The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) and the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK) have signed their new target agreement for the years 2026 to 2031. In it, the university and the state agree on key strategic development goals in studies and teaching, research, digitalization, internationalization, and knowledge transfer.
The agreement also outlines the difficult financial conditions of the coming years, imposed by the strict framework of the Hessian Higher Education Pact, which is valid during the same period. THM announces a consolidation course, but simultaneously emphasizes its goal of safeguarding its innovative strength, its application-oriented research, and the high quality of its teaching.
“We are facing major challenges, but also important tasks for the future. With the new target agreement, we are creating the basis for the strategic development of our university and at the same time continuing to make an important contribution to securing skilled workers and the innovative capacity of the region,” says THMPresident Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems.
A central focus of the agreement is the further internationalization of the university – a direction that THM embarked upon several years ago. It plans to offer additional English-language degree programs: By 2031, at least three Degree Courses are to be offered entirely in English, and four master's programs are to have an English-language option. New bilingual bachelor's programs with integrated German language qualifications are to be established – programs that begin in English and are completed in German. At the same time, the university aims to significantly increase the proportion of international students and expand the mobility of students and faculty.
The further development of studies and teaching also plays a central role. With the "FoKuS@THM" project, the university is developing a competency model along the entire student life cycle, from initial contact with the university to beyond graduation. The goal is to prepare students even more effectively for the demands of the job market and for societal transformation processes. In addition to subject-specific qualifications, this includes so-called future skills such as interdisciplinary work, problem-solving skills, and digital literacy. Furthermore, the university aims to increasingly impart democratic competencies – a novel approach for a university with a technical focus.
In the areas of digitalization and artificial intelligence, THM sees itself as continuing to play a pioneering role, which it also demonstrates through guidelines for the use of AI in examinations. The university aims to expand the use of AI in teaching and to establish Professional Development opportunities for instructors. Furthermore, THM participates in inter-university digitalization projects in the state of Hesse and is committed to expanding IT security and digital infrastructure.
Application-oriented research will also be further strengthened. THM plans to expand its doctoral centers and – in line with its internationalization strategy in studies and teaching – to strengthen its international network. A total of 90 doctoral degrees are to be completed by 2031. THM 's research priorities include mobility, energy technology, information technology, life sciences, and, across disciplinary boundaries, sustainability.
To make research economically and socially beneficial, knowledge and technology transfer remain core elements of the university's profile. THM intends to further expand its support for start-ups and intensify collaboration with companies, municipalities, and regional partners. The goal is to accelerate the practical application of innovations and strengthen start-up activities originating from within the university.
Furthermore, THMis committed to consistently pursuing its path to becoming a climate-neutral university. Plans include further reducing CO2 emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and sustainably developing the university's self-operated campuses in Giessen and Friedberg.