One of five specific pilot regions in Bavaria and Austria, Braunau-Simbach is a partner in the "INTERREG Project AB291". As part of the project, the region held a workshop with the aim of developing ideas and approaches for the health tourism use of forests in Braunau-Simbach. The lead partner is the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in Pfarrkirchen.

As part of a joint workshop, the five-member project team together with Georg Bachleitner from the Braunau-Simbach city, tourism and location marketing invited several stakeholders and experts from the fields of "forest, health and tourism" to the Simbacher LOKschuppen on Wednesday, 21 July. In addition to some local guests from Braunau-Simbach, workshop participants from supra-regional project partners and institutions were also welcomed, such as the Bavarian State Ministry in Munich, the State Forests Wasserburg or the Office for Food, Agriculture and Forestry in Pfarrkirchen.

With their local know-how as well as their many years of competence and expertise, the participants make an indispensable contribution to the joint development of ideas and approaches on how forest spaces can be used for health tourism in the specific context of the Braunau-Simbach pilot region. The premise of all joint considerations and efforts is always to be able to create added value for local providers and stakeholders as well as visitors and guests without damaging natural resources.

In joint presentation and discussion rounds as well as in targeted group work on various project topics, the 17 workshop participants gathered important insights and assessments on possible target groups, forest-related offer possibilities or necessary structures and partnerships that are fundamental for a sustainable use of forests in the future. The workshop was hosted by Prof. Dr. Christian Steckenbauer, Dean of ECRI and experienced tourism expert.

The results of the workshop will be used to take a further step towards deriving specific offers for the Braunau-Simbach pilot region, but also to make them transferable and applicable to corresponding destinations together with findings from the other four pilot regions. Georg Bachleitner also sees this as an important step for the future: "The sustainable, health tourism use of forests, especially in regions for which forest use seems commonplace anyway, will be a future-oriented challenge for destinations".

In this ambitious project, an interdisciplinary, cross-border project consortium consisting of a total of 14 renowned partners is approaching the topic of "forest, health and tourism" from different angles and is jointly developing sustainable approaches in five selected pilot regions (in addition to Braunau-Simbach, also Tennengau, Bad Birnbach, Neureichenau, Traunsee-Almtal) as to how local forest areas can be used for health tourism and to create added value.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology is building a new technology transfer centre in Vilshofen: Today, the groundbreaking ceremony for the "Bavarian Centre for Digital Security" (BayZDS) took place with Minister of Science Bernd Sibler. The BayZDS sees itself as a point of contact for companies from all over Bavaria on issues of digital security in the fields of automotive technology, manufacturing technology and mechanical engineering, energy production and distribution, the process engineering industry, intelligent transport systems and medical technology. The focus of the work is on applied research, technology transfer and basic research. Science Minister Bernd Sibler emphasised: "With its focus on digital security, the BayZDS will deal with a highly topical and at the same time timeless subject. Because if we want to use digital technologies reliably, they absolutely have to be secure. With its tenth technology campus, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology is proving that it can not only develop cutting-edge technology, but is also very aware of the responsibility that comes with its use."

The Free State is funding the forward-looking project together with the town of Vilshofen: for example, the Free State is providing the start-up financing of just under 7.3 million euros via the Hightech Agenda Bayern, while the premises will be provided by the town of Vilshofen for the first five years. "We are investing in Vilshofen in one of the focal points for Bavaria as a business location," said Sibler. The technology campus in Vilshofen - and thus the tenth technology transfer centre of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology - is scheduled to go into operation in 2022. To date, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology operates the Technology Campus (TC) Freyung for applied computer science and bionics, the TC Teisnach for optoelectronics and optical manufacturing technology, as well as another TC for industrial sensor technology, the Technology User Centre Spiegelau for processing hot glass, the TC Cham for mechatronics, the Logistics Campus Grafenau, the TC Weissenburg for plastics technology, as well as the TC Parsberg for digital manufacturing together with the OTH Regensburg and the "Modern Mobility" research centre in Plattling. In addition, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology has set up another location in Hutthurm as a branch of the TC Weißenburg. Technology transfer centres of the Bavarian universities of applied sciences are an essential pillar of the successful Bavarian regionalisation strategy. Their research focus is aligned with the regional economic structure. Science and industry work closely together to develop technologies in an application-oriented manner, to facilitate access to them for regional companies and to facilitate contacts with students and thus future, highly qualified specialists.

On 29 July, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) will once again come to town. On the bench at the Oberer Stadtplatz between the town hall and Pustet this time: the DIT expert for artificial intelligence (AI), Prof Dr Patrick Glauner. From 10.30 am to noon, he would like to talk to citizens about how data and its analysis are already changing our health care and will change it even more in the near future.

The complete mapping of an individual’s genetic make-up is no longer a big deal. You can already get the date for a few hundred euros. In a few years, experts say, they may be as normal as a complete blood count. So the door to individualised medicine is open. “The crucial thing, however, will be how we can use the data, for example from a personal genetic make-up, in an ethically sensible way,” says DIT professor Patrick Glauner. This requires the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence to be able to evaluate and interpret the enormous amounts of data. In addition, blockchain technologies to ensure the necessary data security and quantum computers to realise the necessary computing power. The market for the analysis of genetic data alone is expected to be worth $40 billion by 2030. Accordingly, research and work on this is being carried out at full speed worldwide. The first successes are already emerging in cancer therapy. Not only has the connection between certain genetic constellations and the development of cancer been proven, but also that with individually achieved treatment successes. In radiology and dermatology, AI has long provided valuable diagnostic support thanks to pattern recognition. "The concern that this technology will eventually replace real doctors is unfounded," says Glauner. Rather, the technology is an additional, data-based expertise. The analysis result of an AI, which can incorporate a virtually infinite amount of data into the evaluation, combined with the personal medical experience delivers the best possible treatment suggestion. "But in the end, it is always the human being, the doctor, who decides together with her patient," assures Glauner. Nothing will change in that regard. Of course, the topic of data processing in medicine also has a great ethical dimension. Citizens are welcome to talk to Glauner about this, too. An ethical dimension on two levels, by the way. On the individual level, it must be ensured that everyone can decide for themselves who gets access to personal data. Interesting at this point: In the US, there is already a business model of lending your data to universities or pharmaceutical companies. For a fee, of course. On the societal level, the question arises whether we shouldn't all make our data available to research in anonymised form - or even have to. Because it's clear: only when really large amounts of data, keyword Big Data, come together, does a picture emerge, an interpretation with a high degree of reliability. For the benefit of all those who suffer from incurable diseases today and cannot be cured due to a lack of understanding of these diseases. Many questions, then. Questions that move people. Not only computer scientists and doctors. "Some of them can certainly be answered at the DIT Science Bench," Patrick Glauner is sure.

The details and conditions of participation have now been announced for the previously announce “Anton Fink Science Prize for Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, which will be awarded for the first time by the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) in 2022. Individuals, start-ups, universities, research institutes, foundations or even companies can win. The prerequisites are ground-breaking achievements in the research, development or practical application of AI. The prize is endowed with €10,000.

“Industrial production and mechanical engineering are at the core of our prosperity,” says entrepreneur Anton Fink, explaining his personal motivation for offering this award. The first focus of the current call for entries is therefore also on AI applications related to Industry 4.0 topics. At the same time, Central Europe is increasingly on its way to becoming a service society. “Therefore, the second thematic focus of the current call is on AI applications in the area of Service 4.0,” says Fink. The award is intended to recognise and promote corresponding digital innovations. Applications with projects, research results or teaching offers are accepted from Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2021. Applications must include information on the projects, research results or teaching offers, a sketch of the innovation created by them and a CV of the applicant. Individuals aged 18 and over who are resident in Germany, Austria or the Czech Republic are eligible to apply. But also, groups or companies that have their headquarters in one of the countries mentioned. These must then appoint a natural person to make the application and take responsibility for it. Submissions are accepted in both German and English. Prof Dr Patrick Glauner, who is primarily responsible for the Science Award on the part of DIT, explains that the jury is commited to treat all information made available to it in the context of the competition as strictly confidential and will use it solely for the purpose of conducting the competition. “However,” Glauner explains, “we recommend that all participants secure any patent applications before publishing them as part of the competition.” This is because the presentation of the ideas or projects could eliminate novelty protection. The award ceremony is planned for Spring 2022. The jury includes Bavarian Science Minister Bernd Sibler and the founder Anton Fink himself.

Details on the call for entries are available at www.th-deg.de/ai-prize

Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Thomas Spittler, the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) is breaking new ground in virtual teaching formats together with the Catalan University of Vic (UVic) in Spain.

Together with Juan Antonio De Los Cobos and Montse Romera Mas from UVic, Prof. Dr. Thomas Spittler and Anna Schmaus-Klughammer, LLB (hons.) from ECRI conducted a teaching project on e-health with students from Spain, Deggendorf and Pfarrkirchen. A total of 30 students from Nursing and Physiotherapy and Health Informatics took part in the project from home.

At the beginning, all relevant contents on e-health, serious games and gamification, law and ethics as well as robots in nursing were gone through. Afterwards, the students were given a concrete task to apply the knowledge they had learned in practice. In six internationally mixed teams, each consisting of equal numbers of students from Spain, Deggendorf and Pfarrkirchen, the students were to implement the use of gamification in a concrete example. The task was to support a patient with a new hip joint, who had to reactivate his motor skills after surgery, in his rehabilitation by playing games. For this, the students had to research to find out which measures are recommended after such an operation. Based on this, they had to find solutions on how to advance recovery with the help of gamification or a concrete game. Legal aspects and the question of whether results that the patient achieves in the game should also be recorded in the patient's electronic medical record and whether this makes sense or not were also important.

The students developed a wide variety of ideas and rehabilitation games during the project. For example, a virtual pet was created whose state of health adapts to that of the patient. If he achieves good results during the exercises because his condition improves, the virtual pet is also healthy and happy. If the patient regresses, the pet also shows a deterioration in health. Other ideas included the integration of artificial intelligence to optimise exercise progress and thus help the patient recover more quickly, but also the use of virtual reality elements and even a connection between the exercise bike and an app.

The positive feedback from students and teachers as well as the excellent international virtual collaboration rounded off the collaborative teaching project. With the success of the first collaboration in mind, the participants are already planning the next joint project.

If you're looking for inspiring and informative talks, you'll quickly find them on the internet at TED. The world-famous conference and the TED Talks provide the material that can be found on Youtube with millions of views. Such a TED Talk will also take place in Deggendorf on 7 August. It is the first major event for which the campus of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) will be open this year. Students have found ten speakers who will speak on the metaphorical topic "We build bridges".

They all follow the motto of TED: Ideas worth spreading - thoughts worth spreading. Most of the speakers will speak English. They are DIT employees, students, professors, CEOs and founders. They want to share their thoughts, ideas, experiences and visions in thematically colourful presentations. Technical, cultural, spiritual, educational, personal and physical aspects will be touched upon. The student association TEDxDIT is behind the event. The members are very keen to attract people from the region to their event. The detailed programme can be found at www.tedxdit.com. Tickets can also be purchased there. Pupils pay 7 euros, students 10 euros and adults 20 euros.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) received the news with great joy and relief that the Budget Committee of the Bavarian State Parliament has decided to grant a heritable building right to parts of the Metten Monastery. This was another important step for the planned expansion of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (AGW). In just a few years, up to 1,400 young people should be able to study in Metten on almost 5,000 square metres.

"It's wonderful," says DIT President Prof. Dr. Peter Sperber, "that the next milestone has now been reached with the support of Science Minister Sibler." The health science degree programmes are very popular, he said. New Bachelor's and Master's programmes are also being added all the time. "Space for students, teaching staff and AGW researchers in the Landau as well as in the DEGGs is becoming increasingly scarce," Sperber said. The goal of a joint campus for all health scientists in Metten is therefore more than desirable, he said. The sooner, the better.

Minister Sibler, who is not only responsible for science, but also for culture in Bavaria, points out another important aspect. In addition to the expansion of the university, he also wants to revitalise the historical building fabric of the important architectural monument of Metten Monastery. "The conversion and renovation represent a structural and economic solution that will ensure the permanent preservation of the historically significant building," says Sibler.

In 2022, the Technology Campus (TC) Vilshofen will become the 13th building block of the successful model of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) to regionalise research. The ProtectIT Institute, previously located at DIT, will find its new home there in the “Technology Transfer Centre for Digital Security”. The topics for scientists in Vilshofen: IT security, e.g. in automation technology, critical infrastructures, electronic systems in automobiles and avionics as well as so-called embedded systems. Projects already started will be continued at the new research location.

At regular and even shorter intervals, we hear about strategic hacker attacks in the media. They paralyse universities, hospitals, companies or authorities and take them hostage. The topic of cyber security, i.e. securing IT structures and organisational data, must therefore be at the top of the agenda in the age of digitalisation. “With the Technology Campus in Vilshofen, DIT,” says the future scientific director at the TC, Prof Dr Martin Schramm, “is expanding its research in an area that undoubtedly has the highest economic and social relevance.” There has also been a bachelor’s degree course in cyber security at DIT since the end of 2019.

One example of the future scientific work at TC Vilshofen is SKINET (Proactive Security through Artificial Intelligence in Automotive and Industrial IT Networks). The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and is based on cooperation with various industrial companies as well as other research institutions. The core idea of SKINET is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to detect cyber threats at an early stage and to be able to initiate suitable countermeasures. Areas of application for the technology are vehicles and industrial production facilities, which are subject to ever-increasing networking. And are thus a potential target for attack by hackers. The improvement of detection and reaction mechanisms makes it possible to significantly optimise the security of networked systems.

Another project is called ASSiST, which is currently in the application phase. ASSiST is intended to support citizens in their private IT security. After all, defence against digital attacks is not only relevant for companies and states. With the increasing use of digital devices and one's own smart home, the risk of becoming a victim of cyberattacks is rising. Many are not directly aware of this risk. The evaluation and identification of certain risk indicators is intended to sustainably improve awareness of safe digital use. Among others, the city of Vilshofen is involved in this research project.

"Cooperation with regional and national partners promotes the transfer of knowledge and technology between research and industry. And we," explains Prof. Schramm, "as a university of applied sciences, have a particular obligation here." Direct cooperation with partners in the region will also take place within the framework of contract research, services and further education programmes. In addition to developing and implementing new research ideas.

The European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) offers with the newly launched Adult University all education-seeking adults the opportunity to listen to scientific lectures from research areas at DIT. The lecture “DeinHaus 4.0 – Länger Leben Zuhause mit Technikunterstützung” on 22 July will kick things off and is open to everyone interested.

Getting older catches up with us all at some point. Having to leave your own home because of it is a nightmare for most people. To counteract this in the future, DIT is looking at digital assistance systems and how they can make everyday life easier for seniors in the “DeinHaus 4.0” project funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care. In a one-hour lecture as part of the Adult University, Prof Dr Horst Kunhardt will go into detail about the project and the individual aspects. Particularly exciting is how digital helpers can support the residents. Participants of the lecture at the Adult University will hear about the possibilities which already exist in this are, how “DeinHaus 4.0” is used in practice and which scientific findings are implemented in the project, and much more. Using the concrete example of “DeinHaus 4.0”, Prof Kunhardt will discuss the challenges of ageing and how they can be mastered with the help of science and digitalisation.

The lecture will take place on 22 July at 5 pm at the ECRI campus in Pfarrkirchen. Prior registration is necessary for participation. Interested parties can register, either by emailing andrea.ebertseder@th-deg.de or by calling Andrea Ebertseder at +49 991 3615 8863. On the day of the event, participants’ contact details will be recorded on site via the app “darfichrein” using a QR code. If needed, ECRI staff will assist with this step. Other requirements for participation are wearing an FFP2 mask and social distancing.

Five new and well-equipped co-working spaces have recently opened in Deggendorf’s ITC1. The special feature: the rooms can be rented free of charge until the end of 2022. The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is making this offer as part of the Digitalisation in Dialogue” project. The co-working space is ideally suited as a home office, for freelancers, commuters or start-ups, for example.

The rooms can be rented as needed through the university. The space concept at ITC1 offers everything that makes co-working hearts beat faster. Anyone who wants to use one of the workstations only needs a laptop, mobile phone, pen and paper. Everything from desk chairs and Wi-Fi to lockers for personal belongings and a coffee kitchen is available. With additional video conferencing and meeting corners as well as creative spaces, the result is a comfortable working environment. Here, very different professions and personalities come together. Anyone who would like to find out more about the DIT co-working space can do so at a virtual information event on 21 July at 4pm. Registration is possible by e-mailing coworking@th-deg.de. Information can also be found online at https://www.th-deg.de/en/business/coworking.

The first East Bavarian STEM Days took place online on 2 and 3 July and were full of educational content and many personalities active in the STEM field. Mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (STEM) are the subjects that are considered to have great future potential when it comes to finding skilled workers for the German economy. That’s why it’s important to get young people excited about these subjects. STEM education is a big topic. At the East Bavarian STEM Days there were many impulses to strive for a STEM career. Whether in the STEM talk, in lectures on topics such as quantum computing or the report on the career path of a NASA employee.

Under the patronage of regioFORSCHA and the Deggendorf Insitute of Technology (DIT) and the STEM Region of Lower Bavaria as organisers, other universities and STEM stakeholders have joined forces for the East Bavarian STEM Days. They wanted to make their commitment to STEM more understandable, to immerse themselves in topics in a concrete way and to inspire the audience. They found interested spectators in around 500 pupils, teachers, parents, grandparents and other interested people.

On Friday morning, some school classes even used the programme to enrich their lessons from grades 5 to 11. A programme highlight on Saturday morning was the STEM Talk with Science Minister Sibler, DIT President Peter Sperber, Petra Griebel from regioFORSCHA, Dr Monika Christl from Jugend forscht, Waltraud Erndl in her function as spokesperson for the Association of German Secondary School Teachers and Andrea Stelzl from DIT, Universities are an important partner in STEM education, said Minister Sibler. Good framework conditions are needed to get schoolchildren interested in STEM subjects. Extracurricular activities are also important to prepare the young generation for increasing digitalisation. Petra Griebl and Waltraud Erndl agreed that a close network to and among STEM stakeholders would be helpful. What the STEM Days offer is exemplary, Monika Christl emphasised, and the most important thing is to maintain curiosity, ask the “why” questions and make use of offers such as the East Bavarian STEM Days, was Prof Dr Peter Sperber’s appeal at the end of the talk.

The current programme of the STEM team at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology can be found online at https://th-deg.de/en/study-with-us/dit-at-schools#network. The next big event is the regioFORSCHA on 15 and 16 July 2022 in the Deggendorf Stadthallen.

The last days of the application period at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) are approaching. Prospective students still have time until 15 July to apply for a place in the coming winter semester.

The international campus offers a total of seven study programmes in the fields of tourism management, medical informatics and engineering. A special focus of ECRI is the Bachelor’s programme International Tourism Management / Health and Medical Tourism, which was awarded the ESPA Innovation Award by the European Spa Association (ESPA). Students learn about the specifics of business and tourism in this degree programme. In addition, key qualifications, implementation skills and the ability to innovate are developed. Students here have their fingers on the pulse of time and also get to the bottom of current trends from the scientific side in the modern and high-quality equipped eHealth and Smart Tourism Labs. The main focus lies on innovations such as artificial intelligence or eye tracking, which are increasingly being used in the tourism sector, especially in health and medical tourism.

For those who prefer to study computer science or technology, the bachelor’s degree programmes in Health Informatics, Industrial Engineering or Energy Systems Engineering are the right choice. For those interested in a Master’s degree, ECRI offers the study programmes Digital Health, Medical Informatics and Global Public Health. The latter is particularly exciting as it is a joint degree together with the Savonia University of Applied Sciences in Finland.

With English as teaching language, ECRI is the only completely English-speaking campus in all of Bavaria. This makes studying at ECRI in Pfarrkirchen particularly attractive for internationally oriented prospective students. Prospective students can find out all about the degree programmes and how to apply on the ECRI website: https://th-deg.de/ecri-en.

No topic is discussed more emotionally than climate change. While almost 90% of Germans agree in principle with the increased use of green energies, it becomes more critical when this is going to happen at their own doorstep. This absolutely has to be resolved by politics and science.

The East Bavarian university network TRIO is trying to do this in the first week of July with an unusual campaign. Five scientists will sit on a bench in five different cities, the so-called “Science Bench”. In Amberg, Deggendorf, Landshut, Passau and Regensburg – in the middle of the city. Anyone who wants to can sit down and chat with our scientists for a little while. They can talk about wind turbines, smart grids, electromobility, rural development, digitalisation, healthcare, or ideas and concerns related more closely or more broadly to the energy transition. Prof Dr Thomas Sauer, Scientific Director of TRIO, says: “On the one hand, with TRIO we want to intensify the exchange between the eastern Bavarian universities and the economy, but above all we also want to get in touch with the people in our region and make it understandable what is happening at the universities and colleges. That is precisely the goal of the Science Bench campaign. Here, researchers and interested citizens can meet and discuss in a very informal way.”

Climate change is, of course, only superficially a purely ecological issue. After all, the various approaches to solve the problem of minimising our CO2 footprint as quickly and sustainably as possible extend into all areas of life. And they will stop at no one. “Our researchers are keen for people to understand what options are available, where we stand, how things are connected and, above all, what all this means for them,” says Dr Jörg Kunz, responsible for science communication at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology and coordinator of the TRIO-Science-Bench campaign. That’s why you go to the city. To exchange ideas at eye level. “We want a dialogue,” Kunz continues, “we don’t want a lecture on the marketplace, but also to record what moves people and what ideas they have for a better world.”

The Science Bench is a communication format that goes back to an idea of Prof Katja Becker, President of the German Research Foundation. The charm of this kind of science communication lies in the personal closeness that is created between people on the street and researchers. Of course, you only reach a handful of people this way. But they are different from those who visit an Open Day or a Long Night of Science, for example. We speak of “passive supporters”, who generally do not take advantage of such offers by colleges and universities, but without having a negative attitude towards science. “It is estimated that about half of the people belong to this group,” Kunz report. He says that science has recognised that much more integration and participation of the population is needed. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is therefore also focusing on participatory science communication projects in the Year of Science 2022. Under the motto “Nachgefragt!”  Kunz is pleased about this development: “With the Science Bench, we in Eastern Bavaria have already gone one step ahead, so to speak. But the nice thing is, there’s more to come.”

The International Office of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) traditionally organises the International Week every year. The highlight of the week was the virtual event "Taste the World", where international students cooked their favourite dishes from their home countries.

Virtual events are currently on the increase and participants are often already tired of sitting in front of screens. However, the opposite was the case at the first virtual format "Taste the World" organised by DIT's International Office. Participants were given a "Taste the World - to go box", which they could pick up in advance at one of the many DIT locations. The fact that the participants came not only from Deggendorf, but from the locations in Pfarrkirchen, Cham and the total of 12 Technology Campuses shows that food connects people like no other medium.

"Taste the World" offers a somewhat different journeys around the world, which not only makes foreign countries tangible, but also offers a first taste, and that in the truest sense of the word. This year, the event featured three courses from two continents. The starter was "Bread Upma", an Indian speciality.This is a bread with flavourful spices, herbs and tomatoes. The main course came from South Korea. "Kimbap" - a Korean sushi roll. Finally, "Baghrir", a traditional North African pancake made of semolina, was cooked, which is also a popular dessert in Morocco. Everything was prepared by the students at home. Via zoom, the participants could also recreate the dishes in their own homes with the ingredients from the "Taste the World - to go box".

Previously, the event was always held on site at the campus in Deggendorf, but that was not possible this year. Therefore, the idea of the boxes and the transmission via Zoom came up, which in the end hit like a bomb. The consistently positive feedback from the participants and the fact that the offer was equally well received at all DIT locations underline the unifying character of cooking and feasting together. Not only students and staff took part in the first virtual "Taste the World", but DIT President Prof Dr Peter Sperber also cooked at home himself. The student assistants, who prepared the boxes and then distributed them to the respective locations, ensured that everything ran smoothly in the run-up to the event. Due to the great response and the consistently successful event, the International Office is considering offering "Taste the World" again on campus in the future, but also as a virtual format.

During the International Week from 21 to 25 June, numerous other events were offered in addition to cooking together at "Taste the World". For example, there were various information events about semesters abroad and internships, or the traditional Erzählcafé/KULTURcafé, where international students reported on their home countries, this time about celebrities in the various countries. The international tutors and the student association ESN were also actively involved in the International Week. They helped organise quiz and game nights. The Bavarian Crash Course, which taught international students about Bavarian culture and language, was very popular.

The International Office looks back on an informative and entertaining International Week, which not only united people from different countries and cultures, but also the university family across campuses.

The second edition of the international WURI ranking (World's Universities with Real Impact) also certifies that our university is among the best in the world. Overall, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) occupies an outstanding 29th place in the global comparison. In the category “entrepreneurial spirit”, DIT even managed to position itself among the top ten in an excellent fifth place. In terms of crisis management, the Lower Bavarian university also made it into the top ten with seventh place. And was able to compete with the big names of the international academic landscape. The results of this year's WURI ranking were presented in mid-June.

"We are listed after Princeton but ahead of Berkeley in the category ‘entrepreneurial spirit’. I am immensely pleased about that. The WURI ranking shows that the small ones can definitely keep up with the big ones when it comes to innovative and creative approaches," says the President of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Prof. Dr. Peter Sperber, happily. Academic institutions apply for the new ranking with their programmes and projects. This year, entries were accepted in the categories of Industrial Application, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Ethical Value, Student Mobility and Openness and Crisis Management. In addition to entrepreneurship and crisis management, the Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences applied in the category of Industrial Application and took a very good 29th place there. The programmes are judged on how innovative, feasible and effective they are. In this way, the WURI ranking aims to establish a new approach. Smaller, young and specialised universities have the same chances here as the large and established universities. In addition, all participating institutions are invited to participate in the evaluation process. They assess the contributions of the other universities and colleges, which in turn can lead to new impulses at their own university. The WURI ranking is organised by the Institute for Policy and Strategy on National Competitiveness (IPSNC) in South Korea and is supported by the Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) in the Netherlands, the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies (IPS) in Seoul, the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in Geneva and the Tailor Institute of Franklin University (FUS) in Lugano. The results are available on the internet at https://www.wuri.world/wuri-ranking-2021.

The Corona pandemic has demonstrated the challenges that global health problems can bring. In order to be able to cope with such problems in the long term, it is necessary to approach them from an international perspective of digital health. That is why the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) is offering a virtual workshop series with international experts from the healthcare industry in the run-up to DigiHealthDay-2021. The English-language workshops are free of charge. Those interested can now register at www.th-deg.de/digihealthday.

ECRI offers a total of five workshops on the topic of Digital Health in the DigiHealthDay-2021 series until mid-July. These are carried out by internationally recognised experts from Germany, the United Kingdom, India and the USA. These workshops will focus on patient safety in the context of digital health products, how radiology images can provide business insights, the importance of high-quality health data and its trusted use for health systems learning, artificial intelligence and big data analysis in healthcare, and the need for a telehealth accreditation program.

The virtual workshops are the prelude to DigiHealthDay-2021, an international online symposium, which will take place virtually on 12 November 2021. The events are aimed at everyone who is interested in digital health, whether academics, healthcare institutions, companies and start-ups, authorities or students. Further information about the event can be found on the homepage at www.th-deg.de/digihealthday.

The most important prize for foreign students at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) was awarded by university president Prof Dr Peter Sperber on 10 June 2021. This year the award goes to Daniel Rodriguez Perales, who comes from Mexico. He is being honoured for successful academic achievements and voluntary commitment at DIT. The prize of the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst = DAAD) is endowed with € 1,000.

The DAAD prize, which has been awarded for more than ten years, is intended to help put faces to the large numbers of international students at German universities and to connect them with stories. Daniel Rodriguez Perales’ story begins with his visit to a German school in Mexico. He has had contact with German culture and language since childhood. Especially during several visits on school exchange. Studying in Germany has been his wish ever since. With the start of the Bachelor’s programme “International Tourism Management / Health and Medical Tourism” at the European Campus Rottal-Inn, this wish came true. Due to his commitment in student associations, as a tutor for international students and for an aid project for students in difficult situations, he has become this year’s recipient of the DAAD award. In the meantime, he is in the final phase of this studies and can very well imagine staying in Germany for a subsequent Master’s degree and later working in the health industry. Daniel Rodriguez Perales would like to use the € 1,000 for his Master’s degree. The next DAAD prize will be awarded in summer 2022.

For many young people from the region, the time has come to set the course for their studies. It is application time at the universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and thus a peak period for the counselling centres there. In this context, the Centre for Studies at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is offering a study information day on 18 June. Pupils and prospective students will be able to find out everything they need to know about studying and higher education. For all those who have already applied, DIT wants to provide decision-making aids for starting their studies. The ViSIT Students’ Info Day takes place online.

The ViSIT will focus on DIT’s Bachelor’s programmes. Professors, lecturers and students will present the degree programmes or give lectures on them. The audience can ask questions at any time. There will be a broad advisory and support programme on the subjects of studies, orientation studies, dual studies and semesters and internships abroad. There will also be the opportunity to take part in a study orientation workshop.

So that every participant can quickly identify the relevant topics and put together their personal programme, the events of the faculties are assigned to five topic clusters: Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Health and English Language Programmes. In order to offer interested parties as many options as possible, all faculties will present their programmes twice at different times. More information is available at https://th-deg.de/en/virtual-info-day.

The Centre for Studies at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology is the general advisory service for prospective students. The staff provide independent advice; their work focuses on the interests, goals, perspectives and questions of prospective students. The Centre for Studies offers a broad support programme for students, teachers and parents. This includes, among other things, information and advice on the choice of study with targeted assistance, even with very comprehensive questions, through orienting and decision-supporting individual counselling, information events, webinars and lectures at schools. Contact: Alexandra Niewöhner, Head of the Centre for Studies, alexandra.niewoehner@th-deg.de, +49 991 3615 373

In the presence of Bernd Sibler, Minister of State for Science and the Arts, and Vice President Prof. Waldemar Berg, University President Prof. Dr. Peter Sperber transferred the position of Chancellor of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) to Birgit Augustin today. Together with Dr Stefanie Duarte-Fernades as deputy chancellor, Augustin will be in charge of the administration at DIT from 1 June. She has already been responsible for this task on an interim basis since January 2021.

"I am very happy we were able to win over Ms Augustin as a long-time employee and intimate connoisseur of our university for the important function of chancellor," said DIT President Sperber in high spirits. Sperber was equally pleased with the choice of Duarte-Fernandes as deputy chancellor. With the female dual leadership of Augustin/Duarte-Fernandes, DIT has now excellent leaders in the administrative management. The extra diversity in the university management is also very welcome. Minister of State Bernd Sibler sees it the same way. As it is well known, he wants to promote the advancement of women at universities in the Free State. Especially in research, but not only there. "In order to develop the full potential of our universities, we need highly qualified women - both in research and teaching as well as in administration. I am very pleased that the office of Chancellor at DIT is now in the hands of Birgit Augustin, who has been very familiar with the university for years. With her and her deputy, there are now two women in the strong management team at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology. This makes the university exemplary - as in many other areas. On the part of the Free State, we want to promote the advancement of women even further with our new Higher Education Innovation Act," said the Minister.

In her new task, Augustin, who was born in Mettingen, wants above all to be an integrative link in the field of tension between academic freedom and state authority. "That," says Augustin, "is not always easy, given all the legal framework conditions that have been set and must be observed." The biggest challenge in the next few years will be the implementation of the Higher Education Innovation Act (HIG). Its goal is a considerable streamlining and deregulation of the universities in Bavaria. "Even though we don't yet know exactly what the HIG will look like in the end," Augustin explained, "one of our main tasks will be to guide our colleagues at DIT along the new path and to create appropriate structures." The change, she said, must take place not only in laws and position papers, but also in the minds of university employees. With Dr. Duarte-Fernandes, Augustin knows she has a competent and pragmatic colleague at her side. The lawyer has been at DIT since 1 February 2020 and heads the Legal Affairs and Real Estate Department.

The pandemic has opened up another field that is currently changing the work at the university in a lasting way. "We have learned that both teaching and office work do not require a one hundred percent presence at the DIT," says the new chancellor. Hybrid forms of teaching and working are the future. For this, she says, it is necessary to design functioning models that will also contribute to a better work-life balance for employees. And at least in the university administrations, digitalisation is to be vigorously promoted. Augustin says: "In just a few years, our previously paper-based way of working should be history. We will develop a largely paperless office."

It remains to be seen how much time Birgit Augustin will have for her hobbies nature and sports. But the 51-year-old is positive: "The most important thing is health. Then all challenges are manageable. In dealing with each other, Augustin wishes for what the philosopher Reinhold Niebuhr once so aptly formulated: "I wish for the serenity to accept things I cannot change; the courage to change things I can; and the wisdom to distinguish one from the other."

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the cooperation between the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) and the FOSBOS Pfarrkirchen, Campus director Prof Dr Horst Kunhardt and Headmaster OStD Wolfgang Schneider met for an exchange. At the meeting, they reflected on the implementation of the goals set out in the cooperation agreement, summed it up and worked out further possibilities for cooperation.

Originally, attendance events were planned within the cooperation, such as mutual observation by teachers and lecturers, as well as cultural events. Since these cannot take place due to the prevailing pandemic, the meeting focused on the time after Corona. Headmaster Schneider and Campus director Kunhardt pushed for joint projects such as a poetry slam, language events or taster and trial lectures. After the pandemic, these are to become a permanent part of the cooperation and established as regular measures. Both partners are already looking forward to even more intensive cooperation.

The cooperation between ECRI and FOSBOS is intended to promote pupils and students in the STEM field. In addition, the cooperation between the two institutions will intensified and promoted in educational and professional terms. Intercultural exchange and the improvement of foreign language skills is an important goal of the cooperation agreement, along with the reduction of the “dropout rate” in the degree programmes.

OStD Schneider expressed his gratitude at the meeting for the uncomplicated, friendly interaction. Thanks to the use of the lecture rooms at ECRI, the FOSBOS classes could be held smoothly even during the pandemic.

People want to stay healthy and active into old age, which brings with it increased illnesses for which we need an answer. This requires digital transformation in the healthcare system to bring prevention, diagnosis and treatment into harmony. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role here, because more and more data is being collected and generated in the healthcare system. The problem: these have to be evaluated and put into context. AI can help with this. This is exactly what the new OPENvhb course "Health Data Analytics" by Prof. Dr. Thomas Spittler of the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) is about.

The course is the perfect introduction to the topic of data processing in the health sector. Here, prospective students and those interested in the subject from business and the health sector learn the basics of data analytics. Specifically, it is about the possibilities of what AI can do with data from the healthcare sector and how it can be used for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Prospective students can familiarise themselves with the topic and find out whether studying health informatics at ECRI is an option for them.

In the English-language online course "Health Data Analytics", participants learn everything about data analytics in the health sector in 15 units of 45 minutes each and are rewarded at the end with a certificate of participation issued by the virtual university of Bavaria (vhb) and the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). Course contents include the analysis of different types and sources of health data, the evaluation of the quality of these data and appropriate interpretations of the meaning depending on the data source and intended use. However, ethical considerations and challenges in health data analysis are also covered in the course.

The course is free of charge and open to all interested parties. Enrolment takes place via the vhb platform. For more information and registration: https://open.vhb.org/blocks/ildmetaselect/detailpage.php?id=235

The European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) has signed a partnership agreement with Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, Inc. (HIMSS), the world’s largest Digital Health membership organization. The ECRI is the first academic institution in Germany to join the HIMSS Partner Innovation Exchange.

The cooperation with HIMSS is a huge step for the campus and offers several benefits for students, professors and staff of the ECRI. This includes free access to unlimited tools, resources, webinars and more at the HIMSS Member Center. Especially for students of Health Informatics, Digital Health or Global Public Health this is a valuable advantage and they also profit from the cooperation for their studies.

By signing the partnership agreement ECRI also became the first academic institution in Germany to join the HIMSS Partner Innovation Exchange. This is an initiative to convene key digital health influencers to further the organization’s mission to transform the health ecosystem through information and technology. The HIMSS Partner Innovation Exchange promotes a mutually beneficial collaboration for applicable benefits and services including also educational opportunities among others. For ECRI this is particularly important in regards to the DigiHealthDay series and its promotion among relevant audiences.

HIMSS is a trusted coach, advisor and thought leader in health information and technology. It is the largest Digital Health membership organisation in the world encompassing more than 80.000 global individual members, 650 corporate members, and over 470 non-profit organizations. It is a one-stop-organisation for all Digital Health-related information, knowledge and advice, and offers an unrivalled perspective on what’s happening in the world of health and care IT.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technolgoy (DIT) applied for the International Regensburg Short Film Week with several student works from the Media Technology course programme. Four films were successful and will now be shown online form 21 May to 6 June.

For the young filmmakers at DIT, this event is a big deal and of course they all have the desire to reach as many viewers as possible. In the regional window programme section, the regional film scene shows itself to be diverse and offers something for every taste. DIT productions are the short films “2100”, “Rotlicht” and “Wahlkampf”. The film “Accept”, which has already won international awards, will be screened from 22 May in the Donaublut programme section, which is dedicated to genre contributions from the region. Tickets for online access to the festival are available at https://kurzfilmwoche.filmchief.com/hub.

Film descriptions:

2100: Director: Lea Blöchinger, Cinematographer: Moritz Grötsch, VFX: Alexander Steil, Script: Regina Portje, Sound: Tim Miller, Editing: Lukas Haselberger, Kammerspiel, 5 min, Masterseminar "Kurzfilm", Supervision: Prof. Jens Schanze

In the year 2100, war and destruction reign. Nikita lives isolated in a bunker. In a video message she asks why no one has done anything about the foreseeable catastrophe.

Rotlicht: Director: Julia Meinhardt, Animation, 3 min, Supervision: Prof. Joerg Maxzin

One night, a little red light leaves her "workplace" to go in search of love. During her journey she encounters some problems...

Wahlkampf: directed by students of the elective subject documentary, documentary film, 20 min, supervised by: Prof. Jens Schanze

Five men are running for the office of Lord Mayor of the city of Deggendorf. The CSU wants to defend not only the office but also the absolute majority in the city council. While the SPD is foregoing its own candidate, the AfD is putting one up for the first time. What dynamics are emerging in a community of 30,000 inhabitants in eastern Bavaria?

Accept: Director: Manuel Klavers, Camera: Maximilian Stahl, Set Sound/Sound Design/Mixing: Paul Bickhoff, Mystery Drama, 18 min, Bachelor Thesis, Supervision: Prof. Jens Schanze

After the death of her father, a girl has to hide her true self in order to lead a normal life with her family. When she is pursued by threatening figures, she has to face her fears and accept herself.

In a new project, researchers at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) have been pursuing the idea of equipping charging points for electronic vehicles with multi-functional features and generating added value for users, cities, municipalities and operators. Classic charging stations for electronic cars are now often seen in public areas/ parking lots. They are accessible to everyone. Simply plug in your car, pay and charge or refuel. Theoretically, however, charging points could be equipped with many more functions than just charging. This is being investigated in the project entitled “CrossChargePoint”, which is assigned to the Technology Campus Freyung.

For example, additional energy storage facilities could be created where charging points are installed. This would result in many advantages: Fluctuating demands on the local power grid could be better absorbed. The rapid and simultaneous charging of several electronic vehicles is possible. Or the energy is converted by electrolysis and power-to-gas so that gas- or hydrogen-powered cars can also be refuelled. In the “CrossChargePoint” project, the special requirements of different regions due to different geographical, climatic and economic conditions are taken into account. This and the development of a prototype that should be applicable on a larger scale in the future with only a few adjustments is the main challenge of the project. Ten partners from four different countries have joined forces for the project. Experts from Israel, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, from various companies and research institutes will work together over the next three years to develop this electromobility project. The team from Freyung is responsible for developing the simulation and planning software. For the planning and operation of a CrossChargePoint, conditions are collected and integrated into the simulation and optimisation tool, which specifies the optimal locations, sizes and technologies – such as an energy management system – for new CrossChargePoints by entering the required data. A special focus is also on developing a plan to enable easy energy transfer to other regions with different economic, infrastructural and geographical conditions. For the team at the Technology Campus Freyung, this project led by Professor Dr Javier Valdes offers a great opportunity to advance topics that have already been worked on in the transport and energy sectors in recent years. For this purpose, Professor Dr Wolfgang Dorner, the head of the Technology Campus Freyung has built up a team with extensive experience through the development of projects such as Increase, Cross Energy or e-Road. The project is funded by the Horizon 2020 programme of the European Union.

Tamas Nemes attends the grammar school of the Regensburger Domspatzen. The 17-year-old is interested in studying Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). That’s why he is currently taking the course Algorithms and Data structures in the so-called early studies programme there.

“In order to better understand the algorithms underlying AI, I started an early study programme in March,” Nemes reports. The secondary school student benefits from this special offer at DIT for pupils: “The lectures are highly interesting. And working independently on the associated tasks is a lot of fun for me.” Previous knowledge of computer science was not required for participation. The 16-year-old pupil Anna Daiser is also convinced by the early study programme. The early study programmes was introduced for highly talented pupils in high school. While they are studying for their A-levels, they can already participate in University lectures in different study fields. She appreciates that the lectures are well structured and that “the content is conveyed in an understandable way.” Digital teaching has also opened up completely new possibilities for the early study programme, reports lecturer Prof Dr Patrick Glauner: “My course is now taken by interested people from all over Germany. We couldn’t reach them at all before.” Another example is Christian Normann, who did the early study course from his home in Rheinland-Pfalz. He describes his experience as follows: “Last semester I had taken the Computer Vision course. The accompanying robotics project was very educational and I enjoyed it a lot.” Incidentally, the application deadline for the winter semester 2021/2022 at DIT is currently open, until 15 July. From 1 October, prospective students such as Nemes, Daiser or Normann will be able to train as AI experts in seven semesters. For this purpose, DIT offers an AI Bachelor’s programme, optionally in German or English. Participants in the DIT early study programme will then have a good idea of what to expect at the university. Enquiries about early study can be directed to the DIT STEM team at fruehstudium@th-deg.de. More information on the AI degree programmes can be found at www.th-deg.de/en/ai. If you have any questions about the AI degree programmes, Prof Glauner will also be happy to answer them directly at patrick.glauner@th-deg.de or +49 991 3615 453.

Next year, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) will award the “Anton Fink Science Prize for Artificial Intelligence” in the amount of € 10,000 for the first time. This is the highest amount of an award that DIT has presented in the past. As the name suggests, the new “Anton Fink Science Award for Artificial Intelligence” is intended to contribute to strengthening teaching, research and development explicitly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). On 18 May, founder and DIT Honorary Senator Anton Fink made the agreement official with his signature on the cooperation agreement.

As a pioneer in the university landscape when it comes to AI, the DIT can use this award to strengthen, the region in this promising field in parallel to successful initiatives such as the AI Campus Bavaria. Founder Anton Fink has been associated with DIT for many years and would like to see many applications for the science award. The topic of AI fascinates him and he wants to support DIT in a meaningful way. For DIT President Sperber, the advantages are obvious: such a prize will make DIT better known as an institution in the AI scene. In addition, important contacts will be made from which the university will benefit. The prize will be announced for the first time at the end of the year, around October or November 2021. Applications will be accepted from Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. The jury consists of DIT professors Prof Dr Dr Heribert Popp and Prof Dr Patrick Glauner, DIT President Prof Dr Peter Sperber, from Austria FH Prof DI Dr Stefan Huber, from the Czech Republic Assoc. Prof Ivo Bukovsky, PhD and Minister of Science Bernd Sibler. The award will be presented in spring 2022 and is to be continued annually.

Last year, the federal and state governments launched the "FH-Personal" programme, which provides financial support to selected universities of applied sciences (HAW) to recruit staff for teaching and research. 95 universities of applied sciences applied, 64 received the award. Among them is the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), which is now beginning to implement the measures to strengthen the career option of a university professorship.

Universities of Applied Sciences face tough competition in the search for young professors. Suitable applicants with the relevant professional experience are often attracted to work in companies in the private sector. Those interested in research tend to be drawn to universities. The DIT is also experiencing this. Although the overall balance is very positive, the university has been experiencing a downward trend in the number of suitable applicants for professorships for some time. For example, because the required practical experience is not given. Because few women submit applications. And the needed international applicants are missing. The federal-state project "FH-Personal" therefore came at the right time. Now the university can take various measures to fill the applicant gaps. As an employer, the university wants to become more visible in the future, especially for female and international young academics. If possible, professorial staff should grow out of the university's own ranks. A tandem programme for doctorates, post-doc positions and a certificate programme to accompany the doctorate are planned. In addition, the university wants to develop in an employee-friendly way so that the compatibility of research and teaching as well as career and family are an issue. Four million euros are available to the university from the federal and state governments to achieve the envisaged measures and goals by 2027 and thus continue the innovative growth course and expand the research strength of the DIT.

In Oberschneiding in Lower Bavaria, German inventive talent will meet American market management in the future. The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) has found a location there for its world-leading Silicon Valley Programme and will establish the Bavarian Innovation and Transformation Centre (BITZ) on the grounds of the Alte Spenglerei. Bavarian Minister of Science Bernd Sibler and Member of the State Parliament Josef Zellmeier announced on Wednesday, 12 May that funding from the Free State of Bavaria amounting to three million euros will flow into the centre over six years.

Science Minister Bernd Sibler emphasised: "Rooted in the homeland and internationally networked: The BITZ fits perfectly into the modern university landscape and integrates perfectly into the structure of the DIT. With the core of the Silicon Valley Program, we are creating a new Bavarian start-up and scaling culture. Here in Oberschneiding there will be a high-calibre course offering with exclusive company visits in the USA, but also at branches of Bavarian companies. I would like to further strengthen the forward-looking field of 'entrepreneurship' in the Bavarian university landscape. Especially in the up-and-coming regions of Lower Bavaria, such offers fall on fertile ground."

Professor Peter Schmieder, scientific director of the BITZ, illustrated how closely connected Upper Bavaria will be with Silicon Valley in the future with a live link to Santa Clara University in California during the press conference. Santa Clara University has been a permanent partner of the Silicon Valley Programme for years. Oberschneidung is thus not only the first institution of the DIT in the district of Straubing-Bogen, but also of the American university. Anyone who has an invention or business idea in mind can learn here from and according to the American model how to make it successful for the market. The next round will start in June 2021.

The European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) has focused on sustainability since its foundation and has now been accepted as a cooperation partner of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) in Europe's largest network for sustainable building.

For the ECRI, the cooperation offers new opportunities in the field of sustainable planning and building, from which the students of the Master's programme "Healthy and Sustainable Buildings" in particular will benefit. All of the society's teaching materials are available to them via the DGNB's knowledge platform. In addition to teaching units in online courses, this also includes modular topic blocks that can be used by the professors in classroom teaching.

The cooperation also provides direct practical relevance and knowledge exchange with other DGNB cooperation partners. This means that ECRI and its students have access to a wide range of opportunities and a large network. This is an important advantage for the students, especially with regard to their entry into professional life. In addition, they have the opportunity to take the exam to become a "DGNB Registered Professional" and thus clearly position themselves as future experts in the field of sustainable planning and building.  This not only offers advantages on the job market, but also saves students time and money if they wish to train as DGNB consultants or auditors later in their careers.

Prof Dr Michael Laar, who as an architect has been a member of the DGNB since its founding, was accepted into the pool of experts in 2018 and coordinates the cooperation, sees a win-win situation in the partnership as the head of the "Healthy and Sustainable Buildings" degree programme: "Our students get preferential access to this important benchmarking system, while the DGNB receives national and international multipliers for its certification system for 2nd generation sustainable buildings. The German system is characterised in particular by a very holistic approach that takes into account not only ecological, economic, socio-cultural and functional quality, but also technical quality as well as process and site quality. It is precisely the understanding of the very complex interrelationships of sustainable building that this imparts that forms the basis for truly successful planners of sustainable buildings. And to train very successful planners of sustainable buildings later on is our aspiration."

The DGNB, based in Stuttgart, is Europe's largest network for sustainable building. It was founded in 2007 and has been campaigning for a sustainable built environment ever since. The focus of the non-profit organisation is the future topic of "sustainable planning and building". On behalf of the German government, the DGNB also developed the BNB sustainable building assessment system, which has been mandatory for federal buildings for several years and is also increasingly being used at the state level. The new ECRI building, for example, is to be certified with this system.

On Thursday, 27 May, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is offering a virtual information event on its Master's degree programmes, which are taught full-time. Currently, prospective students can choose from 21 Master's programmes in the fields of business, technology, health and computer science. From 4 to 7 p.m., the university will present the specific study contents, how to apply properly and which admission requirements apply. Those interested can connect to the online event via a link. There will be a virtual room for each of the Master's programmes in "Technology and Information Technology", "Business" and "Health". The event will be accompanied by live feeds on the university's Instagram channel. Interested parties can meet students there and ask questions. The exact agenda of the information event and the necessary links can be found on www.th-deg.de in the event calendar.

In October, the new Bachelor's degree programme Physician Assistant / Medical Care will start at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). The underlying job profile is relatively new in Germany. Only a few universities offer this degree, and from this autumn the DIT will do so as well.

Internationally, and especially in the USA as well as in other English-speaking countries or in the Netherlands, the Physician Assistant has been established for a long time. Prof Dr Michael Frey, the responsible course director at the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, explains: "Physician assistants work closely with doctors and take on tasks delegated to them by doctors. They support doctors in making diagnoses and carrying out therapies." These people are in great demand on the German labour market. Also because there are still very few physician assistants here. Most of them work in the inpatient sector. In the operating theatre on the ward or in the emergency room. They accompany ward rounds, take medical histories, document findings and assist in the treatment of patients. For the high requirement profile of this profession, physician assistants need well-founded medical knowledge. "This is exactly what the new Bachelor's programme at the DIT can teach them over eight semesters," affirms Frey, a medical doctor. The initiator of the degree programme, Prof Dr Horst Kunhardt, adds: "The study programme ranges from digitalisation to health economics to management in the health system." The aim is to equip students with all the knowledge and skills to later take on a leading role in a massively changing health system.

A special feature of the new degree programme is the high practical component. There is the practical semester, which introduces students to their later professional work in clinics and practices. From the first semester onwards, however, there is also an internship integrated into the degree programme and work in the faculty's learning and training centre. In simulations, the students are trained to take an anamnesis, draw blood or suture wounds, for example. Assistance during an operation is also practised. Together with students from other degree programmes of the faculty, interprofessional skills for working in a multi-professional team are also acquired.

Entry requirements are either a general university entrance qualification or a completed 3-year training in a health profession plus 3 years of professional experience. Those interested can find out more at the online information evening on Monday, 17 May at 6 pm. The access link and further information on the Bachelor Physician Assistant : pha-info@th-deg.de.

For the past three months, physicists at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) have been working on a new generation of spectrometers. Like the human eye, they examine reflected light. However, they surpass the eyes' ability many times over and enable insights into the world that would otherwise remain hidden. The Teisnach researchers' new spectrometers are to be cheaper and more compact. They are currently testing the new method in the laboratory.

Scientists have been working on the measurement of light for centuries. The model is the human eye. The human eye recognises whether a strawberry is red and therefore ripe by the light that is reflected from the strawberry. It is examined by the eye for its components and can distinguish between millions of shades of colour. In science, spectrometers perform this task. Today, it is impossible to imagine the diverse applications of spectrometers without them: doctors use them to find clues to certain pathogens in the air they breathe, biologists measure the oxygen content of rivers and oceans, criminologists examine crime scene evidence, modern combine harvesters measure the nutritional value of grain. And modern astronomy relies almost exclusively on spectrometric investigations because of the inaccessibility of the objects being studied. However, the size and high price of high-precision spectrometers are still a hurdle for many applications. This is where the research work of three physicists from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology comes in. At the Technology Campus in Teisnach, Alois Schneider and Abdul-Hamid Fattah are researching a new method for examining light, for which a patent has been filed by Prof. Dr. Gerald Fütterer. This method enables a number of new technical applications, including the development of more compact and cheaper spectrometers. The scientists expect first results in autumn.

The European Commission wants to create a uniform legal framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the EU through its proposed regulation published in April 2021. To evaluate the proposal, the Committees for European Union Affairs of the German Bundestag and the French National Assembly held a joint meeting on 6 May. Prof Dr Patrick Glauner from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) was invited as an expert.

“I explained to the MPs why, in my opinion, AI should not be regulated by its own legislation,” said Prof Glauner, who is also deputy head of the Bavarian regional group in the AI Feder Association. Today, safety-critical use cases are already covered by existing regulations, laws, standards and norms in almost all cases, Glauner continued: “The proposed regulation threatens overregulation, which would make the use or development of AI in the EU significantly more difficult or even impossible.” The DIT professor also called for a High-Tech Agenda Europe based on the High-Tech Agenda Bavaria. This would bring the added values of AI for citizen to more attention and take measures to increase competition. DIT President Prof Dr Peter Sperber proudly emphasises: “The fact that two national parliaments are interested in DIT’s AI expertise impressively proves that we are leading in the field of research and teaching on AI.” The new insights on AI regulation from the committee meeting would also be directly incorporated into teaching at DIT. Prof Glauner’s full written statement is freely available at www.glauner.info/expert-evidence. If you have any questions about the potential impact of the planned EU-wide AI regulation, Prof Glauner is also available as a direct contact at patrick.glauner@th-deg.de or +49 991 3615 453.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is being allocated five new professorships. Part of the funding comes from the High-Tech Agenda Bavaria, the Free State’s major future and technology offensive, and part from additional resources that Science Minister Bernd Sibler was able to obtain for the Bavarian universities of applied sciences and for the technical universities in the budget negotiations. The Minister made the announcement today in Munich.

Three of the five professorships are earmarked for the European Campus Rottal-Inn at the Pfarrkirchen location, which will also receive three additional positions for science support staff. The other two professorships and two positions for science support staff are earmarked for the Technology Campus Cham. “It is not least thanks to the high quality of the Pfarrkirchen study location that the European Campus has gained an excellent reputation worldwide in just a few years. With the additional three professorships, we can now massively strengthen this Lower Bavarian success model beyond the already planned new building by further expanding the degree programmes offered,” explained the Minister of Science. “The successful model of the Technoloy Campus (TC) Cham with its thematic focus on mechatronics and automation will also benefit with two additional professorships, a clear commitment by the Free State to the importance of the campus for applied research and its great significance for the regional science, business and industry location,” Sibler continued.

Funds from the Bavarian High-Tech Agenda Bavaria

https://www.bayern.de/politik/hightech-agenda/

https://www.stmwk.bayern.de/allgemein/meldung/6565/freistaat-zuendet-den-turbo-fuer-die-hightech-agenda-bayern.html

The Department of Digitalisation and Innovative Teaching at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) will present the university's new English-language degree programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at its next DigiCamp on 19 May. The DigiCamps are a virtual series of events at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology on the topic of digitalisation. Under the title "Artificial Intelligence - Create (y)our future", the people responsible for the AI degree programmes are addressing prospective students, company representatives and the interested public with this DigiCamp.

Several short lectures are planned during the English-language event. Prof. Dr. Cezar Ionescu will talk about the broad field of AI and provide a basic understanding. Afterwards, the programme directors Prof. Dr. Patrick Glauner and Prof. Jürgen Wittmann will present the new Bachelor's programme "Artificial Intelligence" and the Master's programmes "Artificial Intelligence and Data Science" and "Artificial Intelligence for Smart Sensors and Actuators" in detail. Participants will also receive input on dual study options, cooperation opportunities for and with companies, the application process at DIT and other useful information and dates for both prospective students and company representatives. The programme for the DigiCamp "Artificial Intelligence - Create (y)our future" can be found on the DIT website at https://th-deg.de/en/business/digitalisation-in-dialogue. Participation is free of charge, access data will be sent after registration.

With over 300 square metres of new space in the ITC2 in Deggendorf, the Startup Campus of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is creating room for innovative minds who want to start their own business. An official inauguration of the Startup Lab took place digitally on 28 April. Here, all network partners of the Startup Campus as well as DIT employees had the opportunity to virtually visit the premises.

Among the invited guests was Minister of Science Bernd Sibler. He emphasised in the video conference: “With the Startup Campus, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology is further expanding its excellent environment for the start-ups of its graduates. As a central contact point closely networked with the region, it will bring young, creative and imaginative people together with attractive partners. Their founding spirit and courage are needed for our progress. The Startup Campus at DIT will also promote both and thus pave the way for promising technologies of tomorrow. On the part of the Free State, we are providing the optimal framework with the innovation offensive Hightech Agenda Bayern.”

Together with the Startup Lab, the Startup Campus is a central contact point for all those interested in starting a business at the university. Through the rented space, the Startup Campus provides founders with a creative working environment. Teams that are currently being mentored and supported are allowed to use the office space, the co-working space and the seminar room. The Startup Lab is open for everyone to visit and exchange ideas.

The event also served as the first networking meeting with all companies, institutions and politicians involved in strengthening the start-up culture regionally. Special attention was paid to the network partners learning more about the Startup Campus and their current projects. Of course, the start-up teams are also part of this. A few young founders had the chance to present their start-up ideas to the audience. After all, the innovative teams in particular are the ones that really bring the Startup Lab to life.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is once again receiving funding to intensify its start-up work. As part of the funding priority "regional networking", a sustainable, regionally anchored start-up culture is to be established through networking in the rural region in the area of Eastern Bavaria. Austria and the Czech Republic are also a focus of the project. Almost one million euros are available to the DIT Start-Up Campus team from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

The university wants to create more start-ups and thus more jobs for the region. The DIT Start-Up Campus team is not the only one advising the founders. Professors and academic staff at the university make themselves available as mentors and DIT alumni from the field are arranged as contacts for exchanging experiences. Companies, politicians, business associations, start-ups and government institutions in the rural region are also asked to participate in the regional network. A major challenge at present is to hold all events virtually. Nevertheless, the best possible effort is being made, because regular network meetings, the transfer of know-how and the exchange of ideas among the founders are enormously important. For example, the monthly information events on the topic of start-up financing or the start-up regulars' table take place via Zoom. There is a range of digital seminars especially for women, such as Female Empowerment. A female founder, who herself studied at DIT, also reports on her self-employment in the virtual alumni founder talk. Those interested in founding a company with an exciting idea are invited to contact the DIT Start-Up Campus. Particular attention is paid to innovative or high-tech start-ups. The Start-Up Campus team advises not only students, but also alumni and staff of the university.

Since 2002, the university has gradually built up its profile as a start-up university. Over the years, numerous successful start-ups, activities and qualification offers have resulted, so that in 2017 the Start-Up Campus team was finally formed from DIT's Institute for Start-ups as a central point of contact. The university can further strengthen its activities through the funding measure "regional networking - establishing a sustainable, regionally anchored start-up culture" Exist V Potentiale of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

Following the success of the first DigiHealthDay (DHD) at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) last year, the Campus is now continuing the international symposium as an annual event. The DHD-2021 will take place virtually on November 12. A series of pre-event workshops will be held in the run-up to the DHD-2021. The first workshop will take place next week, on April 26. Registration for the workshops and the event is now open.

The DHD-2021 offers a comprehensive programme on modern Digital Health and its role in tackling global health problems from a uniquely international perspective, with a special focus on Digital Health Education. It will include Keynote Talks by top German and international experts, an extremely interesting Panel Discussion on the “Future of Digital Health Data”, as well as oral and poster scientific presentations, student thesis and project presentations, and (virtual) networking possibilities.

The DHD-2021 is preceded by a series of virtual workshops, which will take place in spring and summer. The extensive programme with a total of eight workshops has something in store for everyone interested in Digital Health and related issues. Topics range from Data Integration and Interoperablity, Human-Computer Interaction in Digital Health, Digitalisation of Healthcare in Germany and in the US to Digital Imaging and Artifical Intelligence in Radiology, to name but a few.

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-2021. For further information about the event and workshops, please visit the homepage www.th-deg.de/digihealthday.

The first DHD last autumn was attended by 348 participants from 59 countries. Due to the great success, the event will be held annually from now on. The event series is organised and conducted by Prof. Dr. Georgi Chaltikyan.

On Monday, 12 April, around 40 participants met virtually for the Interreg workshop "Cross-border Health Care" and achieved a very good success on this day, which will contribute to research work in the field of cross-border digital health in the future.

The workshop was organised by Prof. Dr. Thomas Spittler and Anna Schmaus-Klughammer, LLB (hons.) from the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in cooperation with Thomas Kern from the FH Oberösterreich. They invited experts from health institutions, business and science to develop ideas for joint projects.

At the beginning of the workshop, the approximately 40 participants were introduced to the topic of cross-border health through the presentation of the Interreg project INDEED, which has set itself the goal of advancing and improving the medical care of dementia patients in the European area. INDEED was kindly presented by Prof. Dr. Alexander Kurz and Lea Pfäffel, both from the Technical University of Munich.

This was followed by three workshops in which the participants delved deeper into the topic. Digital processes - the path to better health or the transparent human being?" dealt with digital health and digital processes in the healthcare system and the question of how a patient summary file can be implemented across borders. Then the topic of health and AI was combined and the question was asked whether bioinformatics and medical informatics, explainable artificial intelligence and core clinical processes can be the solution for a better life. Finally, it was about sensor technology for medical applications and whether these can be used as a source for innovative therapy and prevention.

This was followed by the creative part of the day with brainstorming and finalising the research question. The participants from companies and clinics worked in a highly concentrated manner and also networked between the workshop topics, which gave the process further momentum. In the end, eight concrete research questions emerged, which is an above-average success for a workshop of this kind. These research questions now need to be translated into project proposals in order to advance cross-border health care.

For almost 40 years, the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) has been in demand when it comes to proving job-related English. It serves both employees and educational institutions worldwide as a standard for reliable proof of English skills. Because by "good" English, applicants and personnel managers often understand two different things. DIT offers the next examination date in May, also for external candidates.

The TOEIC Listening & Reading Online covers the two areas of listening comprehension and reading comprehension. The two-hour pure multiple choice test is taken on the computer. Each candidate is placed exactly in his or her respective language level and always receives a result - there is no failure. The next TOEIC Listening & Reading Test Online will take place at DIT on Friday, 21 May at 1.30 pm. The test date on Wednesday, 12 May, also at 1.30 p.m., is obligatory. Registration is possible until 1 May at sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de. The examination fee is € 130, or € 150 if a certificate is desired. The number of participants for exams is limited.

More information at: https://th-deg.de/de/studierende/sprachkurse-awp-faecher#accordion-toeic

The application period for the winter semester at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI), the international faculty of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), starts on 15 April. In addition to the existing degree programmes, prospective students can also apply for the new Master's programme in Global Public Health.

Especially in times of a global pandemic, it has become clear how important health is worldwide. The Global Public Health programme takes these requirements into account. As a joint degree together with Savonia University in Finland, the programme is internationally structured and addresses the challenges of global public health.

Students learn during the Master's programme Global Public Health how health can be managed and promoted in the global health system. The programme focuses on health care in industrialised countries as well as in developing regions worldwide. It also looks at the connections between health problems and culture, politics, human rights and ethical values. These topics are explored in greater depth in the Winter School at ECRI and in the Summer School at Savonia University in Finland. The students benefit from the expertise and intensive research on digitalisation in healthcare of Prof. Dr. Thomas Spittler, the head of the programme, and his team.

With the Master's degree, graduates of the Global Public Health programme have a wide range of career opportunities open to them. They can either join governments, non-governmental organisations, international organisations such as the WHO or consultancies. But also positions in health management, health promotion, human resource management, administration, marketing and controlling or occupational health care are possible for students of this degree programme after successful completion.

With a joint degree and the division between Germany and Finland, the Master's programme is a unique joint degree that has not existed in this form at DIT before. This is an absolute added value, especially for an internationally oriented degree programme that has set itself the goal of taking on global challenges and improving the health system worldwide.

In addition to the Master's programme in Global Public Health, the Master of Digital Health will also start in the coming winter semester. Those who want to do a Bachelor's first have the choice between Health Informatics, Industrial Engineering, International Tourism Management / Health & Medical Tourism and Energy Systems Engineering. Information on the degree programmes is available on the ECRI website at https://th-deg.de/ecri.

With English as the language of instruction, ECRI is the only completely English-speaking campus in the whole of Bavaria. This makes studying at ECRI in Pfarrkirchen particularly attractive for internationally oriented prospective students, for whom all doors are open after successful completion.

The year 2020 has drawn a great deal of attention to the topic of health and created new political and legal framework conditions for digitalisation in the health sector. How these can be used as quickly as possible for the benefit of all involved and how Germany can catch up in the area of digitalisation in healthcare is the subject of Prof Dr Dominik Böhler’s research. He is a new professor at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT).

In his field of expertise, “Management in Digital Healthcare”, Böhler deals with the digitalisation of processes and digital business models in the healthcare sector. It is therefore not surprising that the past year was also a particularly formative one for Prof Böhler in professional terms. For him, the pandemic has shown that health is a valuable commodity and that the obvious “under-digitalisation” in the health sector creates many points of friction for all involved. However, in his eyes, this also offers immense opportunities for young talent with new ideas. Seeing how start-ups in the health sector bring new technologies to a supposedly highly regulated market and how the confidence of individuals with a strong vision can positively change the reality of many people fascinates him every time.

When it comes to start-ups and new ideas, Böhler knows what he is talking about. After studying business administration and earning his doctorate in business informatics on the topic of “What influence does AI have on organisations?”, he took over as head of entrepreneurship education at UnternehmenTUM. There he dealt with the question of how project-based learning can work in large numbers and high quality and accompanied over 2,000 project teams and over 150 start-ups. He was also involved in setting up the Digital Health Summit in Munich.

At DIT, he wants to advance applied research in the health sector quickly and pragmatically and make healthcare in rural areas and the global south more digital and better. He has also set himself the goal of developing new business models in the health sector with established companies. For Böhler, there are too many hurdles, especially in higher education and health care, and too few who really break them down. We need more courageous people like Bertha Benz, who led the way at the beginning of the last great transformation: get on and go. Because especially in a time of transformation, as is currently the case, holding on to the tires and tested is, in his opinion, a bad strategy.

As a pragmatic, performance-oriented idealist, Prof Böhler finds it a sense of achievement to achieve goals together with little resources and a lot of enthusiasm. He should thus easily succeed in inspiring, challenging and encouraging his students. His wife and two sons provide the necessary grounding for all these ideas.

Artificial intelligence, tourism, civil engineering, media technology or something completely different – with more than 60 different Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, there is something for everyone at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). Those who want to get hold of one of the study places for the winter semester 2021 for start in October can apply for it from 15 April until 15 July.

Since 1994, DIT has developed into one of the most successful new universities of applied sciences founded in the 1990s. Today, more than 8,000 students study at the campuses in Deggendorf and Pfarrkirchen. The range of courses is constantly being expanded. New in the winter semester 2021, for example, are the English-language Bachelor’s programme Artificial Intelligence, the part-time German-language Master’s programme Digital Business Engineering, the Bachelor’s programme Interdisciplinary Engineering Sciences and the Master’s programme Applied Sports Sciences. Because there are more and more degree programmes at DIT, undecided students will be able to try out various subjects and also studying in general for the first time from the winter semester 2021 in form of an orientation study programme. In one to two semesters, young students will have the opportunity to get a taste of various degree programmes. Prerequisites for the orientation study at DIT are a university entrance qualification, e.g. the Abitur, and a letter of motivation. Interested students can apply via DIT’s applicant portal. Even if it is not currently possible to come to the campus in person, the university offers a wide range of online services to provide information about the degree programmes and campus life in Deggendorf. Prospective students can take part in webinars on degree programmes or on student finance. The Centre for Student Advise also provides support on individual degree programmes via phone, WhatsApp or video chat.

The Deggendorf-based start-up Quimedo has taken second place in this year's Ideenreich business plan competition. The competition, sponsored by Bayern Kapital, is organised by BayStartUP and takes place in cooperation with the Gründerzentrum Digitalisierung Niederbayern (GZDN). Innovative founders from south-eastern Bavaria who are in the process of setting up a company are supported. In this context, Dr. Timo Steininger, founder of Quimedo, also applied and convinced the jury.

The idea of the start-up was born in 2019, namely to digitalise and simplify the transition of patients from inpatient treatment to rehabilitation/nursing or from home to care with the app Quimedo. Via the app, healthcare facilities enter free capacities as well as possible forms of treatment. Within a very short time, patients can be referred directly to the right place for optimal treatment. The digital networking is an enormous relief for the nursing staff. The start-up was founded in October 2020, with Prof. Dr. Thomas Geiß and Prof. Dr. Christian Rester from the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences supporting the team throughout the entire start-up process. Quimedo is based in Deggendorf with founder Dr. Timo Steininger, co-managing director Stefan Klein and four employees. They use the coworking space of the start-up centre at ITC1, where Thomas Keller (managing director of ITC1) is a strong partner.  An important factor of the app is user-friendliness. Therefore, the platform should also be put through its paces. Students of the Health Informatics degree programme agreed to check the usability of the Quimedo app during the test phase. In January 2021, the time had come - the app could go live. Since then, it has been confirmed that the platform works very well. A large number of successful patient referrals have already been made.  The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is a valuable partner for Quimedo. DIT has been heavily involved in building up the network in the eastern Bavarian region. In the meantime, many joint projects are underway, such as AI in care. Founder Dr Timo Steininger himself will be head of the practical nursing department at the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences from 1 April 2021. One of Steininger's goals is to dovetail science and Quimedo in the long term.

The workplace in the company vs. home office is currently a hot topic. “A co-working space has the potential to combine the best of both worlds,” says Lisa Geib, Digitalisation Officer at DIT. Co-working is an integrated and flexible working model in which start-ups, freelancers and other employees rent a flexible workspace in an open-plan office. The focus of co-working spaces is on networking and the exchange of innovative ideas. The advantages are as varies as the concept. For commuters from rural areas, co-working offers working close to home in a modern working environment. This work concept can be particularly interesting for working parents. In times of the pandemic, the needs of employees and, at the same time, of companies have changed rapidly: Home offices, purely virtual meetings plus childcare and home schooling are taking their toll. DIT is leading the way by offering five free, project-funded co-working spaces at ITC1.

The virtual DigiCamp shows the possibilities of a co-working space. Several short lectures are planned. The main topics are the opportunities especially for rural areas, co-working experiences from practice and the presentation of the new co-working spaces at ITC1. The programme will be founded off by a joint discussion and an exchange of experiences on how co-working can succeed despite the Corona pandemic. Information on the “DigiCamp Co-Working Space” can be found on the DIT website at https://th-deg.de/en/business/digitalisation-in-dialogue . Participation is free of charge, access data will be sent after registration at coworking@th-deg.de.

On 13 April, pupils, students and job seekers can make contact with companies at firstcontact, one of the largest and most successful company contact fairs in Lower Bavaria. The fair will be held virtually from 10 am to 3 pm, allowing visitors to participate from the comfort of their own homes.

Although the firstcontact has to move from the Deggendorf Stadthallen to an online platform, it will once again offer visitors countless and unique career opportunities. A total of 110 companies are on board and present themselves to the virtual visitors in the usual professional environment. The new format also offers new opportunities: With a get-to-know-you app, participants can already get to know the exhibitors before the actual fair. Another new feature is that exhibitors and visitors can get in touch in advance and arrange to meet on the day of the fair.

The firstcontact is particularly aimed at students who are looking for jobs for an internship or their bachelor's or master's thesis, as well as all prospective graduates. However, school pupils and job seekers are also cordially invited to firstcontact on 13 April. Information on how to participate can be found at: https://www.firstcontact-deggendorf.de/.

The fair is organised by the student association First Contact e.V. in cooperation with the Career Service of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). The firstcontact takes place annually in spring and regularly attracts almost 200 companies and about 2,000 visitors to Deggendorf.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) starts the first English-language technical Bachelor's degree programme in Deggendorf: Artificial Intelligence. Prospective students will be able to study Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English as early as October 2021.

One of the world's first Bachelor's degree programmes in Artificial Intelligence has been available at DIT since 2019. Artificial intelligence makes it possible to automate human decision-making behaviour and will change almost every industry in the coming years and decades. The demand for AI experts on the market is correspondingly high. The future programme coordinator Prof. Dr. Patrick Glauner describes AI as the next step in the industrial revolution. This means excellent career prospects for the students. With the new degree programme, the university wants to take this and the advancing internationalisation of the German labour market into account. Above all in Europe, Germany-wide and regionally, the university hopes to interest more young people in studying AI in Deggendorf. Both, lectures and exams, are held in English. A great advantage is the possibility to attend the first two semesters, both in Deggendorf and virtually. Minister of Science Bernd Sibler emphasises: "Being future-oriented and international are among the hallmarks of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology. Its future offer of an English-language degree programme in ‘Artificial Intelligence’ proves this once again. After all, artificial intelligence is the key technology for diverse new developments worldwide." The degree programme offers over ten modules on AI, providing a broad and in-depth education. Computer science basics are not neglected. Spread throughout the degree, eleven core computer science modules form the backbone of the programme. A highlight of the degree programme is the practical semester, which is scheduled for the fifth semester, in which students apply their knowledge in practice in companies and thereby deepen it. However, the acquisition of key competences and soft skills, for which suitable modules are included, is also important for later professional life. Foreign students also learn the basics of the German language necessary for a successful professional life during their studies. More information on the AI degree programme can be found on the DIT website: https://www.th-deg.de/ain-b-en. Applications for a place on the programme can be submitted from Thursday, 15 April. If you have any questions about the degree programme, Professor Glauner can also be contacted directly at patrick.glauner@th-deg.de or +49 991 3615 453.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) once again officially has three vice-presidents. Prof Dr-Ing Andreas Grzemba, Prof Dr Horst Kunhardt and Prof Waldemar Berg will represent University President Prof Dr Peter Sperber at official appointments for the next three years and support him in the implementation of university policy objectives and in the development of the university.

In the election on 25 March, Andreas Grzemba and Horst Kunhardt were elected by the University Council for the third time, and Waldemar Berg for the second time for the office of Vice President. In addition to elected members of the Senate, the University Council is made up of ten people from science, culture and, in particular, from business and professional practice who do not belong to the university.

Andreas Grzemba is responsible for the area of research and knowledge transfer, Horst Kunhardt is in charge of the area of health and manages the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in Pfarrkirchen, and Waldemar Berg, as Vice Presidents, is responsible for the area of studies and study matters.

The Host Family Programme of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) enters the next round for the summer semester. Due to Corona this year virtually. The programme is currently looking for interested people in Deggendorf, Cham, Pfarrkirchen and the surrounding area who would like to exchange ideas with students and give them an insight into Bavarian cuture.

The Host Family Programme enables foreign students to make contacts outside the campus and thus contributes to integration and exchange. The Host Family Programme is indispensable for exchanges with people from other cultures, not only in Deggendorf, but also at the two international study locations in Cham and Pfarrkirchen. The programme is quite simple: host parents meet with students informally and as often as they like. Due to the current situation, this will be virtual for the time being. This enables the students to make contact with locals, gain an insight into the local way of life and get to know Bavarian culture. This can also be a meeting for coffee and cake or a joint excursion into the surrounding area, depending on what is possible under the current regulations.

The Host Family Programme also offers many advantages for the host families. All students speak English, but many can also speak German very well. This offers the perfect opportunity to speak English casually and this deepen their vocabulary. In addition, they get to know the students’ respective countries, their inhabitants and their culture. Last but not least, friendships are made and togetherness is enriched.

Further information and the application form for the Host Family Programme can be found at www.th-deg.de/hostfamily. If you have any questions, Andrea Ebertseder for Pfarrkirchen (andrea.ebertseder@th-deg.de) and Marion Löfflmann for Deggendorf and Cham (marion.loefflmann@th-deg.de) from the Centre for International Affairs at DIT are available via e-mail.

The Host Family Programme is a non-profit organisation at DIT that is dedicated to the integration of foreign students. In Deggendorf, the network includes people from a wide variety of nations, religions and cultures and currently consists of more than 80 host families from Deggendorf and the surrounding area. At ECRI in Pfarrkirchen, the programme started for the first time in the winter semester 2019/2020 with six host families and ten students.

The Corona pandemic still has the whole world firmly in its grip. Nonetheless, the International Office at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is making every effort to maintain its international relations and especially the international student exchange. On Wednesday, 3 March, 50 international exchange students from 25 different countries around the world were welcomed at DIT - this time for the first time with a completely virtual orientation programme.

While almost half of the exchange students will start the summer semester online from their home country, 25 guest students from countries less affected by the corona virus, such as South Korea, will spend a semester abroad on site in Deggendorf or Pfarrkirchen. Since almost all students arriving from abroad have to spend at least five days in quarantine as a safety measure in addition to presenting a negative corona test, a shopping service - contactless, of course - has been organised by the International Office. In order to provide the students with the essentials immediately after their arrival, the student assistants of the International Office also distributed small welcome packages in the students’ halls of residence. In addition to the most important basic groceries, these also contain second-hand dishes and cooking utensils that were collected in advance for the students.

The International Office’s one-and-a-half-week virtual orientation programme is intended to enable the international guest students to make connections in Deggendorf and at the university despite the lack of personal contact. Via video conferencing systems, the students will not only get to know the various facilities of the university, such as the library, but there will also be a colourful supporting programme organised by the university’s international tutors and the student association ESN Deggendorf. This offers exciting and varied virtual events and activities such as a Bavarian evening, an Escape Room game or various team-building measures, which should make it easier for the students to get to know each other and exchange ideas. The aim of these measures is to give the students as warm a welcome as possible despite the corona-related circumstances and to show that internationality is important at DIT even in times like these.

The Department of Digitalisation and Innovative Teaching at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is organising the next DigiCamp on 24 March from 4 pm. This time, the series of events on digitalisation will focus on the topic of “Virtual Reality in Construction - 3D, BIM & more” and is aimed at civil engineers, architects, engineering firms, interested companies and university members. Under the leadership of Prof Dr-Ing Gerd Maurer, the faculties of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Media Technology are participating in the event.

Digitalisation in companies in the construction industry brings a whole range of advantages to businesses. In the construction industry, the planning method Building Information Modelling (BIM) in particular has extraordinarily great potential. While architects used to work on the classic drawing board, most of them now use modern CAD systems to create their designs on the computer. Plans of this kind can not only be submitted to authorities and experts more easily, but also enable applications in the field of virtual reality. The construction industry can make use of these advantages, for example, when it comes to showing clients the finished objects in advance and thus planning together and also preventing misunderstanding. With the help of virtual reality and computer-generated 3D images, builders can walk through their own house as if they were standing directly in the room, even before construction begins. The virtual DigiCamp will demonstrate the possibilities that virtual reality can bring to construction. A live demonstration of current 3D projects at DIT in the “Laboratory for New Forms of Reality”, led by Prof Dr Stephan Windischmann, is planned, as well as several short lectures by renowned experts from business and science, and a virtual panel discussion to exchange opinions. The technical possibilities on the construction side and on the media side will be discussed in detail.

The complete programme with an introduction of the participants and the registration form for the event can be found on the DIT homepage at https://www.th-deg.de/en/business/digitalisation-in-dialogue. Participation is free of charge, access data will be sent via e-mail after registration.

Together with four other partner institutions the Deggendorf Institute of Technology’s (DIT) international faculty European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) founded the Consortium of Educational Institutions in Digital Health (CONEDIG). The consortium is an initative under the umbrella of the International Society for Telemedicine and eHealth (ISfTeH) and will serve as a global platform for advancing digital health as well as telemedicine education.

CONEDIG sets out to develop ‘a la carte’ training courses in digital health as well as creating an evalutation and accreditation framework for study programmes in digital health. It will also create generic modular study courses on various topics in digital health. This includes developing guidelines and recommendations of good international practices in digital health. Furthermore, the consortium recognizes the necessity to approach the health needs of each country and will participate and collaborate in international research. The goal is to make CONEDIG a global meeting place of academics in the digital health field with experts sharing knowledge, expertise, content and personnel for education and research.

Apart from ECRI there are four other founding members from all over the globe: Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Université de Bordeaux (France), Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (Russian Federation), and University of KwaZulu Natal (South Africa).

CONEDIG was first introduced during a session at the International Scientific Symposium DigiHealthDay-2020 hosted by ECRI in November 2020, where Professor Georgi Chaltikyan invited the founding partners to the first joint session of the newly established consortium.

Daniel Fuchs is the founder of the start-up threesixty-drones. His business idea is based on a specially designed drone for 360-degree video recording. Less than a year after presenting his innovation at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), the 21-year-old is an independent entrepreneur and offers the creation of promotional videos using drones as a service. The "Kickstart Incubator" funding programme, which is still fairly new at the university, helped him along the way.

Innovative technology-oriented start-up projects or services with high customer value can apply for the Kickstart Incubator programme. For Daniel Fuchs, this was one of the most decisive factors, as it enabled him to finance the construction of the first prototype of the drone and part of his equipment. Particularly important for him was a free patent consultation, which he was able to take advantage of through the Kickstart Incubator programme. That's because the drone can capture 360-degree video footage without being visible in the video itself. Such footage was previously impossible with other 360-degree drones due to their size and inertia, making the project unique. Flying the drone creates realistic virtual tours of buildings. It can also easily fly over sensitive locations near people. Thus, for example, it is possible to fly past athletes at indoor sporting events up close and with maximum maneuverability as well as speed, or to fly between the dancers' feet at dance events.

During the 6-month funding phase, Daniel Fuchs was able to continuously draw on selected experts from DIT and the Start-Up Campus Team and exchange ideas with other founding teams. He also survived a drone crash or two. And even found a company partner. Together, they are now working on their first orders. You can contact Daniel Fuchs via his Instagram channel or via e-mail: mail@threesixty-drones.com

About the incubator programme

The Kickstart Incubator is a newly created programme for all founders of tomorrow. Innovative technology-oriented start-up projects or services with high customer value can apply for the programme. After successfully presenting the idea, the first step is to develop the business model and build the founding team. Selected experts from DIT and the Start-Up Campus team act as coaches and mentors for the young founders. Free access to the premises of the StartupLab creates a creative working environment and enables the exchange with other founding teams. With up to € 7,500 in funding per team, nothing stands in the way of building the first prototype. After completion of the incubator programme, the teams are ideally equipped for the upcoming start-up and ready for subsequent funding such as the EXIST founder scholarship. More information about founding can be found here: https://www.th-deg.de/startupcampus-en

New at the Faculty of Applied Economics at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) since March 1 is Prof Dr Christian Mandl. The newly appointed professor wants to realign the study focus on Procurement & Logistics and place a stronger focus on the topics of digitalisation, data analytics or data analysis, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Mandl has also set himself the goal of researching the potential of AI and data analytics in the operational areas of purchasing, production planning and logistics. In this direction, cooperations with medium-sized companies in the region are to be established and expanded.

“The future-oriented orientation of DIT with the upcoming Centre for Digitalisation Technologies fits perfectly with my research focus of data-driven analysis and optimisation of operational processes,” explains the Osterhofen native. This was a key reason for him to move from the management consultancy McKinsey to the university. Mandl’s research moves at the interfaces of business administration, mathematics and computer science. “I am particularly concerned with the development of mathematical models and AI for the effective control of operational procurement, logistics and warehousing processes under risk aspects,” says the professor. He said these models are particularly relevant for companies whose commodity prices or customer deman fluctuate widely. Mandl studied at the Technical University of Munich and earned his doctorate. During his doctorate, he took the opportunity to do a visiting academic residency at Cornell University, one of the eight Ivy League universities in the United States. Mandl later joined McKinsey as a management consultant. There he advised clients from the automotive, chemical and consumer goods industries worldwide on the digital transformation of procurement and logistics processes.

Prof Mandl wants to give students a practical understanding of the fundamentals and current developments. Industry 4.0, digitalisation, data analytics and big data are important keywords here. The new DIT professor attaches great importance to interdisciplinarity and wants to emphasise the connection between economics and other disciplines such as computer science or psychology. Mandl is also happy to provide advice and support to young founders at DIT’s Start-Up Campus. The economist brings personal experience to the table from his own logistics start-up prelytico.

The 33-year-old, who describes himself as level-headed and determined, likes to spend his free time doing sports and in nature. In addition, travelling is one of his passions.

The 8th Day of Research of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) will take place on 11 March. Like last year, this time it will also be virtual. Start is at 1 pm. The event ends at 3.30 pm with awarding the three best posters and the best presentation.

Anyone interested in applied research at DIT can take a digital look over the fence for two and a half hours. Whether business, industry, society or even future students, everyone is invited to take part in the Day of Research. Uncomplicated from the office or from home. A total of eleven research topics will be presented. From the areas of sustainable management, innovative materials and energy, intelligent mobility, digital economy and society, as well as innovative working environments and healthy living. Each in three short minutes. After all, the aim of the Day of Research is not so much to delve into the depths of the respective scientific topic, but rather to create the basis for a reciprocal and, if desired, interdisciplinary dialogue. The same applies to the poster exhibition. The posters are designed in such a way that one grasps what they are about at a glance. This makes it possible to enter into a very low-threshold discussion with the young researchers at DIT. The three best posters will be awarded prizes. As in previous years, the trophy for first place was designed by the design class at the Zwiesel Glass College and produced in the educational institution's own manufactory.

Registration for the Day of Research is possible until 10 March via the DIT website: www.th-deg.de/dor-2021. Participation is free of charge.

The Department of Digitalisation and Innovative Teaching at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is organising a virtual DigiCamp for all business leaders, HR managers and interested employees on the topic of "Co-Working-Space: Innovative and Flexible Working" on 14 March from 4pm. The event will be held in German. The occasion for the event is the premiere of DIT's co-working space at ITC1 in Deggendorf. It will start operating in March 2021.

The workplace in the company vs. home office is currently a hot topic. "A co-working space has the potential to combine the best of both worlds," says Lisa Geib, Digitalisation Officer at DIT.  Co-working is an integrated and flexible working model in which start-ups, freelancers and other employees rent a flexible workspace in an open-plan office. The focus of co-working spaces is on networking and the exchange of innovative ideas. The advantages are as varied as the concept. For commuters from rural areas, co-working offers working close to home in a modern environment. This work concept can also be particularly interesting for working parents. In times of the pandemic, the needs of employees and, at the same time, of companies have changed rapidly: Home office, virtual meetings plus childcare and home schooling are taking their toll. DIT is leading the way with this topic and is offering five free, project-funded co-working spaces at ITC1 from 1 March.

The virtual DigiCamp shows the possibilities of a co-working space. Several short lectures are planned. The main topics are the opportunities especially for rural areas, co-working experiences from practice and the presentation of the new co-working spaces at ITC1. The programme for the "DigiCamp Co-Working-Space" event can be found on the DIT homepage at www.th-deg.de/en/events.  Participation is free of charge, access data will be sent after registration at coworking@th-deg.de.

A small walk across the road, but a big step for the new Centre for Digitalisation and Innovation. The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is moving into almost 1,300 square metres in DEGG’S. Already on 9 February, the rental spaces on the first and second floors of DEGG’S were officially handed over to the Faculty of Applied Computer Science and to Immobilien Freistaat Bayern (IMBY).

In the summer of 2018, the Bavarian state government decided to establish a centre of digitalistion technologies at DIT: For around 1,000 new students and with corresponding teaching staff. But where to put all these people? Free offices, laboratories and capacities for teaching are already scarce at the main campus of DIT. Despite the large new building complex at the Danube riverside. DIT continues to grow as planned and they all have to go somewhere, the students, the teaching staff and researchers. “With DEGG’S we have been able to win an excellent partner for our expansion plans,” DIT President Prof Dr Peter Sperber is certain. Even though the university will of course be further decentralised in terms of space. But the DEGG’S is within easy reach of the campus. “And,” says Sperber, “we are symbolically building a bridge to the city. Teaching and research, especially at a university of applied sciences, doesn’t belong in the ivory tower, after all.” The assimilation of science into society is definitely desired. This is also achieved by living and working next door to each other. The still relatively young Faculty of Applied Computer Science with courses in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security or Quantum Computing will be on the move in DEGG’S in future. The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences  is also at home in DEGG’S with its sports sciences. They have been since autumn 2014.

Sabine Zimmerer from Kintyre Management GmbH is also highly satisfied with the long-term partnership. The manager is pleased that DEGG'S is now home to the university on such a large scale. The conversion of the former practice areas in DEGG'S also involved mainly companies from Lower Bavaria, with architect Albert Emberger from the EIS-Plan office and the companies baierl + demmelhuber Innenausbau GmbH, Freise Elektrotechnik and GEIGER Gebäudemanagement & Technik GmbH. "That is also important to us," explains Zimmerer. The now freshly converted partial areas are exactly what DIT was looking for, he says. A perfect match for both partners. The lease will run for ten years. DIT's growth can continue.

New start-ups from the ranks of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) are not long in coming: the university is currently supporting the start-up “Vourus”. A company that wants to gain a foothold in the field of IT security. In particular, companies that process sensitive data can benefit from the start-up’s services.

The founders behind Vourus are Nicolai Roider and Sebastian Schreiner. Already as teenagers, they worked together on various projects in the technical field. Very quickly, they recognised the increasing relevance of data security and decided to set up a company together. Nicolai Roider studied business administration in the commercial area and Sebastian Schreiner is an IT specialist for application development in the technical area. At DIT they have the chance to put their plan into practice with a start-up scholarship. They are supported by the DIT Start-Up Campus, the Hans Lindner Foundation and Prof Dr Thomas Geiß as mentor.

The idea of the Vourus founders is to make the exchange and transfer of data more secure. To this end, they have developed an encryption system that is intended to offer the highest possible security. It ensures that only authorised people can access sensitive data. It immediately recognises whether files are in their original state or have been changed after being sent. Another advantage over conventional systems is that users can be deprived of decryption rights afterwards. The young founders have already concluded the first partner contracts with software manufacturers. The start-up is therefore planning to expand its resources, especially by adding staff in the areas of development and sales.

In February, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) became a member of the Sicherheitsnetzwerk München e.V. The reason for this is not just information security. It is also about networking, design and maximum competitiveness in the future.

“Nowadays, data security is an indispensable factor in protecting institutions as well as companies against the countless digital threats,” says Prof Dr Helena Liebelt, Head of IT at DIT: “However, it’s about more than that,” Liebelt adds. Cyber security means competitiveness. But in order to be successful in a digital future, networking and cooperation are other important cornerstones of the strategic orientation.

Numerous well-known companies such as Airbus, Audi, Intel, Siemens and Huawei are members of the Munich Security Network. But also teaching and research institutions. For example, the Technical University of Munich, the University of the Federal Armed Forces and Fraunhofer AISEC. “For us, this is a wonderful opportunity to keep an eye on scientific developments on the one hand, but also on the latest state of industrial technology on the other,” says Prof Liebelt. Together with important industry giants and other outstanding research institutions, DIT wants to actively shape further development in the field of cyber security. Not least, a new technology campus on this topic is currently being built in Vilshofen. Liebelt cites as a special privilege of membership in the Munich Security Network the opportunity to participate in the annual “Munich Cyber Security Conference” (MCSC), which always takes place one day before the Munich Security Conference: “This is a real fixture in the cyber security industry.” DIT will be there in the future.

Further information: https://it-security-munich.net

One reason why more companies have not yet fully switched to electric mobility or do not offer charging stations is the concern about significant additional costs in terms of electricity consumption. Companies usually have a contractually agreed annual maximum load. If this is exceeded, depending on the size of the company, surcharges of up to several hundred thousand euros on the unforeseen load peak can be the result. The parking and charging management system “SmiLE” will soon provide a solution to this problem. Scientists at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) are developing the system.

Prof Dr Andreas Berl is responsible for the project and knows the explosive nature of the topic. The problem for companies is uncontrolled charging. The feared additional costs caused by peak electricity consumption are quickly reached. A load peak is when the average energy consumption in an interval of 15 minutes exceeds the maximum contractually agreed upon with the electricity provider. There are many reasons why a load peak occurs. According to Prof Berl, this is the case when charging processes are started immediately with maximum power and batteries are unnecessarily “fully” charged. When charging processes are unscheduled, without enquiring about the next use of the vehicle. Or if the charging processes are not coordinated with the rest of the company’s energy system (e.g. load management).

In order to solve these problems, the research group led by Prof Berl is developing the SmiLE parking and charging management system. The goal is to bring more companies to e-mobility. The system is connected to the company’s existing energy system. SmiLE also makes it possible to reserve a parking or charging option so that the e-vehicles are charged according to the reservation details. In addition, a company’s own vehicle fleet can be integrated into the charging management. With the help of AI-supported forecasting methods, the charging processes can be planned in such a way that no expensive peak loads occur. To this end, DIT is developing and implementing algorithms for optimal charge planning and forecasting models. In addition, the charging planning is to be optimised according to the entrepreneurial goals. Exampled of this are the maximum use of renewable energies, the extension of the service life of vehicle batteries and stationary energy storage or the minimisation of charging costs.

To identify the respective requirements, the many years of experience of E-WALD GmbH, one of the largest German charging infrastructure operators, and eeMobility GmbH, which operates charging infrastructure for companies throughout Germany, are of great importance. Seamless communication between the respective system components and in particular the connection between the SmiLE system and the charging stations is the focus of eeMobility GmbH in the project. The SmiLE project (No. AZ-1405-19) is funded by the Bavarian Research Foundation. The project started in May 2020 and ends in 2023.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) has maintained a partnership with Politehnica University Bucharest in Romania since 2012. The partnership came about through Erasmus+, a European Union programme for education, youth and sport. DIT staff member Monica Ciolacu has now completed the first cooperative doctorate with Politehnica Bucharest University and DIT.

Her dissertation "An adaptive framework for computer-based learning technology" deals with the use of artificial intelligence in teaching. Adaptive and personalised learning is to promote student performance. In addition, lecturers are to be relieved of routine work. She defended her doctoral thesis before Prof. Dr. h.c. Ing Paul Svasta (UPB), Prof. Dr. Cezar Ionescu (THD), Prof. Dr. h.c. Ing Dan Stoichescu (UPB) and Prof. Dr Ing Alexandru Serbanescu (Military Technical Academy Bucharest). The results of their work have already attracted attention at several conferences. In April, the next conference will take place virtually: the Global Engineering Education Conference, organised by the FH Kärnten and the Vienna-based FH Technikum. The theme is "Women in Engineering".

Doctoral students and those interested in doing a doctorate are advised and supported at DIT’s Graduate Centre. The International Office provides advice on the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ programme, which, in addition to study and internship stays for students, also enables doctorates or the mobility of university staff.

The computer scientists at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) are gaining another professor. Dr Phillipp Torkler will take over the professorship for Bioinformatics and Data Analysis at DIT in the summer semester of 2021. As a member of the university’s youngest faculty, he will teach in the “Life Science Informatics” degree programme. Professionally, he has been involved in the development of molecular diagnostic tests for personalised therapies for cancer and other serious diseases.

Phillipp Torkler could be described as a bioinformatician through and through. From his bachelor’s degree to his doctorate, his academic training was focused on this field. He explains that one goal of bioinformatics is to develop methods and software for analysing and managing high-dimensional, biological data so that it can be used at all. Biomarkers, for example, can be used for the early detection of cancer. He himself researched an early detection test for prostate cancer for a young US start-up, with success. A large biotechnology company became aware of the start-up and took it over in the summer of 2018.

The next step for Phillipp Torkler is now the professorship in Deggendorf. Curiosity and the conviction that research and development make life better, is what makes him pursue his passion. He chose DIT because it is a steadily growing university that is gradually developing attractive and modern fields of study and is a major driving force for the entire region. At DIT, he has the exciting challenge of being able to help shape the fairly new degree programme “Life Science Informatics” at an early stage and thus lay the foundation for the specialisations bioinformatics and data analysis in the field of life science and biotechnology as part of the team.

On Thursday, 4 February 2021, the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) got a new addition to the campus. A decommissioned bus will make its last and final stop at ECRI. In future, it will be used as a meeting place and laboratory.

As part of the EcoHome project, ECRI’s Ecology and Economy Laboratory, or short as EcoLab, is looking into how the bus can be used in the best possible way for students and university staff for the future. Campus members as well as representatives of the district of Rottal-Inn and the city of Pfarrkirchen are developing concepts for the use of the bus. Under the leadership of Prof Dr Robert Feicht, the team has set itself the goal of transforming the bus into a meeting place with LivingLab character for ECRI.

Currently, the development of the concept for the EcoHome bus is in full swing. The exact look of the bus will be decided in the course of the next few months. It is certain that the bus will be available to all students in addition to the campus staff. The meeting point is also to be designed as a LivingLab - a kind of “real laboratory” - and then used for seminars or training courses, for example. In addition, the bus could be used in the future for conferences or campus festivals.

On the EcoLab side, the head of the lab, Prof Dr Robert Feicht, research assistant Jennifer Huber and lab engineer Anna Marquardt are in charge of the new project. They are receiving active support from the town of Pfarrkirchen and the Rottal-Inn district office. The plan is to complete the project by the middle of next year.

Intensive language courses for everyone take place at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) during the lecture-free period. External students can also improve their language skills or learn a completely new language. Free places for the one-week courses are still available. Classes being on 2 March.

DIT offers beginner and advanced courses for many languages: Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Business or Technical English. Within one week, participants can reach language levels from A1 to C1, depending on their existing knowledge. The lessons take place virtually, supplemented by self-learning phases for the participants. All courses start on 2 March and end on 9 March with a final exam. The weekend in between is free of lessons. Upon passing the exam, course participants receive a certificate confirming the language level they have attained. The course fee for pupils, trainees and students (also from other colleges and universities) is € 39, for all other participants €120. Interested parties can find the exact course programme and all other important information at https://www.th-deg.de/en/students/language-electives#intensive-courses. Registration is possible via the DIT language centre: sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de

Job fairs are important dates for students and HR managers to network in their search for jobs or junior staff. In Lower Bavaria, “firstcontact” will take place virtually for the first time in April. Companies can still secure a stand space until the end of January. The organised of the fair is the student association First Contact e.V. in cooperation with the Career Service of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT).

As usual, the DIT organisation wants to present the fair in a professional manner. The organisational team now sees an opportunity to inspire companies that have not been able to come to Deggendorf to participate. The virtual version should therefore be in no way inferior to the original. A trade fair software and a get-to-know-you app will support this. A new feature is that exhibitors and visitors have the opportunity to get in touch in advance. They can then arrange to meet on the day of the fair.

The “firstcontact” 2021 will take place online on 13 April 2021. It is aimed at all students, especially if they are looking for jobs for an internship or their Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis, as well as all prospective graduates. Companies that would like to meet and support the young talents can contact the organisation via e-mail info@firstcontact-ev.de by 15 February 2021 to reserve a stand.

Those who have already begun their studies do not always know what kind of career awaits them later. Many factors play a role in this. Students of the International Management programme had the chance to talk to five people from the business world on Saturday, 16 January. Entitled Praxistag International Management, the main topic was the path to an international career and, of course, what professional life entails. Prof Dr Adrian Hubel had organised the day for students and plans to repeat it annually in the future.

Marietta Holweger, Recruiter Otto group, answered the students’ numerous questions about CVs and job interviews. One important recommendation, for example, was to clearly describe the specific tasks undertaken during the internships. Furthermore, it is especially important to be honest and authentic in the job interview.

Steffen Kaiser, Chief Financial Officer at Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG, was able to give detailed insight into career opportunities in the industry as a board member of a very well-known company. He recommended the students to set clear and realistic goals and to make sure to achieve them. And to act according to the motto “Underpromise but Overdeliver”.

Andrea Becke, Senior Manager Accenture, gave important insights into the advantages of working as a consultant and was able to allay the students' fears of a sometimes less than optimal work-life balance. Directly after the very motivating lecture and the great overview of the exciting world of management consulting, some students already gave feedback that they would now consider a career start in the industry.

Sylvio Eichhorst, Head of Global Finance & Procurement KWS Group, worked as an auditor at KPMG for 18 years and was active in both Germany and the USA. He gave a comprehensive and very competent insight into the world of the "Big 4" auditing firms. As he also has more than six years of experience in high management positions in the industry, he was also able to give very important advice on the question of what development opportunities exist for students in different company divisions.

Elodie Brinck, Supply Chain Management Coca-Cola HBC, as a former International Management student who is still at the beginning of a successful career, gave an overview of her internships and career so far. Most importantly, she also gave an excellent overview on the topics of internship applications and the world of job interviews and assessment centres at large corporations.

Stefanie Beck is Managing Director at the management consultancy Fuhrmann Leadership in Karlsruhe. She is doing her Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) while working. Together with fellow students Johannes Artmeier, Lucas Fobian and Andreas Neuhierl, Beck has now developed an AI that recognises in a video stream in real time whether a person is wearing a mask or not. The research field in which Beck is working is highly regarded. It is called “computer vision”.

DIT students summarise their project as follows: “Face masks are not only necessary in pandemic situations, but above all in everyday professional life. In industry or medicine, for example. Our application ensures that the prescribed mask is worn when entering a protected space.” Such project work offers students at DIT the opportunity to apply their knowledge to practical examples. Graduates in the field of AI are highly sought after by companies. This is particularly true for the field of “image understanding”, as “computer vision” is also known. It enables computers to automatically recognise correlations in images and videos and draw appropriate conclusions. Other examples of such applications are optical inspections in manufacturing processes, object recognition in autonomous vehicles or smartphone apps that recognise faces in photos.

Since October 2020, DIT has been offering the new course “Computer Vision”, thus preparing its students for a corresponding professional career. “In the first third, our course offers an intensive introduction to the most important and, above all, practically relevant basics of the subject area,” says lecturer Prof Dr Patrick Glauner. The AI expert also explains how DIT sets itself apart from other regional and national course offerings: “I looked at what course content top international universities like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford or Imperial College London teach.” Glauner has integrated similar content into the DIT course. At the same level and presented in an understandable way. “Even at the top institutes, in the end they only boil with water,” says the DIT professor, who is himself an alumnus of Imperial College London.

Pure theoreticians, however, are hardly in demand on the job market. What is needed is expertise in the practical implementation of image understanding applications. That’s why the students spend the rest of the semester working in groups on projects of their own choosing and applying the knowledge they have acquired in a concrete way. “Very extensive and high-quality results have emerged, which clearly show how excellently our students are positioned in international comparison,” Prof Glauner proudly reports.

In addition to Beck’s results, Glauner points to another example. Course participants Patrick Gawron and Achot Terterian developed a coin counter together. Based on a mobile phone photo, it calculates the amount of money in the purse or piggy bank that has just been emptied. “In the process, we learned how to segment coins and other objects from photos and recognise them using a neural network,” Gawron and Terterian report.

DIT has been offering Germany’s first Bachelor’s degree programme in “Artificial Intelligence” for two years. The first cohort will graduate in summer 2021. Interested students can also attend selected AI lectures and get a taste of university life at DIT again from March 2021 as part of the early study programme. If you have any questions about image understanding, AI and the degree programme, Prof Glauner can also be contacted directly at patrick.glauner@th-deg.de or +49 991 3615-453 at any time.

At the beginning of the year, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), together with the Lower Bavarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), traditionally provided information about the tax changes coming into force in the new year. Due to the pandemic, the event was held virtually for the first time for member companies of the Lower Bavarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce and students of business administration. With over 170 participants, a record was set, reports Prof Dr Ralf Alefs, Professor of Tax Law: “We are particularly pleased that the digital format was immediately well received. This meant that the cooperation between DIT and IHK could be continued very successfully even in these special times.”

The focus of the tax changes was on the tax consequences of the Corona pandemic. Patrick Lerbs, tax consultant at the law firm Dr Kittl and Partner, provided information on the many new individual regulations. For example, the tax incentives for working from home, the tax treatment of the Corona bonus for hospital employees and nursing staff, the temporary reduction in turnover tax and many other Corona-related tax changes were discussed. In addition, the various Corona aid programmes such as the various bridging aids including the current November and December aids for business were an important topic area. Another focus was, among others, tax incentives in the context of electric mobility to support the breakthrough for electric vehicles.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is getting a renowned professor from the world of business, Professor Dr. Tobias M. Nickel. In his special field of “Organisational Psychology and Diagnostics”, he deals with the diverse applications of psychology in business. From personnel selection, marketing, sales and strategy to communication and change. The focus lies on the experience and behaviour of people in organisations.

Professor Nickel knows what an important role psychology plays in business. After completing his doctorate at the University of Regensburg, he worked in several management consultancy agencies dedicated to psychology, before joining BMW. After participating in the International Trainee Programme there, he was head of various departments, such as technology, sustainability and motorsport communication, global recruiting and marketing communication. Afterwards he was able to apply his expertise from psychology as Head of Marketing and Communication at the DRÄXLMAIER Group.

At DIT, the combination of internationality and down-to-earth mentality particularly appeals to him. This, and his curiosity, have contributed to his decision to take the professional step to DIT. For Professor Nickel the key to success in professional life lies in seeing all the small good decisions that ultimately contribute to success. He is not concerned with external success, but with internal success. That is, the knowledge that one has given everything.
Of course, the theories of Sigmund Freud have influenced Professor Nickel, but besides the famous psychologist, many of his superiors have influenced him on his professional path. From Norbert Reithofer, Hendrik von Kuenheim to Fritz Dräxlmaier, to name but a few. In addition to these personalities, the separation of BMW and Rover, during which Professor Nickel was able to witness and shape the change in organisation and culture at first hand, has had a particular impact on his professional life. Therefore, he knows from his own experience about the positive effects that can be achieved through psychology in business. His goal at DIT is therefore to become active with research projects in business psychology.

He always has an open ear for his students. In his lectures, he relies on a combination of theory and practical experience. He combines the familiar with the new to create the surprising. Outside the lecture hall, Professor Nickel is drawn to nature and his family, when he is not busy doing renovations on his farm or restoring motorbikes.
 

Since August 2020, four students at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) have been pursuing the vision of developing a vegetable robot for hobby gardeners with their start-up SEPP. SEPP is funded by an EXIST start-up grant from the German government and supervised by the DIT Startup Campus team. The first milestone was the interim presentation to the SEPP start-up network on 15 December 2020. The team presented the results of the business plan preparation as well as the current development status of the prospective start-up.

The team around Andreas Stockinger - Martin Seidl, Martin Leitl and Sandra Eichenseher- was able to realise a first prototype in the last few months thanks to the funding provided. The start-up’s vision is a vegetable robot for Smart Efficient Plant Production (SEPP). The aim is to make it easier for hobby gardeners to grow vegetables in their home gardens by automating the vegetable patch. Thus, even those who previously had little time for gardening can enjoy the benefits of self-sufficiency in vegetables. They were supported in this by their mentor Prof Dr Wolfgang Dorner and the Startup Campus of DIT. By the upcoming gardening season in 2021, the team would like to be able to build a functioning robot. Automated watering and weeding should then be possible outdoors for the first time. The young founders plan to enter the market in spring 2022.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) offers teachers two exciting online seminars. On 20 January there will be an opportunity to find out about study requirements and conditions in general, but also about what DIT has to offer in particular. Special attention will be paid to the study system of the universities of applied sciences (HAW). On 3 February, another seminar will be dedicated to dual study opportunities as well as the STEM sector and DIT’s offers in this field. The seminars are organised via MS Teams, the offer is free of charge, registration is not necessary.

20 January, from 4 pm, access via

Online Information for Teachers: Study and Career Orientation at DIT

3 February, from 4 pm, access via

DIT and School - Opportunities for Cooperation in the STEM field

All events will be held in German!

Over 20,000 courses of study are currently open to pupils in Germany. The overwhelming choice can quickly become torture for some. Most young people with a technical college entrance qualification, a subject-related entrance qualification or a general higher education entrance qualification aspire to study at a university, and never before have so many students been enrolled at German universities.

Successful study and career guidance is the result of many people working together. It requires openness and communication and is a real joint task. DIT also attaches great importance to direct exchange with schools. Supporting and informing young people in schools is very important. After all, study and career orientation ultimately mean an important piece of life planning.

Specialist engineering knowledge combined with digital components and management know-how is unbeatable in today's working world. Engineers, computer scientists and natural scientists think in dynamic processes and are therefore in high demand for top positions. This is exactly where the Centre for Academic Further Education at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) comes in and has launched a new part-time Master's programme in engineering. Digital Business Engineering is scheduled to start for the first time in September 2021. On 19 January at 6 pm, interested people can find out more during an online info evening.

Frank Thelen, European series founder, tech investor and TV personality, especially known for the show "Die Höhle der Löwen", has the following to say about the new part-time Master's programme at DIT: "Our future is digital. We will see many new business models based on digital solutions in the next few years. Those who get involved with the possibilities early on will be offered many great opportunities in this field."

The special feature of this Master's programme is the individual focus through subject-specific modules and the three fields of competence "Innovation & Engineering", "Digitalisation & Information Technology" and "Management & Business Administration". This opens up a wide range of fields of application in companies for graduates. Further Education Officer Corina Welsch summarises: "The contents as well as the structure of the Master's in Digital Business Engineering are designed to produce highly qualified and motivated graduates who not only have engineering skills, but can also combine them with economic, entrepreneurial and IT-based expertise." Future programme director and lecturer in the Master's programme Prof. Dr. Peter Firsching adds: "The focus is on engineering methods combined with the know-how for IT-based value creation processes as well as the technical and strategic know-how for the comprehensive computerisation of companies. Selected contents are, for example, the use of modern IT solutions, technology development, the interaction of man and machine as well as methods of artificial intelligence."

The Master Digital Business Engineering will start for the first time in September 2021 and will be taught in German. The combination of work and study enables an optimal dovetailing of theory and practice. "In the part-time degree programme, students are encouraged to bring their own practical projects and experiences from their everyday working life into the lectures. The knowledge acquired in the course is to be implemented directly in the company," Welsch explains further. The lecturers are also experienced practitioners and specialists in their fields.

All applicants with a first degree in engineering or computer science are eligible for admission. Those interested can find out more at the online information evening on Tuesday, 19 January 2021 at 6 pm. The access link and further information on the Master Digital Business Engineering can be obtained by emailing Corina Welsch: corina.welsch@th-deg.de.

With Prof Jürgen Wittmann, the Technology Campus (TC) Cham of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) gains an internationally proven professor. In his field of expertise “Design of Intelligent Sensor Actuator Systems”, he focuses mainly on sensor technology, quality and reliability, as well as the use of Deep Learning in and with the help of sensors.

From Regensburg, where he wrote his diploma thesis at Infineon, Prof Wittmann moved to the USA to East Fishkill, New York. There he worked on an international project with companies from three continents and learned the key to success in teams made up of different cultures and mentalities: a healthy tolerance for different approaches. He retained this in his subsequent work as an international auditor in various companies in Germany. He is therefore well prepared for his work as a professor at the international TC Cham. There, from March, he will work on ways to apply Deep Learning in technical products, such as the intelligent calibration of sensors. If, for example, a sensor signal deviates from the ideal value, this is compensated for by a neural network. Predicting the next necessary maintenance date for machines with the help of Deep Learning, the so-called predictive maintenance approaches, are also part of his specialty.

He gives his students a lot of freedom so that they can work out and develop a new field of knowledge themselves. It is a matter of course for him that they show a certain amount of commitment and independence. In this way, the budding engineers learn to find solutions independently and to implement them in their professional lives. For Prof Wittmann, freedom and the opportunity to choose one’s own topics are also extremely important. This, and the fact that the orientation of the degree programmes corresponds excellently to his competences, were the decisive reasons why he chose the professorship at DIT. TC Cham in particular offers him the opportunity to shape study content and shape the coming growth of the location, says the professor, who loves to familiarise himself with new topics and environments and understand how everything is connected. That is why he has also set himself the goal of further developing the path TC Cham has started on to become an internationally and at the same time regionally attractive university location. To achieve this, he strives for a good and intensive cooperation with local politics as well as with the companies in the region. His systematic, disciplined and consistent manner, without losing his composure, will certainly be helpful.

In order to remain calm even when the situation gets hectic, Prof Wittmann likes to be physically active in his free time, preferably doing handicrafts on his own house or, if time permits, mountain biking. But he is also happy to be found with a good book in his free time.

In public, the image of the nursing profession is mainly shaped by two attributes: exhausting, because there are too few nurses and also poorly paid. However, there is much more to the interaction between patients and nursing staff. Everyday life can be very moving. For example, in moments when caregivers are the ones who preserve the dignity of a person in need of help. Students of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) will address how dignified care can be in everyday life and what significance it has at the third Nursing Day of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Interested parties are cordially invited to the free event in January.

Students on the nursing course hear a lot about the topic of dignity in their lectures. The topic came up especially in connection with “family and community care”. For example, how care can be provided in the community or at home in a modern way. Therefore, it was their concern to organise the next care day under the motto “How would you care - with focus on dignity”. Seven speakers have been found for 18 January 2021. The first Mayor of the municipality of Furth will give an outlook on how the municipality cares for its elderly citizens and those in need of care and what else is planned for the future. Prof Dr Bernd Reuschenbach will present the topic of Community Health Nursing. “Die leere Wiege” by Birgit and Roman Seidler, Christine Nikl will tell about end-of-life care for babies and parents. From intensive care helping hand, participants will hear more about dignified intensive care at home. There will also be more about the projects DeinHaus 4.0 in Lower Bavaria and 9XOfra. Both deal with the self-determined life of older people and people in need of care in a study. DeinHaus 4.0 is in the preparation phase, 9XOfra has already conducted a similar study and will present results.

The Care Professionals Day will take place from 9 am to 1 pm as a virtual event and is aimed at anyone interested in the topic of dignified care. This can be students or carers, but also relatives who care for their family members in need of care. Since the number of places in the audience is limited, prior registration is required. Contact is student Wiktoria Juszko-Bebawy via e-mail at: Wiktoria.Juszko-Bebawy@stud.th-deg.de.

In Bavaria, only one in five professorships (21%) is held by a woman. This is despite the fact that, at 51 %, more than half of university graduates are women. For this reason, the State Conference of Women’s and Equal Opportunities Representatives at Bavarian Universities (LaKoF Bayern/HAW) is launching a Bavaria-wide campaign in 2021 entitled “Become a female Professor”. The aim of the campaign is to draw attention to the job profile of the female professor at universities of applied sciences (HAW) and to motivate women to take up this profession. Of course, this is also expressly supported by the Deggendorf Institute of Technology.

To launch the campaign, a virtual kick-off event will take place on Thursday, 7 January at 5 pm. The event will begin with greetings from Bernd Sibler, Bavarian State Minister for Science and the Arts, and Prof Dr Christiane Fritze, President of Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Deputy Chair of Hochschule Bayern e.V. This will be followed by a lecture on the topic of women in science by Prof Dr Jutta Allmendinger, President of the Social Science Research Centre Berlin (WZB) and Professor of Sociology of Education and Labour Market Research at Humboldt University Berlin.

Furthermore, the campaign “Werde Professorin” (Become a female professor” will be presented by Prof Dr Christine Süß-Gebhard, spokesperson of LaKoF and women’s representative of OTH Regensburg and Prof Dr Brigitte Kölzer, women’s representative of Technische Hochschule Rosenheim and project manager of the campaign. In addition, female professors will report on their professional experiences. Afterwards, the participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and ask questions in various breakout sessions. The event will be hosted by Prof Dr Elke Wolf, deputy spokesperson of LaKoF and women’s representative at Munich University of Applied Sciences.

Further information and registration for the virtual kick-off event is available at https://app.eu.veertly.com/v/kick-off-veranstaltung.

The Department of Health Informatics at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) welcomes Mouzhi Ge as new professor for  “Data Analytics in Health Economy”. His special fields Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are not only his work, but also his hobby.

After stays in Dublin, Brno, Dortmund and Munich Professor Ge is looking forward to working for the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) at its international ECRI campus. There he pursues his hobby now on a daily basis as it turned into his profession. Applying as a professor at DIT has been the best decision of his professional life so far. The diversity, internationality and openmindedness of the university fascinates the new professor of “Data Analytics in Health Economy” the most about his new employer. Working at DIT’s international ECRI campus is therefore the perfect work environment for Professor Ge.

In his research, Prof. Ge deals with data-driven predictions and applications in health economics. His most influential research result to date shows that his work is not only relevant in research, where he has published more than 100 international publications, but is also important for ordinary citizens. He developed a health-conscious food recommendation system that can contribute to a healthier life. This recommendation system has even been presented at the 2015 World Expo in Milan. It is precisely these experiences and the fact that he can make a difference with his research that drives the new professor. In the Ge family the spirit of research is omnipresent. It is therefore not surprising that the biggest inspiration to Professor Mouzhi Ge is his sister, Professor Wei Ge of Oxford University. The siblings’ goal is to continue their research until they can explain their research topics to their grandmother in the best and easiest way possible.

Professor Mouzhi Ge always has an open ear for his students and to awaken their interest in the field is a top priority for him. He particularly appreciates the discussion and interaction with students in his work as a professor. Seeing his students work all over the world after graduation is what he describes as the greatest success. Another goal at DIT is to build up such a good reputation through his work that the name “Professor Dr. Mouzhi Ge” immediately falls as soon as the topic “Data Analytics in Health Economy” is discussed. With his passion for his work and research, he should easily succeed.

If he is not pursuing his biggest hobby, work, then you will find Professor Ge either “live in action” on the football field or watching football. When his neighbors are not at home, he likes to play the cajon. This way he gets his head free for new research topics.

In the name of the Lower Bavarian Sparkassen District Association, District Administrator Michael Fahmüller and Martin Ruhland, member of the Board of Directors of Sparkasse Rottal-Inn, presented a donation of € 2,500 to the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI). When handing  over the cheque at the end of November, Ruhland especially thanked District Administrator Fahmüller, who as District Association Chairman of the Sparkassen had advocated for the donation in the committee. “Knowing the enormous importance the university has for the Rottal-Inn district and the region, we are pleased to be able to support the campus financially during this difficult time,” said Ruhland.

Prof Dr Horst Kunhardt, 2nd Chairman of the Friends’ association and Director of the European Campus, accepted the cheque during a small ceremony and thanked the two representatives of the Sparkasse. “Although the European Campus is able to impart knowledge online due to its high degree of digitalisation and thus fulfil its most important task despite limitations, the current situation for educational institutions is anything but easy. This financial support in times of Corona is a clear sign that the Sparkasse stands behind the university,” emphasises District Administrator Michael Fahmüller.

Among other things, the money was used in the run-up to the implementation of DigiHealthDay 2020, which took place on 13 November. The virtual event, organised by ECRI, gave scientists and experts the opportunity - especially in times of the pandemic - to exchange views on current developments and associated opportunities in this field. A total of almost 350 participants from 59 countries registered for the event. Furthermore, it is planned to use the money to build a “Usability Centre” at the European Campus. The main aim is to expand the technical equipment and provide it with the appropriate hardware. In the sense of applied science, regional companies are to be supported in this laboratory in optimising their customer presence, i.e. adapting their website accordingly and making it as user-friendly as possible. In this way, the campus wants to contribute to a successful new start of local enterprises against the background of the Corona crisis.

The Bavarian Ministry of Science, in agreement with the Bavarian Ministry of Finance and the Bavarian Ministry of Construction, approved the project application for the new construction of the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI). This laid the foundation stone for the planning of the new campus building.

At the announcement, Science Minister Sibler emphasised that it is thanks to the high quality of the Pfarrkirchen study location that the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is now getting a new home in Pfarrkirchen. “With this, we are creating a state-of-the-art study environment for around a thousand students on an area of over 4,000 square metres. In particular, the new building will also provide additional space for applied research and for the further expansion of the degree programmes in order to consistently continue this Lower Bavarian model of success,” explained Sibler.

The Ministry of Construction is also delighted. They are pleased about the order and will now begin with the planning. The goal is to provide students and lecturers with a sustainable and functional new building that is tailored to their needs, said Construction Minister Kerstin Schreyer.

The new ECRI building will create a state-of-the-art location for internationally oriented study programmes far away from the large metropolises, which contributes to the goal of the homeland policy, said Finance and Homeland Minister Albert Füracker. Such locations are an essential success factor for the Bavarian university and higher education landscape, the Minister emphasised.

ECRI Campus Director Prof Dr Horst Kunhardt was particularly pleased with the approval. ECRI had been working towards this for a long time. In view of the rising student numbers and the current growth rate, the new building is extremely important for the campus. The Corona pandemic was used well for this and the cooperation with the ministries went very well during this time, explained Prof Kunhardt. He expects that the year 2021 will be used for planning, tendering and awarding. Optimistically, construction could then begin at the end of 2021 or beginning of 2022, which could then be completed in two to two and a half years.

At present, the degree programmes are still housed in the interim building provided by the district of Rottal-Inn, the Sustainability and Innovation Lab Centre (SILC).

The European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI), faculty of Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), held its first edition of the International Scientific Symposium DigiHealthDay (DHD) on November 13th. With 348 registered attendees from 59 countries around the world, the event has been a huge success.

The DHD invited all Digital Health enthusiasts to learn more about the global Digital Health landscape and to discuss relevant topics among the participants. The DHD featured nine keynote speakers from five countries, all highly valued experts in the field of Digital Health. The plenary sessions featured talks on topics such as the transformation of health and social care through autonomous and intelligent systems, mobile health, the importance of building digital health knowledge and skillset, the citizens participation in their healthcare and the challenges for nurses, the business model aspects of Digital Health, applied publich health informatics, the international digital transformation of healthcare, artificial intelligence in medicine and healthcare, and much more. During the scientific sessions the lecturers presented different papers on topics on telemedicine and related issues. The organizers also introduced the Consortium of Educational Insitutions in Digital Health (CONEDIG), an initive under the umbrella of the International Society for Telemedicine and eHealth (ISfTeH), to create a set of educational programs for digital health and the evaluation of existing programs in digital health.

Prior to the DHD there had also been seven pre-meeting virtual workshops from April to July with a total of 28 sessions. These workshops had been attended by 141 participants from 37 countries and led to the main event, the DigiHealthDay-2020 on November 13th. The DigiHealth event series was organized under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Georgi Chaltikyan, Professor of Digital Health and Cross-Border and International Healthcare, and director of the study program Master of Medical Informatics (MMI) at DIT-ECRI. The successful events have been the starting point for another edition of the DHD wich is planned to take place next year.

The DigiHealthDay-2020 was hosted by ECRI in cooperation with our partners and sponsors: International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth (ISfTeH), International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI), DGTelemed, Bayerische Telemedallianz (BTA), the City of Pfarrkirchen, m.Doc, and Digital Health News portal.

The so-called CHE Ranking provides orientation and an overview of the study conditions at German universities and universities of applied sciences (HAW). The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) was also able to place itself in the top groupe with regard to various evaluation criteria for some of the study programmes newly surveyed this year. The results are based on the judgements of about 120,000 students and about 3,000 professors.

As suitable for an HAW, “contact with professional practice” is of course of outstanding importance. The 2020 participants in the ranking gave Deggendorf University top marks here in the subjects of business administration (BWL), business informatics and industrial engineering. The top group in Germany also includes the two Master’s programmes in business administration and business information systems. Business administration also has excellent international connections.

Since all beginnings are super difficult, support from the universities is very important for successful studies, especially at the start. Here, too, DIT 2020 scores very well, as it has over the years. However, it should be exciting when the assessment is carried out again next year. Although DIT - like most other universities in Germany - had given first-year students priority in face-to-face teaching, this was increasingly counteracted by the continuously worsening infection situation. As of today, all teaching at all universities and colleges takes place digitally. The support remains, but it has to be set up in a completely different way. The experiences of the digital summer semester can help.

More information and the complete CHE ranking from ZEIT Campus can be found here: https://ranking.zeit.de/che/de/.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) has been working for several years to ensure that great business ideas from students do not simply disappear into a drawer. Students who would like to set up their own business can rely on the university’s Startup Campus team and a network that has grown considerably in the meantime. The university’s central information event is the Start-up Day. This year, it took place on 18 November as a virtual event.

In several lectures more than 180 participants got to know the contact people of the university, the Hans Lindner Foundation, the Digitalisation Start-up Centre Lower Bavaria and the Digital Start-up Centre Rottal-Inn Freyung Grafenau. All of them offer their support and competence on the way to independence. Time for exchange and networking among students was also planned for the Founders’ Day. Five start-ups presented their ideas and some of them were still looking for fellow entrepreneurs. At the end of the event there was still knowledge about brand management and the opportunity to ask questions in small groups.

Students who would like advice or would like to contact other start-ups can always contact the Startup Campus team. Prof Dr Thomas Geiß, Alfons Weinzierls and Alexander Böckl are available for initial contact via e-mail at startupcampus@th-deg.de.

On Tuesday evening, 17 November 2020 at 7 pm, eleven international alumni and 16 international students of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) met on the videoconferencing platform Zoom on the initiative of the DIT Alumni department to launch the new International Mentoring Programme. The aim of this new format is to provide international students with an equally international alumnus who can offer assistance in overcoming intercultural hurdles and help pave the way to a successful career.

“Student life as such already brings with it numerous challenges that need to be mastered,” explains Ulrike Sauckel, head of the International and Alumni Affairs department. “A high degree of self-motivation and organisation, especially in Corona times, is demanding for every student. For international students, a new culture and a foreign language are added to this. As a university that spells internationalisation in capital letters, we see it as our duty to create the best possible conditions for a successful graduation, especially for our international students”. The total of 27 participants in the programme represent a perfect cross-section of all faculties, all graduating classes and all continents: “Our mentors come from Ecuador or India as well as from the Czech Republic or Holland. A total of 13 nations are represented. We are particularly pleased that mentors and mentees from the still young European Campus Rottal-Inn are also taking part. And that we were able to win mentors who have not yet become active at and for the university, but who are incredibly enthusiastic about this programme,” adds Ulrike Sauckel.

The 11 tandems, i.e. teams each consisting of one mentor and one to a maximum of three mentees, are organised solely virtual via WhatsApp. “All participants use it privately anyway, and no additional app or special hardware is needed,” explains Stefanie Lex from the DIT Alumni Team. “The purely virtual solution also ensures a larger regional area. Our mentors are spread all over Germany, travel is not necessary and this also protects the environment and the wallet”. Over the next six months, the mentees will now be able to exchange ideas with their mentors and hopefully one day they will in turn be available as mentors for DIT students. In April 2021, the international Mentoring Programme will enter the next round, and new mentors who have not yet had time this year have already confirmed their participation.

Like many other events, one is currently looking in vain for job fairs in the usual format. But for students and companies, these events are important dates for networking in the search for jobs or young professionals. The Career Service of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) wanted to make more out of the situation and was looking for ways to provide adequate digital substitutes. With the app “Talentefinder” and the “Tinder Principle” of finding matches, the university succeeded.

In the period from 26 October to 11 November, students and companies were able to network digitally, which was very easy. The first step is to create a profile via the browser-based Talentefinder app. Both students and companies do this. The most important facts are given so that the career status and opportunities can be identified. And then it’s “swipe” to browse through the profiles. If students and companies like each other, a “match” is created and they can contact each other directly via the chat function. Almost 600 students and 30 companies took part in DIT’s virtual recruiting events. Two weeks was the time period to find matches. 11 November was the big day for personal conversations via video call.

On average, the companies each found ten matches during this period and held seven to eight personal interviews. The main aim was to create a relaxed atmosphere, as Claudia Probst, Head of Career Service, reports: “After it was already clear in advance that there was a mutual interest, the talks could be approached in a very relaxed way. We received a lot of positive feedback”. The digital recruiting event should not remain a flash in the pan for this very reason. In spring 2021, students and companies can expect another event.

Michael Wolf (BA Business Information Systems): “I had more success with the event in one day than in the last few weeks. I’ve now had job interviews without having to apply in written form.”

Arnold Sudermann (MA Technology Management): “An awesome event, really uncomplicated to get directly to companies / staff. The atmosphere is relaxed and you have in mind that the company is also interested in you because a match has been arranged.”

Stefanie Ahollinger ( BA Business Administration): “I thought the event was great. It enabled me to hold interesting discussions and to organise the event again.”

Kaspersky’s mission incorporates education on all levels, including collaborations with universities. As part of this mission, we have been working with the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) for the past eighteen months. On Tuesday, November 10 we aired our first virtual talk with Kaspersky ICS CERT experts on Zoom with demos, presentations and workshops based on the latest ICS and IoT research and analysis. We answered questions, chatted with the students and used the polling options and generally conducted an interactive session on all levels.

Our 50 attendees were Computer Science students from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Germany and from the Hagenberg University, Austria, as well as some existing and potential customers of Kaspersky in the region. The participants learned about evolving cyberthreats for industrial environments and found out why we need to keep one step ahead of the threat actors. Maria Garnaeva spoke about known attacks on ICS in the modern world: about past, present and future threats, tools, tactics and techniques used by attackers. Stephan Gerling presented A Hacker’s Journey through Life: stories about vulnerabilities that he found while doing “drive-by hacking”. One story described how he ended up in maritime security and hacking yachts. Then there is the time a broken electronic door lock led to Stephan giving talks at the state criminal investigation office and explaining to the chief prosecutor about vulnerabilities in electronic locks and how to conduct forensic investigations. Finally, our researcher Roland Sako gave a workshop on interactive hands-on (I)IoT. He began with how the internet of things fits into industrial control systems (ICS), focusing on the added value, as well as the risks. He demonstrated how to analyze a device from scratch, aiming to introduce the audience to some real-life success and failure along the way. We encouraged our participants to engage with us and offer their ideas and suggestions. At the end of the workshop, we distributed some of the resources we had used for the attendees to repeat the steps on their own or to keep digging further. Maria Garnaeva provided a bonus by showing the participants how to use Yara to identify and classify malware samples and explained some of the Yara essentials. Professor Andreas Grzemba, Vice President Research & Knowledge Transfer at DIT, commented on the Virtual Talk, “Working with Kaspersky ICS CERT experts always produces valuable content, so we are happy to partner with them to provide our students with additional information and skills. Such sessions bring real-life experience that is invaluable for our students.” Christel Gampig-Avila, Education Programs Manager at Kaspersky ICS CERT, added, “Kaspersky’s commitment to collaboration with the academic community is a very important aspect of our business, research and operations. We were glad to bring our experts online to share their knowledge and experience and we are pleased that the virtual talk worked out great.” Kaspersky and DIT look forward to giving another Kaspersky ICS CERT Virtual Talk in March 2021. Details will be available in 2021.

A new founding idea is currently gaining momentum at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). It is about digitalisation in tool and mould making. The companies in this sector are usually very well equipped in terms of technology. However, full utilisation of their resources is not always possible. Three students at DIT now hope that their idea will optimise the process chain from incoming orders to quality management in such a way that capacities are fully utilised and costs and time can be saved at the same time.

Tool and mould making is essential for any series production. However, the production of tools and moulds, i.e. unique specimens, can still be optimised. The start-up “ti4f” has developed a strategy in cooperation with the Application Laboratory Industry 4.0 of DIT in order to digitalise the process in tool and mould making throughout. Especially the processes of the highly complex one-off production can then be analysed and shortages can be detected. With the help of a self-learning knowledge database working in the background, strategies for process optimisation can be generated. Constantin Vogel, Thomas Brunner and Radoslaw Korek are the founders of the “ti4f” start-up. Their product is designed to such an extent that they can integrate it step by step into the consulting process. They are already in contact with the first test customers. This step serves to evaluate their know-how and enables them to gain new experiences. The next steps planned are the development of the “ti4f” brand, the founding of the company and the search for further beta customers.

Constantin, Thomas and Radoslaw came up with the founding idea while studying for a Master’s degree in Technology Management. In the lectures and practical courses in the Industry 4.0 application laboratory, they had debated a lot about the future of industry. They also discussed the problems of single-part production under the direction of Prof Dr Gansauge. “ti4f” is supported by the DIT Startup Campus and an EXIST start-up grant from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. The major goal is to have an MVP for all digital applications by the end of the scholarship period in September 2021.

When a loved one has to go to hospital and seconds decide over life and death, the last thing the ambulance needs is a no-reception zone. It has to be fast and the connection to the hospital has to be established on the way there. Ideally, devices in the ambulance can transmit first results to the hospital before the patient arrives. In the district of Rottal-Inn, however, this is not possible due to the often insufficient coverage area in mobile radio.

The European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) would like to address this problem with a planned project on telemedical care in rural areas. For this purpose, the responsible people around Prof Dr Thomas Spittler and campus director Prof Dr Horst Kunhardt received the member of the Bundestag Max Straubinger at the campus in Pfarrkirchen on Thursday, 12 November.

During the talks, the central role of the mobile network in the field of telemedicine and eHealth was discussed. The nationwide coverage and network coverage in the district of Rottal-Inn would be the basis for the planned project and would pave the way for new methods that simplify, speed up and often make it possible to provide care for patients before it is too late for them. The university wants to work and research on the improvement and guarantee of the best possible patient care together with the Rottal-Inn clinics, the Red Cross rescue service and the district Rottal-Inn.

Both, Prof Spittler and MdB Straubinger emphasised in the discussions that research in particular plays a central role. From a scientific point of view, studies and research projects can be used to address the fears of concerns of the population and also to provide a well-founded account of the opportunities offered by the county-wide network coverage. During his visit to the campus, MdB Straubinger emphasised that this is particularly important for the economy and prosperity, in the case of the planned project for medical care in rural areas. He would advertise the project to the funding agency, the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, and assured the district of Rottal-Inn and ECRI of his full support.

Since 2009, it has been possible to study in Germany without the Abitur. Young people can qualify for an academic career with a master craftsman’s certificate or professional experience. At the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), around 40 students per year find their way to the university in this way. In order to facilitate the start of their studies. The J.C. Römer Foundation from Grafenau, together with DIT, offers a scholarship especially for exactly these first-year students of engineering sciences. The J.C. Römer scholarship was awarded for the fifth time in November.

In 2020, the scholarship will go to DIT student Stephan Schröder. After training as a construction mechanic, he gained several years of experience in this profession. In 2018, he continued his training as a master craftsman in metalworking and quickly set his sights on a degree course. Since October he has been studying industrial engineering in Deggendorf. With his profile he was able to convince the selection committee in the sense of Joachim Christian Römer. The selection interviews were conducted virtually this year. With a monthly grant of € 200 for the first four semesters, he can now pursue his everyday studies even more intensively. Since 2015, a total of ten students have benefited from the J.C. Römer Foundation scholarship. In awarding the scholarship, the foundation was supported by the career service of DIT.

Transnational project “DanuP-2-Gas” contributes to the Green Deal

In the “DanuP-2-Gas” project, researchers at the Technology Centre Energy (TZE) in Ruhstorf are developing the entire Danube area from Regensburg to the Black Sea with the aim of expanding the potential of the renewable energies available there, promoting transnational networking, producing and storing renewable natural gas, thus making Europe less dependent on gas imports from neighbouring countries. All this with the help of renewable energies.

The TZE of the University of Applied Sciences (HAW) Landshut is taking on the role of lead partner in the project, which is funded with more than 2.5 million euros. On the German side, it is being supported by the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), which is contributing its expertise and research results. A further nine countries along the Danube are also on board. The “DanuP-2-Gas” project runs from 202 to the end of 2022 and involves 14 partners. It is led by Prof Dr Raimund Brotsack, Professor at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in Pfarrkirchen.

Building on the basis of the Danube Energy Platform from the DIT’s “Energy Barge” project, “DanuP-2-Gas” networks the players in the entire Danube region. With this basis, the biomass available along the Danube can be promoted and distributed across the ten project countries. The project is dedicated to the process of making this biomass usable, with the help of which it is possible to produce gas from renewable energy sources through charring, subsequent gasification and methanation, which can then be fed into the existing distribution network. In this way, the electricity network is connected to the gas network and the resulting gas from renewable energy sources can be transported via these networks to areas where there is demand. This connection of the two networks or sectors is, along with the production and storage of the renewable gas, the core of the project and contributes significantly to making the energy supply in the Danube region more sustainable and thus actively promoting the energy turnaround. In “DanuP-2-Gas”, the project partners are now conducting a feasibility study in which biomass resources as well as infrastructural, legal and economic framework conditions are evaluated. DIT is preparing this information as an interactive geo-information platform with a Transnational Renewable Energy Atlas, so that future investors can use it to develop follow-up projects for actual technical implementation. Through the project, the Danube region has the potential to become a think tank for the energy turnaround and an ecosystem of further green innovation, emphasises Tobias Gotthardt, Chairman of the European Committee of Bavaria.

Cooperation DIT with HAW Landshut

In the field of energy storage technologies, especially in the area of long-term storage of renewable energies, DIT works closely with HAW Landshut. Prof Dr Raimund Brotsack (ECRI) has been partially seconded to HAW Landshut for an initial period of 4 years, half of his working time. In the “Power to Gas” working group there, a laboratory and technical centre for research and development work has been established, in which currently 3 research assistants and several students are researching and developing their final theses (doctorates, master’s, bachelor’s).

Pascal Grill, a graduate from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, will receive the Bavarian Culture Prize from Bayernwerk AG (Bayernwerk) for his master’s thesis in mechanical engineering on Thursday, 12 November at 7 pm. The writer Michaela Karl, the artist Regina Hellwig-Schmid and Carolina Camilla Kreusch, the actor and director Arnd Rühlmann and the opera singer Christa Mayer will also be honoured on the same evening. For the first time, the award ceremony will be held in a digital format. From a studio in Ismaning, it will be transmitted via livestream and additionally on local television stations. The presenter is Nina Sonnenberg. The Special Prize of the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Art is awarded to conductor, pianist and Nuremberg General Music Director Joana Mallwitz. In addition to Pascal Grill, 32 other graduates of Bavarian colleges and universities will receive the prize in the science category.

Numerical Flow Simulation

In his master’s thesis in mechanical engineering, Pascal Grill investigated the fluid flow in the drive area of a gear pump. In doing so, the 25-year-old used a so-called “numerical flow simulation” (Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD). The aim of the work was to find out under which conditions a lower pressure loss and better hygiene can be achieved.

Speakers from the universities on the “culture couch”

This year the award ceremony of the Bavarian Culture Prize is open to the general public for the first time. “Due to the current pandemic, the event cannot take place in the previous framework. We have therefore decided to use a digital format”, explains Reimund Gotzel, Chairman of the Board of Bayernwerk AG (Bayernwerk). In the 90-minute culture programme (from 7 - 8.30 pm), the winners of the year 2020 will receive the Bavarian Culture Prize. As representatives of the scientists, the spokespeople of their universities and educational institutes will take a seat on the “culture couch”. The prizes in the art category and the special prize are endowed with € 5,000 each, and € 2,000 each in the science category. This time, more than the usual 300-400 invited guests can be present in front of the screens: Interested parties can join in live at www.bayernwerk-live.de/kulturpreis-bayern. Presenter Nina Sonnenberg, as singer Fiva, is also part of the cultural performances accompanying the evening. She will perform alongside the a-cappella quintet Viva Voce, the musician and percussionist Vivi Vassileva and Carollina Bastos and Ariel Merkuri from the Bavarian State Ballet. The local TV stations TV Mainfranken, TV Oberfranken, Oberpfalz TV, TVA Regensburg and Niederbayern TV will broadcast the award ceremony live on their programmes.

The Bavarian Culture Prize is awarded by the Bayernwerk together with the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Art. In the science section, the 33 best university and college graduates in Bavaria are also honoured: “In these difficult times, we particularly notice how valuable, indispensable and worth supporting culture and science in all their facets are. The Bavarian Culture Prize is a thank you to the people who make such a rich gift to our society with their work in art, culture and science,” explains Reimund Gotzel.

An award with history

For more than 60 years, Bayernwerk has been committed to cultural and scientific commitment and honours it with the Bavarian Culture Prize. The prize was awarded for the first time in 1959 - initially only in Eastern Bavaria. Since 2005, Bayernwerk has been awarding the prize throughout Bavaria together with the State Ministry of Science and Art. All prize winners receive the bronze statue “Gedankenblitz”, created by the Schwandorf sculptor Peter Mayer, and prize money. While an expert jury selects the five art prize winners, the Bavarian state colleges and universities nominate their best graduates and doctoral candidates. The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Art also awards a special prize to an artist.

The Los Angeles Crime & Horror Film Festival took place on Wednesday, 4 November and Thursday, 5 November. There Maximilian Stahl, media technology graduate from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), was awarded for the short film “Accept”.

The script of the film was written and directed by Manuel Klavers. But the jury especially liked the image design of “Accept”, which was created by Maximilian Stahl. He had been involved in the film with the concept, camera work, lighting design, colour grading and visual effects, i.e. the entire image design. The jury honoured the outstanding work of the DIT alumnus with the award for “Best Cinematography” on the first day of the festival.

The short film “Accept” submitted by the people from Deggendorf is assigned to the genres horror and thriller and is about a young woman who sees uncanny characters. Her father also had this gift and was broken by it. In the film she learns to accept herself and this peculiarity.

The Los Angeles Crime & Horror Film Festival takes place annually in Los Angeles, with film screenings in Hollywood. Due to the prevailing pandemic, this year’s festival was held virtually. A total of 13 films from various genres were show. The Los Angeles Crime & Horror Film Festival has made it its mission to show and celebrate the best of independent crime and horror films and the many sub-genres of crime fiction, true crime and psychological horror in film and new media.

Encouraged by the current situation, the focus is currently on the healthcare system and how to provide rapid medical care. To this end, the online event "Digital Health Care" of the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in cooperation with the European Region Danube-Moldova (EDM) will take place on 12 November from 8.50 to 13.30. Anyone who is interested can register now.

The times are up for a storm and new, innovative solutions in the health care sector are in demand. In rural areas in particular, it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide medical care that is tailored to the needs of people living close to their homes. Where is the research currently at and what solutions for digital health care are already being implemented by industry? Bavarian, Austrian and Czech experts from the fields of medicine, business and science will provide a look behind the scenes to answer these questions. The online conference "Digital Health Care" will focus in particular on digitalisation in cardiology, Covid-19 as an innovation driver for research and business, and the future of cross-border health care in Bavaria, Austria and the Czech Republic.

The online event is free of charge. It will be held bilingually, in German and Czech, with simultaneous translation. Those interested can register for the conference via the homepage of the Danube-Moldova European Region (https://bit.ly/3oRZftA).

The online event "Digital Health Care" is organised by ECRI together with EDM. EDM is a trilateral working group with seven partner regions in Bavaria, Austria and the Czech Republic. EDM is dedicated to promoting cooperation and the further development of the EDM area. The focus is on Industry 4.0, Health, Tourism and Language.

On 27 November at 1 pm, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) offers access to the next TOEIC test (Test of English for International Communication). For almost 40 years this has been in demand as proof of job-related English. The test serves both employees and educational institutions worldwide as a standard for reliable proof of English language skills.

The TOEIC Listening & Reading Online covers both listening and reading comprehension. The two-hour, multiple choice test is taken on the computer. The special feature of this test is that it simultaneously tests language levels from A1 to C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Each candidate is placed exactly in their respective language level and receives a result - there is no failing. However, there is a compulsory trial date. This is on Friday, 20 November, also at 1 pm. The number of participants for the examinations is limited. Registration is possible until 13 November at sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de. The examination fee is 130 euros or 150 euros if a certificate is desired. Further information is available on the THD website at: https://th-deg.de/de/studierende/sprachkurse-awp-faecher#accordion-toeic.

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is system accredited. Over a period of several months, an agency appointed for this purpose put the university through all the relevant tests. The result: the quality is right. Studies and teaching meet the highest standards.

Currently, only 22 percent of all recognised universities in Germany are system accredited. Science minister Bernd Sibler congratulated DIT on its success. He stressed: “The Deggendorf Institute of Technology with its nine technology transfer centres at ten locations and the European Campus Rottal-Inn in Pfarrkirchen is an innovation driver for the whole of Lower Bavaria. It is a constant in the Bavarian university landscape. Here young people are given high-quality training in order to help shape our progress and our future as the competent specialists of tomorrow. The successful system accreditation confirms this. Everyone involved can be very proud of this!” During system accreditations, the university’s internal quality management system is examined for its suitability. This means that the higher education institution must prove to selected experts that structures exist which ensure the quality of the study programmes. The standards are formed by legal requirements, decided upon by the Länder and the higher education institution’s own quality objectives, which must be taken into account. In 2018, DIT has submitted the application for the implementation of a system accreditation to the agency ASIIN. The higher education institution worked towards two major on-site appointments of the experts from then on. All committees, faculties, departments up to students were required. On 29 September 2020, the university received the official and positive decision of the experts. According to DIT president Prof Dr Peter Sperber, the effort for the system accreditation was worthwhile. In the future, costs and time could be saved. If the higher education institution were not system accredited, it would still have to have each study programme individually assessed by an agency. For the next six years, the university is now allowed to review the development of the study programmes with internal procedures. This is an advantage, for example, when introducing new study programmes, as Sperber continues: “System accreditation will allow the university to react even faster and more flexibly to the requirements of business and society in the future and to offer new study programmes of high quality that fit perfectly. The successful system accreditation is a major milestone. A step towards more personal responsibility, but also towards more autonomy.

On October 21, Prof. Dr. Dr. Ozar Mintser from the National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education (NMAPE) in Kiev, Ukraine, visited the main campus of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), and the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in Pfarrkirchen. On his working visit he discussed the prospects of the long-term cooperation of DIT-ECRI with NMAPE.

During the visit Prof. Mintser met with President of DIT, Prof. Sperber, Vice-President for Health Sciences, Prof. Kunhardt, and Prof. Chaltikyan, with whom he discussed the prospects of the long-term cooperation between the two institutions. Prof. Mintser then visited the campus in Pfarrkirchen where he met with ECRI Dean, Prof. Georg Christian Steckenbauer, Prof. Chaltikyan, Prof. Spittler (Program Coordinator, Bachelor of Health Informatics at DIT-ECRI), as well as teaching and research staff of Digital Health, Medical and Health Informatics. During his stay at ECRI Prof. Mintser presented on NMAPE, as well as on advances in Medical Informatics education and research at his institution. The participants then discussed the practical aspects of the cooperation that will include the following main directions: bilateral exchange of students and staff (academic mobility), joint research project and activities, and double-degree study programmes. The parties also discussed a possibility of establishing a new joint satellite campus for Digital Health and Medical Tourism in Western Ukraine.

NMAPE and DIT-ECRI had signed a Memorandum of Understanding and a Cooperation Agreement earlier this year, to advance collaboration in education, research, and development in the domains of Digital Health, Medical and Health Informatics, as well as Medical, Health and Wellness Tourism. Prof. Ozar Mintser (Head of Department of Medical Informatics at NMAPE) and Prof. Georgi Chaltikyan (Program Coordinator, Master of Medical Informatics at DIT-ECRI) first established contact and began designing a collaboration plan in March 2020. They prepared and finalized a set of high-level documents, such as the Memorandum of Understanding, and then organized the working visit of Prof. Mintser to DIT-ECRI.

Established in 1918, NMAPE is one of the leading institutions in Ukraine in medical education and training and biomedical research, serving more than 25,000 physicians and medical graduates each year through postgraduate degree programmes, and certificate programmes in Continuous Medical Education (CME).

Current short films by students of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) will be shown at internationally renowned film festivals in Hof, Munich and Fort Lauderdale (Florida, USA) in autumn. All festivals offer their programmes online. Thus, they are accessible to the audience in Bavaria.

Filmmakers like Wim Wenders, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Werner Herzog, Caroline Link or Doris Dörrie have presented their films at the International Hof Film Festival in the past. At the 54th edition of this event from 20 to 25 October, media technology students from DIT will now also be allowed to take part. “Accept”, the bachelor thesis of Manuel Klavers, Maximilian Stahl and Paul Bickhoff has been invited to the short film programme of Germany’s oldest and most renowned film festival. But that’s not all, as Jens Schanze, professor for film and video design at DIT proudly explains: “The team around author and directory Manuel Klavers will also be participating in the 35th Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (6 - 22 November, https://fliff.com/2020filmguide). “Accept” has also made it to Florida, where film entrepreneurs like Martin Scorsese, John Schlesinger, Spike Lee and Ben Kingsley have already been guests”.

The mystery drama “Accept” by the students from Deggendorf tells the story of a girl who hides her true self after the death of her father in order to be able to lead a normal life with her family. When she is pursued by threatening figures, she has to face her fears and learn to accept herself. The film was shot with elaborate equipment in the historical setting of the Oberpfälzer Freilandmuseum.

The new film was also invited to Hof by Prof Schanze. The 30-minute documentary film “Stolz auf dich” portrays a 17-year-old schoolgirl from Deggendorf who wants to make her dream of becoming a kickboxing champion come true. At both European Championships in Macedonia, she will be wearing the jersey of the German national team for her first fight. The film is also part of the programme of the 63rd International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animation film.

The short film “2100” by director Lea Blöchinger, which was made during the master’s seminar “Short film” at DIT, was invited to the competition for the Climate Clip Award 2020 at the International Festival of Film Schools. The film is a dystopia of human existence in the year 2100 against the background of global warming. Master student Regina Portje and her fellow students Tim Miller, Moritz Grötsch, Alexander Steil and Lukas Haselberger also took part in the production. Every autumn, a selection of the best films produced at film schools around the world is presented in Munich.

Dr Matthias Huber has been appointed new professor at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in Pfarrkirchen for the winter semester 2020/2021. He will take over the teaching area “Computer Science and Modelling/Energy Systems and Intelligent Buildings”. And he has even more plans. He would like to create a Living Lab for intelligent energy systems in the soon to be newly constructed buildings in Pfarrkirchen, where researchers from science and practice can come together.

Research at the interface between technology and economics with a focus on mathematical modelling, simulation and optimisation is Matthias Huber’s specialty. It all began for him with a double degree in mechanical engineering/energy technology at the Technical University of Munich and economics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich. After a short detour as management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, he also completed his doctorate in the field of energy system optimisation at the TU Munich. He explains his research activities as follows: “We use mathematical models to represent reality. This is possible for both (energy) technical and economic systems. The mathematical models enable simulation and optimisation procedures”. In addition, new methods of machine learning, i.e. artificial intelligence, play an increasingly important role. This approach is relevant, for example, in the field of renewable energies, both to plan the installed capacities first and to optimise operation. After a phase at the Ifo Institute in Munich, Matthias Huber moved to Siemens AG, where he worked in central research for energy systems.

With the goal of a Living Lab in Pfarrkirchen, Matthias Huber is taking up his area of expertise 100 percent. If he has his way, an intelligent energy system, including a local energy market, is to be created in which both the campus as a smart building and local operators of photovoltaic or combined heat and power plants could participate. The design of such market places is an exciting field of research, he says. He also finds the interface of energy issues with other sectors such as buildings, innovative transport concepts and the importance of energy in agriculture, including new ideas such as vertical farming, interesting.

He is very much looking forward to his time at the European Campus. As a professor, he sees his success in inspiring and educating young people to such an extent that they can successfully go through their professional lives themselves. The native Bavarian is also looking forward to the international environment. Even during his doctorate, he was already travelling internationally in Singapore, Austin and Stanford.

Today, the father of three children prefers to spend his free time outdoors in nature. Hiking, cycling and skiing are among his hobbies. In the evenings he likes to play a round of Schafkopf or let the day come to an end in the beer garden.

With its new incubator programme "Kickstart", the Startup Campus of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) promotes unique projects and further expands the start-up culture at DIT.

The new programme "Kickstart" refers to the pre-founding phase and prepares students, employees and alumni of DIT and EXIST start-up grant in six months. Thanks to the programme funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the "Kickstart" projects can count on support of up to € 7,500 for the construction of a prototype. In addition, participants will be given access to the creative working environment in the new DIT Startup Lab and coaching by the experts of the Startup Campus Team.

With the first "Kickstart" project "fx-drones" by Daniel Fuchs, a 360° video drone is promoted, which is especially designed for indoor recordings. At less than 250g, the drone is so light and manoeuvrable that it is able to fly through small openings, windows or shelves and also over sensitive places near people without any problems. For example, it can fly past the athletes at sporting events and even between the feet of the dancers at dance events. With this concept, Daniel Fuchs is one of the first people in Germany to receive funding from the programme. 

With the "scob" team, a second project has already been included in the "Kickstart" incubator programme. This is a career platform based on Artificial Intelligence, which helps companies and potential trainees to find each other and achieve the "perfect match" on the job market, so to speak. 

The newly created incubator programme "Kickstart" is aimed at all founders of tomorrow and once again underlines the pioneering role of the DIT Startup Campus in the start-up scene. Further information on the programme can be found at: https://th-deg.de/en/students/career/startup-campus.

On November 13th the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI), faculty of Deggendorf Insitute of Technology (DIT), is hosting its international symposium “DigiHealthDay-2020” with internationally renowned speakers.

The “DigiHealthDay-2020” features speakers from Germany, UK, US, Finland, Czech Republic, Russia, Ukraine, and other countries. With nine keynote and impulse talks, and several scientific session, the day’s programme is packed with knowledge and information on the most relevant topics in Digital Health. The international symposium is an excellent opportunity for all Digital Health enthusiasts to learn more about the global Digital Health Landscape.

Given the continuing and worsening situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the international symposium will take place in a virtual format, with live online presentations and discussion rooms. Attendence is free but requires registration. All registered participants will get full access to both live streams and video recordings. Register at https://www.th-deg.de/digihealthday until November 1st.

The “DigiHealthDay-2020” is hosted by ECRI in cooperation with our partners and sponsors: International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth (ISfTeH), International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI), DGTelemed, Bayerischer Telemedallianz (BTA), the City of Pfarrkirchen, m.Doc, and Digital Health News portal.

On Tuesday, 27 October 2020 at 5pm, the International Office of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) - for the first time - will be organising a virtual Erzähl- and KULTURcafé, which will combine the traditional Erzählcafé from Deggendorf with the KULTURcafé of the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in Pfarrkirchen.

Under the motto "My country and Germany / Presenting my country", international students report on their home countries. In three rounds of talks, the participants learn interesting, curious and exciting things about these countries and can test their knowledge.

Those interested in culture are cordially invited to the virtual Erzähl- and Kulturcafé. In addition to insights into the respective cultures, the lectures provide a wonderful basis for intercultural dialogue. Knowledge of English is required.

Interested parties can register until Friday, 23 October via e-mail to erzaehlcafe@th-deg.de. Registration is also possible for the next edition of the Erzähl- and KULTURcafé on Tuesday, 15 December under the motto "International Christmas".

How does learning go digital and with the help of artificial intelligence (AI)? Dr Christina Bauer, new professor at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), knows the answer. As a specialist for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Teaching, she will develop and evaluate digital learning environments that react intelligently to users.

In recent months, digital teaching has suddenly moved into the spotlight thanks to Corona. This is an opportunity for society to continue dealing with it now, if Christina Bauer has her way. The AI and also digital teaching could support here! For example, one could provide the broad masses with simple information on socially important topics and individualise it. With regard to teaching, courses with the help of artificial intelligence can be much better tailored to the needs of learners. Either to supplement classroom teaching or to offer courses completely digitally. DIT will take this step in the long run. To this end, Christina Bauer will test, research and teach the use of artificial intelligence in digital teaching. Intelligent learning environments will be designed and investigated, e.g. in the form of intelligent tutorial systems or assessment systems. She has already set herself the goal of firmly anchoring digital teaching at DIT even after Corona: “And this as an important supplement to presence teaching, so-called blended learning.

Christina Bauer gained her experience primarily at the University of Regensburg. During her doctorate and later in projects as well as in teaching and as coordinator of the newly introduced Master’s programme Digital Humanities. She herself studied information science. In Deggendorf, she will work as a lecturer primarily at the Faculty of Applied Computer Science. In teaching, it is important to her to work in a structured way. She also likes to encourage and support students with her own ideas. She hopes to find like-minded people among the scientists when it comes to sharing knowledge. In her spare time, the young professor is involved in Scientists for Future. Scientists actively contribute the current state of their research field in a comprehensible form to the social debate on sustainability and securing the future.