience at H-BRS – they facilitate intercultural exchange and open up new perspectives.” The strong network is also evident in the partnership with UCC through summer schools and internships, with additional formats currently in planning. “The idea of establishing double degree programmes with partner universities is particularly exciting,” says Paulina Hinz, Coordinator for Partnerships and Cooperation. Looking ahead, H-BRS would also like to develop new strategic partnerships with other universities – in Canada, for instance – offering a promising outlook for the future.
UCC becomes a strategic partner: Professor Rosemond Boohene with H-BRS President Marion Halfmann and Professor Reiner Finkeldey
“We support, promote and connect”
The University Society brings companies, researchers and alumni together
With its network of companies, alumni and researchers, the University Society opens up many opportunities. Students receive financial support, companies find new talent, and knowledge flows directly into practice. Stefan Raetz, Chair of the University Society and former Mayor of Rheinbach with over twenty years of service, discusses this mutually beneficial cooperation in an interview.
| Why join the University Society?
ą We bring businesses and research together and support the recruitment of young talent. Through the summer schools and research projects we fund, we connect students and researchers while strengthening knowledge transfer and regional development. We also confer prizes for theses and, in partnership with regional companies and the federal government, award the Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarships) – providing ideal opportunities for students and companies to make valuable contacts. The return of a former scholarship holder as a sponsor is a particularly special example of this cooperation that benefits both the university and the business community. That’s what makes membership worthwhile – you get involved and help advance the Bonn region as a centre of science.
| Demographic change is a key issue — what role does H-BRS play in the region?
ą The university is constantly evolving. It has impressively demonstrated how flexibly it can adapt and expand its range of courses. By preparing highly qualified graduates, it remains relevant and strengthens the region. Top rankings in student satisfaction confirm its success. That’s why I consider H-BRS to be a university of excellence.
| The University Society’s network thrives on connections – how do you go about building them?
ą Our recipe for success is personal interaction. We engage students early on through a wide range of opportunities and maintain contact with them even after they graduate. Although alumni initially have other priorities once their studies are complete, we see that staying in touch pays off. Many return – as members or guest lecturers. After all, those who have received support often get involved themselves. A key moment for networking with industry is the award ceremony for prize-winning theses at Birlinghoven Castle. These initiatives strengthen the bond between the university, industry and alumni – and reinforce our mission: to support, promote and connect.
Info
• Founded: 1 January 1995
• Chair: Stefan Raetz
• Members: approx. 100
• Sponsored scholarship holders in 2024: 22
Contact:
ȹ https://hochschulgesellschaft-brs.de
Stefan Raetz is Chair of the University Society at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
report
Facts and figures
Number of students
winter semester 2024/2025
First-semester students to academic year 2023/2024
Graduates to academic year 2023/2024
Degree programmes
Bachelor’s programmes
• Business Management Rheinbach
• Business Management Sankt Augustin
• Business Psychology
• International Business
• Business Information Systems
• Computer Science
Master’s programmes
• Business Psychology
• CSR & NGO Management
• Innovation and Information Management
• Management Accounting and Management Control
Doctorates
• Computer Science dual
• Cyber Security & Privacy
• Electrical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering –Cooperative Study
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering –
Marketing
Start-up Development
Autonomous Systems
Computer Science
Cooperative Study
• Sustainable Engineering
• Sustainable Engineering –Cooperative Study
• Technical Journalism
• Visual Technical Communication
• Applied Biology
• Visual Computing & Games Technology
• Digital Communication and Media Innovation
• Electrical Engineering
• International Media Studies
• Forensic Sciences
• Sustainable Chemistry and Materials
• Social Security Management –Accident Insurance
• Sustainable Social Policy
• Mechanical Engineering
• Sustainable Engineering
• Technology and Innovation Communications
• Analytical Chemistry and Quality Assurance
• Biomedical Sciences
• Materials Science and Sustainability Methods
• Social Protection
• As of December 31, 2024, there were 110 doctoral candidates registered at the Graduate Institute. Of these, 31 are completing their doctorates with the Graduate School for Applied Research in North Rhine-Westphalia (PK NRW).
Organisational structure of the university
The University Council
The current University Council was appointed in September 2022 by Ina Brandes, Minister of Culture and Science in North RhineWestphalia. The University Council is responsible for all strategic matters relating to the university. It advises the President’s Office and monitors the way business is conducted. It also appoints the President of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – University of Applied Sciences and acts as a supervisory body. The council’s board consists of four external members and four members from the university. Half of these are men and half women.
The eight voting members of the council are:
• Sylvie Hambloch-Gesinn, Solicitor (Chair)
• Prof. Dr Jakob Rhyner, University of Bonn (Vice Chair)
• Prof. Dr Simone Bürsner, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
• Prof. Dr Klaus Deimel, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
• Prof. Dr Karin Hummel, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
• Prof. Dr Peter Kaul, Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
• Dr Andrea Niehaus, Director of the Deutsches Museum Bonn
• Rainer Otto, former Commercial Managing Director Wirtgen Group Holding GmbH
Ina Brandes, Minister of Culture and Science in NRW (3rd from right), with six members of the University Council, from left to right: Rainer Otto, Simone Bürsner, Andrea Niehaus, Jakob Rhyner, Sylvie Hambloch-Gesinn and Peter Kaul
Partner universities around the world
Prizes and awards 2024
University
Study “Studies and Careers in North RhineWestphalia”:
• 1st place for H-BRS in “Overall Satisfaction with Studies”
manager magazin ranking:
• 9th place for H-BRS in the field teaching in auditing
Advancement Awards from H-BRS Donors
Advancement Awards for Bachelor’s Thesis
• Jennifer Freese Department of Management Sciences
• Andreas Baranzke Department of Management Sciences
• Jan Philipp Geyer Department of Management Sciences
• Sophia Nowicki Department of Computer Science
• Jakob Stühn Department of Computer Science
• Jana Geßner Department of Engineering and Communication
• Silvio Marisa Department of Engineering and Communication
• Fynn Zahnow Department of Natural Sciences
• Saskia Hartmann Department of Social Policy and Social Security
Studies
• Alina Ahlberg Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies
• Lena Wolff Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies
• Olawale Olowookere Oluwatosin Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies
Advancement Awards for Master’s Thesis:
• Ramona Schmitt Department of Management Sciences
• Moritz Balg Department of Computer Science
• Huy Tran Tien Department of Computer Science
• Daniel Heuse Department of Engineering and Communication
• Annika Stadtmüller Department of Engineering and Communication
• Federica Ricucci Department of Natural Sciences
• Alexander Jaekel Department of Natural Sciences
Award for PhD:
• Dr Michael Meurer
• Department of Natural Sciences
Persons and Teams
VDI Advancement Award:
• 1st place Ahmed Faisal Abdelrahman, Department of Computer Science
RoboCup German Open:
• H-BRS robotics team wins 1st place
RoboCup 2024:
• b-it-bots win 3rd place and Open-Source Award
AFCEA Study Awards Bonn e.V.:
• 1st place for Natalia Quiroga Perez, Department of Computer Science
Professor of the Year 2024, UNICUM Foundation:
• 3rd place for Paul R. Melcher, Department of Engineering and Communication, in the category Engineering and Computer Science
“Engineers without Borders” Challenge 2024/25:
• 2nd place for students in the Department of Engineering and Communication
Doctoral Scholarships 2024:
• Elias Ellingen, Department of Engineering and Communication
• Alexandra Mielke, Department of Engineering and Communication and Department of Computer Science
• Allex Semba, Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies
• Axel Kretschmer, Department of Natural Sciences
Doctoral Graduates:
• Lukas Pschyklenk
• Rebecca Komp
• Michael Meurer
• Juliana Vanessa Cardoso Azevedo
• Roman Grimmig
• Dirk Grommes
• Katharina Walbrück
• Veronika Krauß
Teaching Award 2024:
• Christine Buchholz
Best Diversity Paper Award:
• Research cooperation between H-BRS (Michael Malschützky) and UMBC (Dr Jamie Gurganus)
Winners of the Start-up Cup 2024:
• 1st place: LymphDot (Seyed Ghamari)
• 2nd place: ForestFireProtect (Julian Schaal, Kai Glasenapp)
• 3rd place: Huntin (Jan Geyer)
• Audience Choice Award: Tarzo (Kerim Yorulmaz and Leonard Heim)
• Special prize DIGITALHUB.DE: Huntin (Jan Geyer)
• Special prize MBA: Seyed Ghamari
Equal Opportunities Award 2024:
• Bachelor’s thesis: Tim Breuer, Department of Engineering and Communication
• Master’s thesis: Shalaka Satheesh, Department of Computer Science
Karl-Arnold Prize 2024:
• Milena Kriegsmann-Rabe
DAAD Prize 2024:
• Truong Trung Hieu Pham
New Appointments
Newly appointed professors 2024
• Prof. Dr Sebastian Franken Department of Natural Sciences Biology, focus Molecular Drug Research and Single Molecule Analysis
• Prof. Dr Andreas Hackelöer Department of Computer Science, focus Software Engineering
• Prof. Dr Toni Loh Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies
Applied Ethics, focus Ethics and Transformation
• Prof. Dr Mirle Schemionek-Reinders Department of Natural Sciences Biology, focus Molecular Diagnostics and Applied Epigenetics
• Prof. Dr Hannes Tschofenig Department of Computer Science, focus Network Security
• Prof. Dr Simone Annemarie Bernatzky Department of Management Sciences
Honorary Professorships
• Prof. Dr Stefan Brüggemann Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies
• Prof. Arne Schönbohm Institute for Safety and Security Research (ISF)
• Prof. Dr Oliver Stiemerling Department of Computer Science
• Prof. Dr Birgit Terjung Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies
• Prof. Dr Nyasha Tirivayi Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies
• Prof. Dr Jürgen Wirtgen Department of Computer Science
Staff announcements
Department of Computer Science:
• Dean re-elected
Prof. Dr Sascha Alda is re-elected as Dean of the Department of Computer Science.
Prof. Dr Matthias Bertram continues as Vice Dean
Department of Natural Sciences:
• Prof. Dr Michaela Wirtz was elected President of Landshut University of Applied Sciences
• Prof. Dr Mandy Gieler is the new Vice Dean of the department. The election was necessary because the previous Vice Dean, Professor Dr Johannes Steinhaus, was elected Vice President for Research and Transfer at the university
Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies:
• Prof. Dr Christian Rexrodt was elected as Dean and Prof. Dr Michael Sauer was elected as Vice Dean of the department
• One-year research fellowship by postdoctoral researcher, Dr Albert Opoku Frimpong
Department of Computer Science:
• Transfer professorship for Prof. Dr Teena Chakkalayil Hassan
Department of Engineering and Communication:
• Transfer professorship for Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anna-Lena Menn
Department of Natural Sciences:
• Transfer professorship of Prof. Dr Martin Sieber extended
International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE):
• Prof. Dr Stefanie Meilinger has been appointed co-chair of the WG1 in the Biogenic Carbon Project of the UNEP Life-Cycle Initiative
New team Data Protection:
• Dr Martin Eßer (external Data Protection Officer) and Manfred Höffken (Data Protection Manager)
Wolfgang Fink, Professor of Physical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis from 2000 to 2018, passed away on 26 January 2024 at the age of 71 after a serious illness. For many years, he played a formative role in the Department of Natural Sciences at the Rheinbach campus. He made a notable contribution to the establishment and ongoing development of degree programmes, dedicating himself in particular to the Bachelor’s programme in Forensic Sciences and, above all, to the Master’s programme in Analytical Chemistry and Quality Assurance. He also served as Vice Dean.
Prof. Dr Ralf Möller passed away on 6 July 2024 at the age of 46 after a brief but serious illness. Since early 2020, he had been Professor of Space Microbiology in the Department of Natural Sciences. His unusual field sparked curiosity and contributed greatly to the appeal of the biology degree programmes. As an internationally recognised scientist, he helped strengthen the university’s connection with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), where he also worked.
Ralf Mayer, research associate in the Department of Computer Science, passed away on 13 September 2024 at the age of 61 after a long illness. He had supported the department through his work since 2008. His field was technical computer science, and he also served as the department’s safety officer. Ralf Mayer held degrees in both computer science and electrical engineering and was known for his passion for technology.
In memory of Wulf Fischer
When Professor Wulf Fischer took charge of the university, it was still in its infancy. In 1999, he became its founding rector, just under five years after the launch of the Bonn-Berlin compensation project “Fachhochschule Rhein-Sieg.” Fischer assumed the role under challenging circumstances, as his predecessor, Hubert Severin, was suddenly unable to continue due to serious illness. He arrived in the midst of the university’s formative phase and was to become its defining figure.
Wulf Fischer brought with him extensive experience in higher education, particularly in the establishment of universities. A physicist by training, he first served as Vice-Rector of Fachhochschule Hagen. In 1988, he became Founding Rector of the Märkische Fachhochschule in Iserlohn, and in 1994 President of Fachhochschule Rheinland-Pfalz. During his tenure at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg from 1999 to 2008, he oversaw the expansion of degree programmes, staffing, and infrastructure, and fostered connections between the university and the worlds of science, business, society, associations and politics. Bringing the university’s scientific expertise to the region was a cause close to his heart. From the very beginning, he also placed strong emphasis on developing research activities. Upon his retirement, he was awarded the title of “Honorary Senator” in recognition of his outstanding service.
Wulf Fischer passed away on 19 June 2024 at the age of 84 in Riemerling, Bavaria. Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg will always honour his memory.
Engineering education: best diversity paper
The “Best Diversity Paper 2024” award from the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) goes to Dr Jamie Gurganus of the University of Maryland and her co-author Michael Malschützky from the Centre for Teaching Development and Innovation (ZIEL) at H-BRS. Their joint conference paper explores how a university didactic certificate programme for student teaching assistants helps to strengthen their confidence in their own research skills.
FrOSCon brings software enthusiasts together
If you are interested in free software and open source, FrOSCon was the place to be. The late-summer conference, organised by the Department of Computer Science in cooperation with the Verein FrOSCon from Sankt Augustin, came to the Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg campus for the 19th time. For two days, everything revolved around exchange, inspiration, and community: lectures, exhibitions, and social events offered a wide range of opportunities to learn, discuss and network.
Family-friendly status confirmed for the sixth time
For the sixth consecutive time, Hochschule BonnRhein-Sieg has been awarded the “Family-Friendly University” seal. This seal of quality, granted by berufundfamilie Service GmbH, clearly demonstrates that balancing family, studies, and work is firmly embedded in H-BRS’s core values. With practical offerings such as a parent-child workspace, nursing and changing rooms, and school holiday programmes for primary school children, H-BRS supports young parents in their studies or professional life. Additionally, the HELP advisory service assists students and staff with questions related to studies, family and childcare. Following an audit, H-BRS has once again been certified for this commitment. “This is a special recognition of our long-standing, sustainable, family- and lifephase-aware personnel policies,” says Dr Barbara Hillen-Haas, the university’s central Equal Opportunity Officer.
www.h-brs.de/en/help-beratungsstelle
Health research: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation scholar at H-BRS
Health economist, Dr Albert Opoku Frimpong, from the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Ghana, has been conducting research since November 2024 for one year at the Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies at H-BRS. The visiting scholar focuses on the efficiency of healthcare spending in sub-Saharan Africa, employing quantitative methods and simulation models. His work offers important points of connection to the research of Professor Simona Helmsmüller, who studies the expansion of social health insurance in Pakistan. Dr Opoku Frimpong also teaches statistics in the Master’s programme Social Protection. His research stay is funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
New professorship in applied ethics
The Centre for Ethics and Responsibility (ZEV) and the Department of Social Policy and Social Security Studies have welcomed new support. Since August 2024, Toni Loh has been part of the team. As professor for “Applied Ethics, with a focus on Ethics and Transformation”, Toni Loh brings extensive experience in bioethics and medical ethics to the university. Loh’s journey into applied ethics began with studying philosophy at Humboldt University in Berlin, followed by postdoctoral positions at Kiel University and the University of Vienna. Afterwards, Loh spent three years working in the Ethics Unit at the Liebenau Foundation. In 2023, Toni Loh took up a honorary professorship in “Ethics of Technology” at the ZEV, focusing on the ethical dimensions of technological developments. Two years later, Loh was appointed full professor at H-BRS, where bioethics, medical ethics, and technology ethics are to be integrated with aspects of sustainability. Loh is especially looking forward to reflection and discourse with the students: “What has always inspired and excited me most about university work, and teaching in particular, is the shared reflection on current ethical challenges and on the kind of society we want to live in.”
Augmented reality research on the international stage
How reliably can digital content in augmented reality environments be controlled through eye and head movements? This question was explored by Dr Alexander Marquart and his team in a research project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), titled “Selection Performance and Reliability of Eye and Head Gaze Tracking Under Varying Light Conditions”. Alexander Marquart presented the results at the international IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces in Orlando, Florida. The aim of the research is to enable precise control of digital content in virtual and augmented reality, even under changing lighting conditions, in order to improve user interactions.
Daniela Santacruz
is the first staff member at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg to serve in the Federal Volunteer Service (Bundesfreiwilligendienst). She came to Germany after studying medicine in Ecuador. Since October 2024, she has been working in the research group “Inborn Metabolic Disorders” led by Professor Jörn Oliver Sass. Since 2017, the group has offered the opportunity to complete a voluntary social year in science. More recently, the option to serve in the Federal Volunteer Service has also become available. Daniela Santacruz is the first staff member to take part in this programme. She is particularly interested in linking theoretical knowledge with practical application. “My Federal Volunteer Service at H-BRS has been an enriching experience,” says Daniela Santacruz. “I am able to develop my professional skills, carry out my own projects, and at the same time gain valuable insight into scientific work processes. I especially appreciate working together with the dedicated team in Professor Sass’s research group.”
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Bosse und Meinhard with support of generative AI: Title,16, 30, 39, 64, 78
