Timon Gremmels experiences art and technology at the THM

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Official inaugural visit to the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen : Hesse's Science Minister Timon Gremmels (3rd from left) visits the campus in Gießen , led by President Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems (2nd from right) and the Vice President Prof. Dr. Jochen Frey (l.) and Prof. Dirk Metzger (2nd from left), with SPD state parliament member Nina Heidt-Sommer (3rd from right) and Dr. Kerstin Schulmeyer-Ahl, Head of the Teaching and Study Department at the HMWK.The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen ( THM ) is one of Germany's largest universities of applied sciences with three campuses in Gießen , Friedberg and Wetzlar as well as six branches throughout Hesse. The new Science Minister Timon Gremmels visited them for the first time.

“I am pleased to be able to present to you our teaching, the excellent research, the close connection between science and practice, but also something completely unexpected at the THM ,” welcomed THM President Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems the minister. “Each university has its own special strengths that make it an indispensable part of our educational landscape. It is therefore important for me to experience the diversity and innovative spirit of our universities live,” emphasizes Minister Gremmels.

During a campus tour, he first gained insight into the student project MAMUT Robotics. Students develop mobile robots in the laboratory on the fifth floor of the THM high-rise A10 with a view of the Gießen Land. The student research groups are supported by two main projects: the eponymous MAMUT robot, which will autonomously plant landscape areas in need in the future, and the EUROBOT competition. Student teams compete against each other with their autonomous robots in annual championships.

In the THM Smart Factory, its head Prof. Dr. Christian Überall (from left) Minister Timon Gremmels, Nina Heidt-Sommer, THM President Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems and Vice President Prof. Dr. Jochen Frey the processes. In THM high-rise C10 opposite, whose facade is currently being renovated, President Willems gave Minister Gremmels a tour of the Smart Factory Central Hesse and the 3D printing center. “In the Smart Factory Central Hesse we develop and research concepts for Industry 4.0. We would like to help secure Central Hesse as a production location,” explained Prof. Willems. The 3D printing center is open to THM members and realizes ideas: whether for research projects, implementation for a bachelor's or master's thesis or support<a i=4 translate="no">Start-ups . As a guest gift, the Minister of Science received a specially designed pen holder made from a 3D printer.

In the new Materials and Components Research Center (MFZ), Timon Gremmels finally got an insight into the practical research at THM . In the modern halls with powerful testing machines and measuring technology, all common building materials can be tested for different aspects. The MFZ also offers individual component examinations and testing procedures. “In this way, we promote technology transfer between the university and regional companies,” explained Willems.

“I am impressed by the involvement of students in research and transfer projects as well as the close networking with the region,” said Minister Gremmels. “This makes THM a driver of innovation in Central Hesse.”

THM President and Science Minister concluded the campus tour with something extraordinary: “We not only have technology to offer at THM , but also art,” Willems referred to Don Quixote, depicted as a chestnut man with a horse, on the campus, which the Danish Artist Benedikte Bjerre created. Science Minister Gremmels can even take part of another work of art with him to Wiesbaden: hand-numbered maple seeds from the installation “Time Flies” by the Frankfurt artist Jan Schmidt. In a total of 20 years, 48,000 maple seeds will float from the ceiling of a THM building, randomly controlled, the motors powered by solar energy.

The subsequent conversation between the minister and the president focused on the increasing importance of research and transfer at THM , which makes the university one of the leading German transfer locations. The content also included the necessary financial and infrastructural conditions for the medium and long-term positioning of THM in the dynamic university landscape.