How can universities worldwide learn from each other and jointly advance research? The first-ever International Research and Teaching Days, hosted by the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM), provided answers to this question. Around 30 scientists and university staff from eleven countries met in Giessen and Friedberg to exchange information on current research, innovative teaching concepts, and opportunities for international collaboration.
The English-language event week was jointly organized by the International Office (IO) and the Research and Young Academics (FN) department. It built upon the previous International Staff Week and expanded the format to include a focus on research. This supports THM 's strategy of further developing internationalization in research and teaching.
The main focus was on computer science, economics and management, sustainable engineering, and environmental systems. Representatives from three THM Centres of Competence as well as international guests, presented their current projects. The focus was on applications of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, sustainable technologies, and current trends in economic research. In total, around two dozen THM researchers presented their work.
The guests came from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Both long-standing partner universities and new collaborations were represented. Among the participants was a delegation from the Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, which was represented at the presidium level. The scientific program was complemented by laboratory tours, poster presentations, and information sessions on international funding opportunities.
However, the visitors also actively participated in the ongoing teaching activities at THM throughout the week: They taught in existing During your studies in the Departments of Mechanical and Energy Engineering (ME), Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Computer Science (MNI), and Business (W). Following an introductory lecture on university teaching methods by Prof. Silke Bock, head of the Center for Cooperative Teaching and Learning (ZeKoLL) at THM, guests and hosts also engaged in block seminars in Giessen and Friedberg, working in groups to explore modern teaching methods in the areas of AI and cybersecurity.
THMPresident Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems welcomed the participants and particularly commended the guests from Ukraine, who continued their academic work despite the difficult conditions of the war. He also expressed his gratitude to the organizing team led by Michaela Zalucki (IO) and Alina Müller (FN), as well as Prof. Dr. Rahamatullah Khondoker, who supported the preparation and execution of the event. International exchange formats such as the Research and Teaching Days are "invaluable for overcoming prejudices and improving cooperation for the benefit of the world," Willems emphasized.
The International Research and Teaching Days offered numerous opportunities to deepen existing collaborations and establish new contacts. In doing so, they make an important contribution to permanently strengthening international perspectives in research and teaching at THM and to launching joint projects with partner universities worldwide.