Deggendorf Institute of Technology
Pioneering and Vibrant
With the still valid hygiene measures in place, but a lot of motivation, the first lecture at the Technology Campus in Hutthurm started on Monday, June 8, 2020.
As a university of applied sciences, DIT's research work is always rooted in real-life cases. Since 2009, DIT has successively established 11 Technology Campuses in the neighbouring districts around Deggendorf where staff and students develop innovative solutions or products. All projects have the financial backing of businesses who aim to immediately integrate research results into their company structures or production lines to improve their products or manufacturing efficiency.
Nine students from different universities were able to attend the lecture of the scientific campus director Prof. Dr. Mathias Hartmann. With sufficient safety distance and hygiene measures in place, nothing stood in the way of the long-awaited attendance event.
The Technology Campus (TC) Hutthurm focuses on innovative solutions in plastics technologies and establishes efficiency through process development, lightweight construction and materials research.
The whole team at the TC is happy that the event could take place despite the current situation.
Deggendorf Institute of Technology’ impact is impressive at the newly introduced WURI (Worlds Universities with Real Impact) ranking, especially in the categories “Entrepreneurial Spirit” (Rank 8, worldwide) and “Student Mobility and Openness” (Rank 26, worldwide). DIT has achieved rank 43 in overall placings and is therefore within the top 50 most innovative universities worldwide, only beaten by the world’s most well-known universities such as Princeton, Berkeley, University of Tokyo, Stanford, Harvard or the MIT.
The WURI ranking is a new system, which evaluates universities’ innovation and sustainable values. Four criteria are in use for the evaluation.
Firstly, practical industrial success is valued, not the amount of scientific publications. Secondly, start-ups initiated by the universities, not entries of graduates into the working market, are important. Thirdly, social responsibility, ethical standards and integrity have a higher place in the ranking than the sole focus on pure knowledge and material success. Finally, mobility of students and the intellectual and academic cooperation across borders is taken into consideration.
DIT could score in all criteria. DIT president Prof. Peter Sperber stated, “Of course, this ranking doesn’t replace the traditional ratings, which rely especially on research performance and the classic methods of knowledge transfer.” But it’s a very important addition. Especially in worldwide times of crises and global discussions about equality and discrimination. “Entrepreneurship and open-mindedness are very important criteria for young people. We’re on the right track,” Sperber adds.
The Journal of Destination Marketing & Management (JDMM) awarded a paper submitted in collaboration with Professor Dr. Herntrei of the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) as Highly Commended Paper in its 2019 edition. The same paper has already won the price for “Best Scientific International Publication” at the Dies Academicus of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT).
The JDMM received well over 500 submissions for its latest issue and after a close assessment of the papers, the jury awarded the paper “Cooperative resorts: An analysis of creative integration strategies in community destinations” as Highly Commended Paper in its 2019 edition. The awarded paper is a collaboration of ECRI’s Dr. Marcus Herntrei with Dr. Michael Volgger of Curtin University (Australia), Dr. Harald Pechlaner of Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt (Germany) and manager in the tourism sector, Sabine Pichler, MSc. (Italy).
The paper not only introduces, but also empirically analyses cooperative resorts and their form of alliance. In addition, it analyses leadership on the destination level and argues that cooperative resorts indeed can promote leadership. It considers an increase in power imbalances and critically analyses negative impacts.
The JDMM is a quality publication in the domain of destination marketing and management that seeks to develop a robust theoretical understanding of destination marketing and management. Each year the JDMM selects and awards one paper with the Best Paper Award and two papers with the Highly Commended Paper Award. In celebration of the winners, the three winning papers are available on free-access basis until the end of 2020 on the JDMM’s website.
The new ZEIT study guide 2020/2021 with results of the CHE university ranking has been available since the beginning of May. Once again, students have also evaluated study courses at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). The latest results can be found in the subjects Business Administration, Economics, Business Informatics, Industrial Engineering and Management and Organisational and Economic Psychology.
Especially the results for Organisational and Economic Psychology should be interesting. This year, they were included in the CHE university ranking for the first time. At DIT, students rated the library equipment and the support for studying abroad in this subject as very good. But DIT's ranking is also very impressive in all other categories and courses of study. In the current issue of the Zeit Studienführer and on Zeit online, earlier results in the subjects civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, nursing science, technical physics and environmental engineering can also be found. The ZEIT Studienführer is a popular accompanying medium for choosing a course of study. From choosing the right subject, through the application phase to the start of your studies, you will find a lot of information for a successful start into the future.
In the run-up to the International Scientific Symposium DigiHealthDay-2020 hosted by the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI), the organizers offer a range of attractive pre-meeting workshops. Due to the current lockdown the on site workshops were converted into virtual ones and are now open for registration.
The next upcoming workshop is about “Data Integration and Interoperability” and will take place from May 11 to 13. The three-day workshop will be hosted by ECRI graduate Jonathan Okereke, Assistant Head of the Medical Data Integration Center, MeDIC, and Platform Architect (SOA) at University Medical Center Cologne, and the ECRI research associates Fernando Portilla and Samir Irshaid.
There is also a one-day workshop called “Introduction to Amazon Web Services” taking place on May 18. This workshop will be hosted by Florian Hettenbach, Technical Trainer of Amazon Web Services.
The workshops are free of charge and registration is mandatory. For more information on the different pre-meeting events and to register for the virtual workshops please visit the homepage www.th-deg.de/digihealthday.
The DigiHealthDay-2020 is scheduled to take place on November 13. The organizers are following the current situation with COVID-19, and in case of any changes, all registered participants will promptly be notified.
Everyone with an interest in Digital Health such as researchers, healthcare professionals, businesses and start-ups, authorities or students is invited to participate in ECRI’s DigiHealthDay-2020 and the pre-meeting workshops. For further information about the event, please visit the homepage www.th-deg.de/digihealthday.
The lack of equipment is currently hitting medical personnel in the region hard. Here, the Technology Campus and the laboratories of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) provided a remedy within a week by producing holders for face shields from the 3D printer. On 1 April, DIT received an inquiry from the Bavarian Red Cross Cham for the production of face shields. As a result, DIT developed two designs for holders (in consultation with the Deggendorf Clinic) and subjected them to a feasibility study on the same day. Subsequently, an appeal was made via Facebook to companies in the region. Companies that have a 3D printer contacted DIT and have been supporting production ever since.
Production of the brackets began on 2 April and five days later the prototypes of the two designs produced were handed over to the chief physician of the Donau Isar Klinikum, Dr. Axel Menzebach and his team, and tested by them. A few hours later, the first 200 units were delivered to the clinic. Currently, seven external partners are working on the production with 3D printers and produce 200 holders for face shields every day. To be able to meet the constantly high demand, DIT is expanding the project to include injection moulding at its labs. In no time at all, a protective film, for example from projectors, can be attached to the brackets produced by DIT and its partners and the face shield is ready. The holder is reusable and durable.
Due to the expanded ban of major events caused by COVID-19, our open air festival headlined by "Pizzera and Jaus" and "Moop Mama" can unfortunately not take place in June as planned. But there's good news for all ticket holders, as replacement dates for both "Stadt Land Fluss" Campus Open Air gigs have already been fixed.
At the end of 2020, the Austrians "Pizzera and Jaus" will play in Deggendorf town hall on Monday November 23, 2020. The brass band "Moop Mama" will make up their performance at the 2021 campus festival which will take place as usual on the long weekend around Corpus Christi. "Moop Mama" will play on Saturday June 5, 2021.
Tickets that have already been purchased remain valid for the replacement dates. Enquiries about tickets can be directed to Power Concerts at ck@power-concerts.de. No ticket exchanges can currently be accepted. Tickets can still be purchased.
On April 15, the application period for the winter semester 2020/21 at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) begins. From this date on prospective students can apply online for one of the coveted study places.
With a total of seven courses of study in the fields of tourism management, medical informatics and engineering, the international campus offers an extensive range of courses for internationally oriented students.
High school graduates can apply for the Bachelor's degree programme International Tourism Management / Health & Medical Tourism, which received an award by the European Spa Association (ESPA) for its innovative study programme. Furthermore, they can choose between the two Bachelor's degree programmes Health Informatics and Industrial Engineering. The upcoming winter semester introduces the Bachelor’s degree programme Energy Systems Engineering (ESE), a new future-oriented course of studies.
The study programme ESE trains future engineers for energy systems engineering. Students will be trained for addressing the current challenges of the energy sector and its transformation from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy, involved in a range of areas such as power generation, conversion, transport, usage and storage. Since the future of energy supply networks lies in digitization and artificial intelligence, students will focus on computer science as well as chemistry, physics and electrical engineering. In addition, the study program contains subjects such as renewable energies, sustainability, and energy network technology or energy storage in combination with several practical projects. This particular combination prepares students perfectly for their career entry after graduation. Trained engineers for energy system technology will drive the energy turnaround towards renewable energies, be it in the public sector, in energy supply companies, in industry or in planning offices.
ECRI also offers Master’s degree programmes in Healthy and Sustainable Buildings, International Tourism Development and Medical Informatics.
With English as the language of instruction, ECRI is the only exclusively English-speaking campus in Bavaria. This makes studying at ECRI in Pfarrkirchen particularly attractive for internationally oriented prospective students, to whom all doors are open after graduation.
DIT awards German Academic Exchange Service Award
Iris Kongo from Albania was particularly pleased on Monday, June 24 during a ceremony at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). University President Prof. Dr. Peter Sperber and the head of the International Office, Lisa Werner, awarded the student with an award from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This award recognizes outstanding achievements of foreign students at German universities.
Iris Kongo studies Tourism Management at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology. She grew up in Tirana, the capital of Albania and even at an early age, she was positive that she would like to study in Germany at some point. The love for the German language and her fascination for tourism helped Ms. Kongo decide to study Tourism Management in Deggendorf.
In her commendation, Lisa Werner praised the young woman as incredibly committed, as she has worked in various student associations as well as a student assistant. She never neglects her studies and has excellent grades to show for it while she maintains versatile contacts inside and outside the university. Iris Kongo is an exemplary ambassador of her native country of Albania and an outstanding representative of the growing international student body at the Deggendorf University.
Picture: University President Prof. Dr. Peter Sperber and the head of the International Office, Lisa Werner (l.), Awarded Iris Kongo the Prize of the German Academic Exchange Service 2019.
.
German-Egyptian Conference with guest speaker from European Campus Rottal-Inn
02.07.2019 | DIT PR - From 16-17 June the 1st COSIMENA Meta-Conference on "Digital Development and Challenges in the MENA Region" took place in Cairo, Egypt. Anna Schmaus-Klughammer (LLB, hons), lecturer at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI), was invited to speak at the Health Cluster Session.
COSIMENA brings together scientists from Germany and Egypt. In her lecture "Digitization in Higher Education to improve Healthcare", Schmaus-Klughammer therefore also introduced the Deggendorf University of Technology (THD) and ECRI.
During the conference, Schmaus-Klughammer also met with Prof. Mahmoud El Tayeb of Nile Valley University (in the process of being founded) in Egypt to discuss a scientific project on "Improving health care in Egypt with the help of eHealth and telemedicine". The talks were preceded in 2018 by a visit of Prof. El Tayeb to the THD and a return visit to Egypt. During his stay at DIT, Prof. El Tayeb met with President Prof. Peter Sperber and ECRI Vice President and Campus Director Prof. Horst Kunhardt as well as Dr. Elise von Randow, Director of the Institute for Career, International Affairs and Language. Isabell Mering, Head of DAAD Offices in Cairo, was very pleased about this development.
Within the framework of COSIMENA, the DAAD Cairo Office organizes various interdisciplinary events on current topics in science and innovation. These include workshops, conferences, discussions, German Science Day, the COSIMENA Science Night and summer schools. The aim of the various activities is to bring together experts from science, trade, politics and society. The focus is particularly on the promotion and support of young scientists who benefit from the networking opportunities.
Picture: Anna Schmaus-Klughammer (left) at the COSIMENA Conference with Isabell Mering (right), Head of the DAAD Office in Cairo
Ländertage shows our students study and internship opportunities around the globe
Students aiming to go global for a study or internship semester must plan far in advance, leaving for an adventure in the winter semester 2019/2020 or the summer semester 2020 involves active preparation now! Our Ländertage informed over 200 interested students about the opportunities involved.
Ländertage started on 17th October with the USA and Canada. College Contact agency advised students about funding their semester abroad, before students described their fascinating experiences during study and internship semesters in Chicago, San Diego and Vancouver.
This was followed by country days (Ländertage) for Asia and the Pacific region with Gostralia! agency. Students who had already completed a semester or internship abroad in this part of the world reported about their experiences, showed impressive photos and hopefully aroused participants desire for adventure to the southern hemisphere.
The last event in the week was the most popular, as the topic was Europe and the ERASMUS programme, which is worldwide the largest student exchange programme worldwide. Students presented their time in Finland, Spain, the UK, Austria and the Island of Aruba, which is a popular part of the ERASMUS programme as it's Dutch territory, despite being an island in the Caribbean.
Students with international experience all agreed: a semester abroad is highly recommended. It is an unforgettable experience!
Photo (DIT): Student Lukas Fuller presents his experience in Canada at the University of Victoria.
“The system of support for academic teachers in process of shaping soft skills of their students”
The Erasmus+ KA2 project “The system of support for academic teachers in process of shaping soft skills of their students” is a strategic partnership, which involves 4 universities: University College of Enterprise and Administration (Poland), Instituto Politecnico De Setubal (Portugal), Mednarodna Fakulteta Za Druzbene In Poslovne Studije Zavod (Slovenia) and Deggendorf Institute Of Technology (Germany).
What is the aim of the strategic partnership in this project?
A strategic partnership aims to develop innovative, cross-country teaching and studying methods, as well as build effective networks for the university.
What are the goals and results of the project?
The project tries to combine standard teaching programs with new, attractive teaching methods aimed at supporting young people in the process of gaining soft skills. As soft skills are highly required competences by employers, the project intends to incorporate the teaching of these skills to programs of regular subjects taught by academic teachers in order to prepare young people for their future workplace properly.
Which role does DIT play in this project?
The task of our university is to deal with the topic of intercultural entrepreneurship and how we can incorporate intercultural aspects into regular classes. This includes the theme of multiculturalism: Why is it so important, which role does it play in the modern labour market and what does multicultural communication in the workplace mean. Furthermore, it deals with the topics of intercultural approaches to young employees and cultural differences in the workplace.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Johann Nagengast
Tel.: +49 (0)991 3615-140
E-Mail: johann.nagengast@th-deg.de
04 October 2018 | DIT Public Relations
On 1 October, the new winter semester 2018/19 officially started at universities of applied sciences in Bavaria. The number of students at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology has risen to a new maximum of around 7,000. There have never been this many freshers and international students in Deggendorf.
For the 2370 freshers, the semester began with the First Semester Day, organized by the Student Association. There were numerous information stands on campus and the official first semester welcome was broadcast in several lecture halls and via live stream. As part of the welcoming speech, the students heard DIT President Prof. Dr. Peter Sperber, the Minister of Culture Bernd Sibler, the Lord Mayor Dr. Christian Moser and representatives of important departments for the students in the future. In order for the freshers to find their way, first-semester mentors are available in every course of study.
For the first time, the Bachelor's programme Technical Design and the Master's programme Mechatronic and Cyberphysical Systems are offered. The part-time Bachelor's degree course in Business Informatics is now focused on Data Science. A new or revised program of seminars, workshops and lectures is also available from Career Service. Registrations are now possible here.
DIT welcomes more than 100 new exchange students
On Thursday, 1 March, the so-called Orientation Week, where new international students are prepared for studying at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), started. Despite the high number of flights cancelled due to the cold weather, most of the 140 registered students managed to be here for the welcoming day.
The students were officially greeted by the head of economic promotion of Deggendorf Andreas Höhn and Dr. Elise von Randow, head of the Institute for Career, International and Languages at DIT. The trafitional Bavarian music ensemble of the Music Academy Plattling created Bavarian ambience as a backdrop for a motley crew of exchange students. Most exchange students are from Mexico and South Korea in this semester; however, there are also Taiwanese, Brazilian, Vietnamese, Czech, Portugese, Italian, French and Jordanian students at DIT for the summer semester 2018. A total of 99 nationalities studies at DIT and the university has 186 partner universities worldwide.
Among the Orientation Week participants is a group of Syrian refugees, who will spend a semester at DIT in preparation for regular studies in Germany. They will attend language courses and regular lectures. DIT's International Office created a programme for the following two weeks that is to help the new students assimilate in Deggendorf.
A team of student workers accompanies the international students and assists them in authority visits to ensure a smooth lecture start in mid March. German intensive courses and intercultural trainings focusing on Bavaria take place during Orientation Week, so that the best possible integration is ensured.
Furthermore, those students who would like to do an internship in Germany after their exchange semester, are prepared for the application process by the Career Service. The student association AKI planned leisure activities, such as a welcoming party, a traditional Bavarian evening as well as a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Already on the first day, the International Office had positive feedback and the exchange students were glad about the heartfelt welcome and are looking forward to their time here in Deggendorf.
From Lower Bavaria to Ontario, Canada – Students benefit from Academic Cooperation
Around ten months after signing a cooperation contract, the connection between the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) and Lakehead University showed fruition. DIT student Michael Schneider spent his winter semester tuition-free at Lakehead University in Ontario, Canada.
In summer 2017, DIT reported about an initiated close cooperation with the Canadian university. The agreement enables one DIT student per semester to studying tuition-fee-free at Lakehead. The fees would be at approximately €5500. Michael Schneider studies Industrial Engineering in a cooperative study programme. For his practical study phases, he is at Landau-based Einhell AG. In the winter semester 2017/2018, he was presented the opportunity to spend his semester abroad in Thunder Bay at Lakehead University. He chose this university from DIT’s more than 180 partner universities. “The university is perfect for engineering. The courses offered complement those at DIT, which made the exchange a lot easier. Additionally, the amazing location near the Great Lakes was a bonus. I’d definitely spend another semester there.”
Einhell AG was very supportive during the decision making and application process.
The tuition-free placements are already gone until summer semester 2019. In the coming winter semester, a student of Mechanical Engineering and in the summer semester 2019, a Business Informatics student will go to Lakehead University. In June, President Prof. Dr. Sperber is scheduled to fly to Ontario for further talks that will promote the partnership even more.
Photo (DIT)
Become an International Visiting Lecturer at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology or its European Campus in Pfarrkirchen
Would you like to take up a short time assignment and meet research agendas? Benefit both personally and academically: You have the chance to connect with other scholars, to build academic connections and to undertake teaching and research in a different location. It also provides you with an opportunity to learn about new cultures and further develop your intercultural competence.
Even though we would enjoy having the guest lecturer teaching in Germany, we understand that there are certain boundaries when it comes to teaching abroad. It may be a problem to be regularly absent at your home university. Therefore, as an alternative, we can also offer virtual classes.
The Deggendorf Institute of Technology puts a strong focus on internationalisation. The geographical location of both our campuses in Deggendorf and Pfarrkirchen is in beautiful Bavaria, a state which offers a variety of attractive leisure time activities in the middle of traditional cafés, restaurants and markets.
Guest lectures are possible among all our faculties on both campuses.
- Faculty of Applied Economics (School of Management)
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Media Technology and Computer Science
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Industrial Engineering
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics
- Faculty of Civil and Construction Engineering
- Faculty of Applied Healthcare Sciences
A teaching schedule would be welcome before arrival. The length of the teaching stay needs to have a minimum of five teaching hours and maximum of one month. Visiting lectureships must be arranged with the course director before the beginning of the semester, which must be no later than eight weeks before the planned guest lecture. Before the visiting professor is invited, the financing must be arranged with the International Office as well as the contractual matters settled with the Human Resource Department.
International guest lecturers not coming from one of our ERASMUS+ partner universities may qualify for a contribution towards travel costs and accommodation. These payments will be reimbursed against original receipts. Applications for Visiting Lecturers will comprise an academic CV and an abstract for the proposed lecture topic(s) (100-150 words).
Did we attract your interest?
If you require further information or would like to submit a CV and abstract, please contact us directly using antonia.gruber@th-deg.de.
For any further questions or other inquiries, you can also email international-office@th-deg.de at any time.
20 December 2017
Introducing international students to the country and the culture – DIT's Host Family Programme
DIT's Host Family Programme connects exchange students and local families every semester. As of now, 150 international students are looking for a host family for the winter semester 17/18.
In participating in the Host Family Programme, local families help students who are a long way from home to assimilate into their new environment and to quickly understand cultural differences. The programme is free and can be adjusted individually and flexibly by the hosts. "As a host family/person, you can meet up with one or more students once or several times. Often, students are invited for lunch or dinner and a short trip is planned together", as Ariadna Schmidt, staff member at DIT's International Office knows. Apart from their native language, the students speak English and many of them can communicate in German as well. Due to the increasing interest in the programme, families, individuals or associations from Deggendorf are needed. The goal is the connect every student to a host. Coordinator between the two parties is Marion Löfflmann, who will answer all questions via marion.loefflmann@th-deg.de
You can find more information in our HFP flyer here.
26 September 2017
Students from all over the world make their first experiences abroad in Germany
The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) with its international study courses at the European Campus in Pfarrkirchen and in Deggendorf as well as with its many partner universities abroad, attracts students from more than 60 countries to Deggendorf every year. DIT’s International Office welcomed the more than 150 international students to Deggendorf on Monday, 18 September 2017.
The students spend one or two semesters at DIT as part of the international university partnerships. The first item on their travel itinerary is the Orientation Weeks, where the new arrivals get to know the town and each other. Furthermore, they have intercultural trainings held by Maria Gretzinger, a traditional Bavarian evening and day trips to the Oktoberfest.
Formalities, such as opening a bank account and registering with the foreigners’ office are also organised during the Orientation Weeks and the students are assisted by the International Office, the international tutors and the AKI e.V. student association. This year’s Orientation Weeks were kicked off by Dr. Elise von Randow, who is the director of the Institute for Career, International Affairs and Languages (KIS) at DIT.
Cathi Rodriguez from Colombia, who came to DIT two years ago after she became aware of DIT’s English courses can share her experiences.
“I came to Deggendorf because of the General Engineering course and stayed as a regular student in the Resources and Environmental Management course. I felt at home in Deggendorf right from the start and the Orientation Weeks were fantastic to start my studies off right.”
18 September 2017
International Office awarded Deggendorfer Hochschulpreis
On the occasion of the Dies Academicus, the graduation celebration at DIT, the International Office was awarded the Deggendorf Hochschulpreis 2016 by the mayor for its internationalization efforts.
Milestones of the success are, among others: the percentage of students from abroad is at 12% and 65 nationalities are studying at DIT and the European Campus. The number of partner universities worldwide has increased to 170. The International Office works closely together with the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst; DAAD) and the Bavarian Ministry for Education, Culture, Science and Art. It applies for scholarships and subsidies, is involved in various projects and continually expands its services for students. About a third of DIT graduates boast an internship or semester abroad.
The university's International Office has developed various integration programmes, such as the Erzählcafé, which is a regular event held in the town's museum to encourage intercultural dialogue through international students' telling personal stories, customs, and traditions from their home countries. The International Office is proud to successfully cooperate with the town's local community to help students from all over the world feel at home in Deggendorf. Multi-national students create an international atmosphere on campus, where English is lingua franca. Progress made in the internationalization process of natural sciences and technological subjects (STEM) were awarded the prestigious MINTernational Prize by the Daimler-Fonds in Berlin in October 2016.
18 September 2017
DIT’s part of the “Week of Encounters and Togetherness”
The Deggendorf Institute of Technology took part in the varied programme of Deggendorf’s “Week of Encounters and Togetherness”. Between 14 and 22 October DIT’s International Office organised three events to present the university’s international aspect.
A theatre with international students set of the event series on Tuesday, 17 October.
Together with students from India, Syria and Venezuela, Dr. Virginia Wallner, language instructor at DIT, showed how much internationality, openness and dialogue is in theatre. “The Flight across the Ocean” by Bertold Brecht matched the Week of Encounters and Togetherness’s and raised the question “Aren’t we all looking for a better world?”. On Wednesday, visitors had the opportunity to learn dances and meet people from different countries. Apart from Bollywood (India), salsa (Mexico) and flamenco (Spain), students also taught zori (Syria) and Qochari (Armenia).
According to International Office staff member Ariadna Schmidt, “everyone was particularly excited about the Festival of Lights (Diwali). About 20 students from India contributed to a successful evening by openly sharing their culture with visitors.” The Diwali was the highlight of the events. Diwali is the traditional Hindu Festival of Lights and Indian students turned the Glashaus into a sea of lights. With traditional clothes, dances, India’s national anthem, culinary specialties and a flash mob, students brought the fascination and magic of India to Deggendorf.
The next event by the International Office takes place 28 November at the Handwerksmuseum. You can find out more here:
23 October 2017
European Campus Excursion
Students of the Industrial Engineering/ Maintenance and Operation bachelor programme at the European Campus Rottal-Inn took part in an excursion to Mühlbauer GmbH & Co. KG‘s headquarters in Roding on 22 November 2016.
Christian Wachtmeister (contract teacher with the European Campus and Head of Corporate Development Automation at Mühlbauer) gave exciting insights into the processes of the internationally operating company to students from all around the world.
Mühlbauer GmbH & Co KG is a worldwide leading company in the production of machines for ID-card manufacturing. It is technology partner for the smart card, ePassport, RFID and solar back-end industry.
Several production processes were demonstrated: the Mühlbauer precision-part manufacturing, the logistics centre and demonstration rooms. There, the manufacturing of production plants for semiconductors, as well as the manufacturing of machines for ID-card production was demonstrated. After a short break at the canteen, the students received personalized passports and cards, in order to demonstrate technology for the collection of data.
Among the company’s clients are: governments from all over the world, printing departments of financial institutes (bank cards), insurance companies (health insurance cards) and companies from the field of semiconductors.
After having caught a glimpse into such an international company, the students were deeply impressed and excited.
(Caption: Christian Wachtmeister - second person from left
On the right - Prof. Dr. Raimund Brotsack
Next to students of the bachelor programme Industrial Engineering/ Maintenance and Operation)
Students of the Industrial Engineering/ Maintenance and Operation bachelor programme at the European Campus Rottal-Inn took part in an excursion to the Straubing-based company MicroPyros on 9 December 2016.
Prof. Raimund Brotsack gave the students from various regions around the world exciting insights into the technology and the processes of the start-up company.
As part of a “power to gas” concept, MicroPyros developed a micro-biological methanation technology. The goal is to convert excess electricity from fluctuating renewable energy sources, such as wind or photovoltaic plants, to storable natural gas. Excess electricity, occurring at certain times, is electrolytically converted to hydrogen. The hydrogen, together with carbon, is then converted into methane, which is the main component of natural gas. It can therefore be fed into the natural gas grid without any problems.
The necessary carbon dioxide comes from the Straubing sewage gas plant. MicroPyros runs a large-scale methanation plant on site in Straubing.
Part of the factory tour was the company’s laboratory with the corresponding quality management as well as the large-scale methanation plant.
The company plans to build a large-scale power to gas research plant. If the power to gas technology is successful, it enables the storing of large quantities of excess electricity throughout the year and distributing it via the natural gas grid. Power to gas technology, therefore, is an essential pillar for the change of energy systems. The work is subsidized by the Bavarian Economic Ministry.
After insights into such a start-up company in the field of renewable energy, the students were deeply impressed.
Warning, due to black ice, all exams (31.01.2017) and lectures at DIT and the European Campus are called off.
Scholarships at a value of €300,000 awarded
For the seventh time, the highly coveted Deutschlandstipendium were awarded to DIT scholarship holders. Against the backdrop of the “First Contact” job fair that took place 28 March 2017, the chosen scholarship holders met their patrons at the Deggendorf Stadthallen.
This year, DIT awarded a total of 80 scholarships and once again beat last year’s record.
“Regional and national companies as well as foundations and associations finance our scholarship holders. Because of the high number of scholarships, we are able to give scholarships to students of all courses. In return, the companies get in contact with outstanding marks and commitment,” said head of the DIT Career Service Martina Heim, who is responsible for the Deutschlandstipendium. For the Deutschlandstipendium, the patrons agree to support students with €150 per month and Germany adds another €150 to that. “With over 500 applicants, the choice wasn’t easy. All 80 scholarship holders have outstanding academic records and do voluntary work in over 100 social clubs and positions. In more than 50% of the cases, the scholarship holders are first in their families to take up studying (so called educational climbers). Around 10% study in cooperation with a company and another 10% are international students,” Heim added. Claudia Exner, who was one of the scholarship holders for Qioptiq said that she found it very appealing that not only grades are taken into account for the Deutschlandstipendium. Companies get the chance to network with DIT and address individual stundents.
Christina Zelzer, staff manager at Regen-based Qioptiq said: “Qioptiq has been financing Detschlandstipendium for many years and we are proud of our scholarship holders. It is a great opportunity for companies to meet the best of the best and attract their attention to the company.”
This year’s supporters are:
Alumni Net e. V., Bayerische Asphalt-Mischwerke GmbH & Co.KG, b-plus GmbH, Continental AG, DE software & control GmbH, Dichtungstechnik Wallstabe & Schneider, , Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH, , Flottweg SE, Ferchau Engineering GmbH, Förderverein Technische Hochschule Deggendorf in Verbindung mit der Stadt Deggendorf, HAAS Fertigbau, IGK Ingenieursgesellschaft Klein mbH, J.C. Römerstiftung, Kermi GmbH, Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzungsfahrzeuge GmbH, Laschinger Seafood GmbH, MAN Diesel & Turbo SE, MASCHINENFABRIK REINHAUSEN GMBH, Mann + Hummel GmbH, Micro Epsilon, msg ag, Parat Beteiligungs GmbH, Qioptiq Photonics GmbH & Co.KG, Siemens AG, Smurfit Kappa GmbH, STRABAG AG, SUMIDA Components & Modules GmbH, Vector Informatik GmbH, Verein der Freunde und Förderer des Technologiecampus Cham, Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbH, Zeidler-Forschungs-Stiftung, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, ZITEC Gruppe GmbH, Zwiesel Kristallglas AG
For the European Campus Rottal-Inn:
Egenberger GmbH & Co. KG, Förderverein European Campus Rottal-Inn, Dipl.-Ing. Josef Gottanka GmbH & Co. Bau-KG, Oswald Stiftung, RMI Immobilien GmbH, SH GmbH & Co. Projektentwicklungs KG, Sparkasse Rottal-Inn/Sparkassen Stiftung Rottal Inn, VR Bank Rottal-Inn eG, Wimmer GmbH & Co. Investitions KG
Main funders:
Alumni Net e. V. (4 Stipendien)
Flottweg SE (3 Stipendien)
Förderverein European Campus (4 Stipendien)
J.C.Römerstiftung (3 Stipendien)
Sparkasse Rottal-Inn (3 Stipendien)
VR Bank Rottal-Inn eG (3 Stipendien)
Vector Informatik GmbH (5 Stipendien)
The KULTURcafé in Pfarrkirchen enjoyed a successful start
“What do you know about Nigeria?” Benedict Chika Ibolekwu asked the audience at the beginning of his talk. Fitting to the occasion, the Industrial Engineering student wore a multicoloured shirt from his home country. Using the motto “My Country and Germany” the European Campus launched Pfarrkirchen's first KULTURcafé in the "Glasbau" in April.
Apart from students, some locals who are curious to know more about the wide world, where Benedict und his fellow student Saei Barghamadi (Iran) und Nhan Bui (Vietnam) come from, attended the event.
At three tables each of the three young men talked about thier native countries and their experiences in Germany. Every 30 minutes visitors move from table to table so they had the possibility to listen to either of the speeches in a comfortable atmosphere. English skills were absolutely necessary because not everyone’s German was good enough to follow the whole conversation or to give a talk..
The KULTURcafé is firmly planned for the future, and an upcoming event will take place on 31st May in the Glasbau in Pfarrkirchen. From 6 – 8 pm students from other countries will introduce themselves and talk about their cultures.
Whoever wants to join can register for a fee of 3€ to Katharina Stöger (EC room 2.20, +49 (0) 991 3615 -261).
DIT receives prestigious award for international MINT (STEM) strategy
The MINT team of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is at Germany’s absolute pinnacle. As one of three finalists, DIT was awarded the Best Performance MINTernational prize in Berlin in October 2016. DIT President Prof. Dr. Peter Sperber and Dr. Elise von Randow, director of the Institute for International and Academic Affairs accepted the 30.000 euros prize money awarded to the DIT for its outstanding accomplishments in internationalizing natural sciences and technological courses (STEM).
The Daimler and Benz Foundation, the Daimler-Fonds and the Stifterverband have awarded DIT wi
th the best Best Performance Prize MINTernational. Three universities which were able to show the most significant progress in the internationalization of MINT subjects (in English MINT is known as STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) received the award.
It is a great honor for the DIT to have convinced the jury together with two major German universities, namely TUM (Technische Universitaet Muenchen) and the Saarland University, Saarbruecken.
In the competition relevant indicators were taken into account, strategy as well as the universities environments were also evaluated. The universities were invited to document the development of the
internationalization of their STEM subjects until 31st October 2014 by using key figures of the year 2012. By the end of 2015, the participating institutions were asked to submit their updated key figures
along with a progress report.
The jury praised the enormous efforts and progress in the field of internationalization at DIT:
"The profile development of the university in recent years is characterized by marked internationality. The progress report documents a clear growth in all key figures, especially the number of international students. The growing participation in international mobility programmes such as the ERASMUS programme is also exemplary."
The photo shows from left to right:
Dr. Volker Meyer-Guckel, Stifterverband; Prof. Dr. Peter Sperber, President, Technische Hochschule Deggendorf; Dr. Elise von Randow, Director, Institute for International & Academic Affairs, Technische Hochschule Deggendorf; Dr. Anna-Maria Karl, Daimler AG; Prof. Dr. Rainer Dietrich, Daimler und Benz Stiftung