2013 Shaping Change Imprint Published By: the President Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences

Shaping Change The University Addresses Society‘s Probing Challenges Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences Annual Report 2013 The UniversityAddresses Society‘sProbing Challenges 2013 Shaping Change Imprint Published by: The President Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences

Editor (responsible): Eva Tritschler Executive Department of Marketing and Communications

Content design and editing: Katja Spross, Nele van Leeuwen Trio MedienService, Bonn

Translation: Marta Schuman en:comms, Bonn

Layout and design: Bosse und Meinhard GbR Wissenschaftskommunikation, Bonn

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Paper: BVS matt, FSC-certified

Print run / Date: 1,400 / July 2014 Shaping Change The University Addresses Society’s Probing Challenges 4

Contents

StudiumDialogue & Lehre Studies and Teaching Research Campus 6 12 24 38

Hartmut Ihne, President of Lecture series on technology DLR/NASA: Flying observatory Campus holds fi rst-ever Day Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University and environmental ethics • • Biology: Exploring the causes of Research • Coaching and of Applied Sciences, and Ralf Progressive learning in the of arthritis • Institute of Visual training for foreign students Stemmer, member of Post- Biochemical Science Master’s Computing receives research and graduates • Tips and bank’s Board of Management, programme • Learning English funding • IMEA and TREE: workshops for new students talk about digitalisation, through mock trade fairs New research institutes • women in leadership positions • MINT: Creative teaching Bone regeneration: University and the collaboration between approaches for academic Innovation Prize 2013 • BRSU academia and the business success • Alumna: Sandra funds patent applications community. Bulling reports from the havoc-wreaked Philippines

» driving application- » cross-disciplinary and » far-sighted and » movers + oriented learning hands-on forward-looking shakers 18 30 44 5

What does change Studium & Lehre Region International Facts and Figures look like? 48 54 64 76

BRSU in numbers • Change Medical tourism: Training Social security: Researchers Programmes of study • First-se- across the disciplines – from for doctors, clinical staff and establish international mester students • Student Business Psychology and tourism experts • Children’s forum • NRW-Middle East numbers • Graduates • Struc- Materials Science to Sustain- University gets kids interested scholarship programme • RISE ture • New appointments • ability and Computer Science in science • BusinessCampus: scholarship holders from the University Council • Employee Three sites with 40 businesses USA in Rheinbach • Internship structure • International part- • Germany Scholarship: BRSU semester abroad: Testimonials nerships • Prizes and awards gains sponsors • University partnerships with Ghana and Kenya

» unique and » versatile and attractive 60 dependable 70 » Dialogue 6

Living diversity and social change Hartmut Ihne, President of Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, and Ralf Stemmer, member of Postbank’s Board of Management, talk about digitalisation, women in leadership positions and the collaboration between academia and the business community.

} Each year Postbank supports eight BRSU students } Is Postbank feeling the shortage of skilled labour? with a Germany Scholarship. What does this scholarship mean for you? Ralf Stemmer: We are an attractive employer – a fact confi rmed every year by independent research institutes Hartmut Ihne: The scholarship provides students not only and Postbank’s low employee turnover: our employees with 300 euros per month in fi nancial support, but is also stay with us for 22 years on average. So our company also extremely valuable because of the contact it provides to refl ects the current demographics in terms of age distribu- top-class companies. Of course it also provides recognition tion. This is a big challenge when it comes to securing a for their achievements. All of this is extremely motivating steady supply of qualifi ed young employees into the future! for the students, and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (BRSU) benefi ts as well. The collaboration on the At the same time we are always looking for new skilled pro- Germany Scholarship often leads to further cooperative fessionals to drive innovation. Mathematicians are in great projects, such as internship semesters, research projects or demand, for example. In Bonn alone we employ 150 univer- Bachelor thesis projects. So the scholarships are also very sity grads whose sole responsibility is to develop risk models. important for BRSU. And we have a lot of demand for talented young people in product development. Digitalisation plays an important role Ralf Stemmer: Postbank is always here. Our employees need to be “at home” in the digital “We need to attract young looking to bring skilled profession- world and be able to develop new digital-world products als to its headquarters in Bonn, and ideas. Ultimately our success depends on how well we talents and one of the keys so for us it’s a big advantage to combine the bank’s mobile services via online banking with to this is working closely be able to work closely together the traditional services via our brick and mortar branch together with Bonn-Rhein- with BRSU. Many young people offi ces. So we want to bring our IT and Product Develop- Sieg University of Applied want to work in their home city or ment departments closer together, so that questions about region and the Germany Scholar- technical feasibility can be discussed early in the product Sciences.” ship is a chance for us to establish development process – and as a way to promote innovation. Ralf Stemmer relationships with the students while they are still pursuing their Hartmut Ihne: Technology and a global power shift are degrees and interest in our com- going to drive an explosion of change over the next several pany. years. We are already seeing a change in demand for our 7 » Dialogue

degree programmes. Last winter, for example, we received area of family, work-life balance, etc. We have been family fewer applications than expected for more traditional certifi ed for several years now and introduced a health disciplines such as electrical engineering and chemistry. This management system (see p. 41) in 2013. BRSU is very fl exi- could be a sign that we need to do more to adapt our de- ble when it comes to working hours and we give staff the gree programmes to today’s challenges and newly emerg- freedom to be responsible for their own work and sched- ing professions – so that we remain attractive for future ules. These kinds of options are extremely important if we generations and employers. The technological sciences, for want to attract and retain good people. Today’s workplace example, are rapidly merging with the computer sciences/ must also provide employees with a sense of belonging, IT, and I see tremendous potential here. a sense of home. I fi nd that a strong sense of community motivates both staff and students to be more engaged } How has the relationship between employer and and successful in their work and studies. employee changed and how are you responding to this change? We maintain an ongoing dialogue with companies in the Bonn region on the changes in the world of work. Our Ralf Stemmer: Ten to fi fteen years ago our employees professors visit the companies to give lectures, and compa- were concerned mainly about money and security. Today ny employees come to BRSU to meet with students and to the focus is more on fl ex-time working models, a modern gain insight into future changes and challenges in the area “The freer a society working environment, family-friendly policies, promoting of human resources development. is from government health and well-being, etc. Postbank is working to supply control, regulation and } this demand with new HR tools. As part of our internal Diversity has “arrived” as an important issue in tradition, the more human resources agenda and our new strategy develop- many companies, but most managers still have ment process, we listened carefully to our employees so very similar educational and career backgrounds. it requires a strong that we could learn as much as possible about their needs What is the role of diversity in business, and what ethical framework.” and where there’s still room for our company to develop is its role in academia? Hartmut Ihne and improve. That was very helpful. Hartmut Ihne: We need to “live” diversity. This is a big Take the example of family. We are a family certifi ed challenge. Our students come to BRSU after graduating company and provide not only a company kindergarten, from high school or after their fi rst few years on the job, but also childcare services for emergency situations – for and very often this is their fi rst time working in an interna- example when a child is sick and the parents don’t have the tional environment. option of staying home. Just recently we created a special family offi ce in both Munich and in Bonn – an offi ce that We very consciously encourage both students and BRSU mothers and fathers can use whenever they have to bring staff to live with diversity – to “live” diversity – and we their child to work on short notice. encourage them to talk about it as well. We offer “Intercul- tural Communication” as a special competency area, where Hartmut Ihne: Of course we’ve seen these changes at students learn about the cultural differences between var- BRSU as well − new standards and requirements in the ious regions around the world. Our Department of Natural » Dialogue 8

Sciences has developed a wonderful employment conditions are still not family-friendly enough. “Out of Campus Day” which, among The family and childcare solutions mentioned earlier are other things, celebrates the tremen- one way we are addressing this problem. At the same time, dous culinary diversity of various we are discussing with the city ways to improve the com- cultures around the world. And we muting situation, i.e. ways to minimise rush-hour traffi c continue to make progress promoting congestion and long commutes. women in sciences, and are fi lling more and more positions with female } Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences professors. Today we are also discuss- emphasises the importance of sustainability, social ing what inclusion means for BRSU, responsibility and ethics. Are you setting the what we are already doing in this benchmarks for companies? area, and how we can better integrate individuals with disabilities into uni- Hartmut Ihne: The freer a society is from government con- versity life as staff and students. In our trol, regulation and tradition, the more it needs people who “Ten to fi fteen years globalised world, living with diversity are willing to take on social responsibility and have a strong ago our employees is fundamental to ensuring democracy ethical framework of their own to guide their actions and were concerned and prosperity. decision-making. That applies to everyone of course, but mainly about money especially to those in leadership positions. This is something Ralf Stemmer: Diversity is very important to us. Ultimate- we teach and talk about with students from the begin- and security. Today ly a company should be just as diverse as its customers. ning. All of our departments host events to explore ethical the focus is more on Although roughly 40 percent of our customers have im- questions in the context of both academia and the working fl ex-time working migrant backgrounds, only about three percent of our world. Company representatives also visit us to discuss top- models, family- workforce has this background. We are not satisfi ed with ics such as whistleblowing. What do I do as an employee if friendly policies, and this, which is why in areas such as trainee recruiting, for I see my company acting in a way that is unethical, illegal or example, we are focusing our efforts on recruiting women otherwise inappropriate? What if I know, for example, that employee health and of Turkish descent. Equal opportunity for women is also the company is disposing of toxins illegally? Is my loyalty to well-being.” an ongoing focus area for us, especially on the issue of the company or to society? We host a fascinating lecture Ralf Stemmer women in leadership roles. Our goal at Postbank is to fi ll series on ethics and, as part of the “Forum Verantwortung” one-quarter of all management positions with women by (forum on responsibility), invite everyone in the university the year 2018. community and general public to take part in open discussion sessions. All of this is designed to motivate and inspire } Why have you been unable to achieve this so far? students to act in accordance with their own values, to act with integrity. But of course we also realise that the best Ralf Stemmer: It’s interesting that women make up near- teacher of ethics and morality is life itself. ly 60 percent of our overall workforce, but less than 20 percent of upper-level managers at Postbank. Where are Ralf Stemmer: Universities play a defi ning role. We look we losing the women and why? The answer is simple: for university graduates with maturity, conviction and a 9 » Dialogue

strong moral compass. We can live and promote certain thesis work there. We already values in the company, but integrity is something that any collaborate closely with Postbank successful applicant has to bring with them. As a company in the area of teaching. Post- we also have a responsibility to motivate our employees to bank employees regularly take act ethically and to take on social responsibility. Every year on teaching assignments or are Postbank recognises employees who demonstrate out- invited as “resource persons” to standing commitment to community service and/or social attend individual events – to give causes. This motivates not only the prize winners, but also a lecture on leadership respon- encourages colleagues to get involved as well. sibility, for example, as part of a leadership seminar. We want to } Postbank and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of introduce these kinds of formats Applied Sciences already have a close working re- even more into our teaching lationship. How do you envision the collaboration and continue to develop them between Postbank and BRSU in the future? further. It’s an important opportunity for students to be able to Ralf Stemmer: Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied meet and interact with business Sciences is an important partner for us when it comes to executives and other business fi nding and recruiting young talents. We remain interested people in various positions. So “Technology and a global in a close working relationship and, if anything, we would I’m happy to have people like Mr. power shift are going to like to increase our collaboration. I myself get a lot out of Stemmer who, despite a tremen- drive an explosion of change the work and discussions with students. It’s a chance for dously busy schedule, still takes over the next several years.” me to learn what makes young people “tick” and this the time to share his experience Hartmut Ihne insight is something I can then bring to the company. As with young people. an example, I am currently chairman of the advisory board for BRSU’s Studienstiftung (academic foundation). Students manage the foundation assets and we consult them on how best to invest this capital. In discussions with students I was very surprised to see that many are very risk averse Postbank AG and opt for low-risk investment options, which of course Ralf Stemmer is Member of the Board of to real-world application. Stemmer also means minimal returns. Back when I was a student, we Management and Director of Labour and volunteers his time as chairman of the Stu- took a much different approach! So this was new to me Resources at Postbank. At Bonn-Rhein-Sieg dienstiftung advisory board. Postbank funds and I was able to pass this insight along to our people in University of Applied Sciences he is a mem- eight Germany Scholarships every year at product development. ber of the advisory committee to the Depart- BRSU. With some 22,000 employees across ment of Management Sciences, which helps Germany, Postbank is also one of the largest Hartmut Ihne: We plan to further intensify our collabora- the department align its academic curriculum employers in the Bonn region. tion with Postbank so that we can give even more students the opportunity to conduct their internship semester or » change » TheUniversityaspartof vide appropriate answers.” at BRSUtoaddress thesechallengesandpro- We consideritoneof ourcore responsibilities responsibility andintercultural communication. and challengesintheareas ofethics, social society? Thisleadstoevenbiggerquestions this changemeanforus,businessand of highereducationintothefuture. Whatdoes so thatweremain anoutstandinginstitution strategy mustadequatelyrefl ectthesechanges understanding thisprocess −ourdevelopment University ofAppliedSciencesiscommittedto of aglobalpowershift.TheBonn-Rhein-Sieg tion, andwefi ndourselvestodayinthemidst integration willbefollowedbyglobalintegra- tries havemovedmuchclosertous.European OECD countries,andeventheemergingcoun- economic structures are verysimilartoother politics, law, businessandthesciences.Our common rulesandregulations intheareas of gral partofalargerEuropean statewithmany a breathtaking pace.Germanyisnowaninte- “Our societyischangingfundamentallyandat the socialchange BRSU President Prof.Dr. HartmutIhne

13 Studies and Teaching 13

Changing perspectives Students research security gaps Lecture series examines technology and European programme for better robot environmental ethics security » 14 » 15

Certifi ed quality experts Practical negotiation techniques in The university and companies develop English advanced training for chemical industry Simulated trade show facilitates ‘learning by professionals » 16 doing’ » 17

» movers and shakers driving application-oriented learning » 18

MINT fi t Extreme dedication Teaching Quality Pact ensures optimal BRSU graduate Sandra Bulling reports from teaching conditions the havoc-wreaked Philippines » 20 » 22 » Studies and Teaching 14

Changing perspectives Lecture series examines technology and environmental ethics

Can artificial clouds save the climate, or is intervention The question of engineers’ responsibility for the social in the atmosphere too risky? Should an athlete with a and ecological consequences of their work, as well as the prosthetic leg take part in competition, or is that a case question of the individual’s role was the unifying theme of of “technology doping”? And what about autonomous the lectures given by natural scientists, philosophers, and weapon systems? They can make life and death decisions media-makers. “This is a topic that definitely belongs in the on their own − should this be allowed? During the “Tech- curriculum of a technical university,” says University Presi- nology and Environmental Ethics” lecture series, nine guest dent Hartmut Ihne. The lecture series is a required module speakers shed light on current questions from different, for all Technical Journalism majors and is an elective for and often unusual, perspectives. The interdisciplinary engineers. offering from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Technical Journalism (EMT) The discussion continues contributes to one of the main goals of the university: to include sustainability themes in its course offerings. “Technology and environmental ethics should also be discussed outside specialist circles, in the public realm,” adds Katharina Seuser, Professor for Journalism and Media Production. Fifty-six prospective technical journalists took on this challenge as part of an assignment. They attended the lecture series and publicised it with reports, photos, portraits, and videos in BRSU’s own online magazine technikjournal.de, and on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. For student and reporter Lisa Meurer it was more than a technical exercise: “The lecture series inspired me to reflect on my own behaviour with respect to the environment!”

The results can be seen and heard here: ÜÜwww.technikjournal.de/cms/ front_content.php?idart=667 15 » Studies and Teaching

Students research security gaps European programme for better robot security

They are employed as production help in industry, or as useful household helpers − many companies already use robots, and rely on sophisticated software. But what happens when a sudden disruption occurs and the robot’s functionality becomes limited, or even dangerous for its surroundings? A total of 64 international students, 20 of them from Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, examined these questions during the Erasmus intensive programme “Safe and Secure Robots based on Open Source Software” (SaSeRos) held in Espoo, near Helsinki. The European students worked together for two weeks in interdisciplinary and multinational teams centred on the theme “Design of Safe and Reliable Technical Systems”. Among them were eleven students from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Technical Journalism (EMT), and nine students from the addition to the regular course of studies. Companies are A participant’s blog Department of Computer Science. looking for people who are not only strong in their speci- The Finnish student Maymu- alities, but are also interculturally competent, since they na Syed looks back fondly on Intercultural competence increasingly work on industrial projects in international the Erasmus intensive course teams. “I am sure that students and companies both profit SaSeRos: New friendships, The students from Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland from these encounters.” valuable experiences through and Germany analysed errors in hardware and software, exchanges with other stu- and benefited from working together. In the theoretical The intensive course in Espoo was the last of a total of dents, and of course insights part, topics such as robot data security, system develop- three stages of the SaSeRos project. BRSU is one of five and expertise gained in the ment, and electromagnetic compatibility were explained European universities participating in the Erasmus pro- programming and security and discussed. In the large gym of the host university, gramme. The other universities are the Helsinki University monitoring of robots based Metropolia, the participants designed robots in teams, put of Applied Sciences, the Sør-Trøndelag University College on open source software. them together themselves with Lego pieces, and tested (HiST) in Trondheim, Norway, the Amsterdam University of them on-site. The two best results received a prize. “There Applied Sciences, and the Universitat Politècnica de Valèn- Her blog: was this intense working atmosphere. The students dove cia. ÜÜhttp://saseros-2013. blog- into the tasks with energy and dedication,” recalls Norbert spot.de/2013/04/ finale- Jung, Computer Science Professor at the BRSU and the SaSeRos video: bring-it-on.html initiator of SaSeRos. “Actually, everyone was a winner!” ÜÜhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW3tdUccwv0 He sees the intensive Erasmus programme as an important » Studies and Teaching 16

Certified quality experts First-class teaching The university and companies develop advanced training for chemical concept wins industry professionals prestigious honour The Department of Electrical Whether headache medicine, pesticides, or food additives Unique: Master’s programme in Analytical Engineering, Mechanical − the market introduction of a chemical product in Germa- Chemistry and Quality Assurance Engineering, and Technical ny is accompanied by quality assurance procedures. These Journalism (EMT) qualified for include the ‘Gute Laborpraxis’ (GLP), for instance, which BRSU’s new vocational training promotes its work in the the “Bestes Maschinenhaus is applied during the development process, and the Good area of life-long learning while at the same time bringing 2013” competition spon- Manufacturing Practice (GMP), which is used during pro- attention to the new Master’s programme in Analytical sored by the German Engi- duction. Both procedures require highly-skilled analysts and Chemistry and Quality Assurance. “One of our many neering Federation (VDMA) unfortunately, they are in short supply. unique selling points,” comments Jürgen Pomp, who with a cutting-edge teaching points out that it is the only location in Germany that offers concept focused on motivat- In September 2013 Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied this kind of training tuition-free. ing first-semester students, Sciences launched a special training programme to attract team building and guidance specialists to this area. Together with the Gesellschaft counselling. The department Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh) and the chemical and pharma- counts among the six final- ceutical companies Merck and Infraserv, BRSU developed a ists, along with the Karlsruhe certified training programme (Geprüfter Qualitätsexperte Institute of Technology (win- GxP). So far 18 participants have taken advantage of the ner), the Cologne University opportunity. Two further sessions are planned for 2014. of Applied Sciences (special prize), TU Darmstadt, the The certification course consists of four modules that can University of Stuttgart, and also be taken individually. Jürgen Pomp, Professor of Qual- the Offenburg University of ity Assurance and Forensic Analysis at BRSU, offers the GLP Applied Sciences, and can intensive training course in the labs in Rheinbach. The other now proudly call itself one of modules are given by the other three partners. Germany’s best engineering programmes. Inspecting lab instruments, testing measurement methods, ÜÜwww.youtube.com/ and verifying data − that is only part of the training. “It is watch?v=PEY7k6UFme4 also about challenging assumptions in everyday practice,” says Jürgen Pomp. Is the data which is being evaluated meaningful? Is the measurement methodology any good? As Pomp points out, these are questions chemists must keep in the back of their minds to be effective at quality control. 17 » Studies and Teaching

Practical negotiation techniques in English Simulated trade show facilitates ‘learning by doing’

Learning and practicing English for business situations – “The goal of the simulated trade fair is to use specialised with the CSR Trade Expo project, the Language Centre English vocabulary in real situations and to communicate makes negotiation-oriented learning a reality. To this end, effectively with business partners,” explains Regina Braut- second-semester business students simulate trade shows at lacht, Head of the English programme. In teams of four, the the Sankt Augustin and Rheinbach campuses. students develop a new sustainability-related product or service, which they then offer at the trade fair. Brautlacht introduced the theme of sustainability into the curriculum three years ago. In addition to product development, the students are also responsible for creating logos, posters, and the trade booths.

The visitors are first-semester students and other members What is CSR? of the university community who have 20,000 fictional euros available to buy products. Exhibitors and fair visitors Corporate Social Responsi- negotiate in English and improve their ability to carry out bility (CSR) is a management negotiations in a foreign language. As Regina Brautlacht concept that is becoming reports, the CSR Trade Expo has become very popular. “We more and more important get lots of good feedback,” she says. “Learning by doing is worldwide. It is about deep- very motivating for the students, since the goal of learning ening a sense of social re- the language is very clear and immediately understood.” sponsibility inside companies In addition to improving English skills, the faux trade fair and making it a part of the trains creativity and business sense. The International core mission. Professors at Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) gives awards the International Centre for for the most innovative product and service ideas. The best Sustainable Development sustainable business plan from 2013 was submitted by a (IZNE) and other experts ex- group of entrepreneurs from a company called ‘fruit plan- pand on this during lectures et’. Fruit planet’s idea was to produce juice from fruit that is on business ethics or fair not suitable for sale in the EU due to irregularities in shape trade, for instance. Work- or colour. ing together with the IZNE, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences integrated Plenty of activity at the trade fair stand: CSR into its business and eco- Students negotiate fluently in English nomics curriculum in 2013. » driving application-oriented learning

Professor Jürgen Apfelbeck “First, the group had to take it does not believe in saving the apart. Their second task was to best for last; his goal is to get build a new and improved ver- students engaged and excited sion.” The students encounter about their studies from the errors and problems in the pro- very get-go by letting fi rst-se- cess but as Professor Apfelbeck mester students apply their points out, they have everything knowledge right away in hands- they need in terms of knowl- on projects and experiments. edge to solve them. “It’s always This approach is part and parcel a thrill when students fi gure of the Pro-MINT-us project at out how to apply what they’ve the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University learned in class,” he says. BRSU of Applied Sciences. “Students is charting new territory with its need to understand the practi- applications-oriented teaching cal relevance of what they are approach. Pro-MINT-us opens learning. We can help them by the door to completely new, conducting experiments in class student-oriented teaching for- and giving them interesting mats and approaches. Accord- assignments for project week,” ing to Apfelbeck, it’s the right explains Apfelbeck, who is a way forward: “Our university is professor for Electrical Engi- fresh and innovative − tackling neering. One such assignment and driving change is what it involved an electric longboard does best!” he bought. » movers + shakers

» Studies and Teaching 20

MINT fit Teaching Quality Pact ensures optimal teaching conditions

The catchy “Komm, mach MINT!” campaign is just one of means limited to just the MINT courses of study at BRSU − many initiatives used to promote study and careers in the it is put into practice by departments university-wide. Here areas of maths, IT/engineering, natural sciences and tech- are some examples: nology (MINT). Unfortunately, the fail rate is notably high in these fields. Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences Turning teaching into book project is countering this trend with its Pro-MINT-us project, which has been slated to receive a total of 6.2 million euros in Textbooks off the shelf are one way to learn. But how funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Re- about turning what you’ve learned into your own personal search (BMBF) Teaching Quality Pact until the year 2016. textbook? Included in Professor Theo Peters’ “Business Management 101” lecture is a hands-on component Smaller classes, more time for explaining concepts and involving student group work, with each group preparing alternative teaching methods such as project-based learn- texts on specific topics covered in the lecture. Their papers, ing are all ways to tackle the problem head on, of this which are corrected and edited, are also compiled into Pro-MINT-us project coordinator Professor Marco Winzker chapters. The end product is printed for the students to use is sure. Implementing these measures costs money − for as their own reference work. staffing as well as for the extra training for the professors. “Funding for teaching has been around for a while Learning about production logistics with LEGOs now, but demand for it has increased since the launch of Pro-MINT-us and the ‘Tag der Lehre’ (Teaching Day),” says For Business Administration students, learning about Winzker. The main focus of the Pro-MINT-us project lies on production logistics can get pretty dry pretty fast. But if enhancing the academic experience of BRSU’s incoming it’s taught in the right way, as Martin-Christian Kemnitz students through improved academic counseling, more does, it can also be engaging and fun. His students use prep courses and e-learning opportunities. The goal is to LEGO-cars kits with detailed components to simulate in get the university’s newest students ready to face the aca- real-time the production processes in an automobile manu- demic challenges that await them at BRSU. facturing plant. By simulating assembly belt production step by step, students see immediately how errors impact “Students often have a hard time putting what they’ve the process as a whole and learn about the rules for quality learned in the classroom into practice,” explains Marco assurance. Winzker. “They’re not fully aware of how and where the knowledge can be applied in real life.” Pro-MINT-us has A trio: Statistics, Excel and Chemistry responded with new courses designed to close gaps like these. The new course offerings focus on the practical Learning to take measurements and evaluating them is a application value of the material being taught, thereby core component for Chemistry students. Thanks to a new increasing the students’ motivation. This approach is by no cross-modular internship coordinated by Antje Thielen, stu- 21 » Studies and Teaching

dents can now be trained in these important procedures. During the internship students practice taking measurements with micropipettes and measuring cylinders, record- ing the results in Excel and interpreting the outcomes. In the process, they encounter common pitfalls and explore different ways to present the data.

Making science more transparent through language

Knowing their “stuff” is for many students just half the battle − they are also expected to become‚us‘ engl. versed „[bei] in uns“ vari -(an der H-BRS) ous scientific techniquesBetreuungsrelation and methodologies. in MINT-FächernAnd many studentsPro have MINT difficulties us when it comes to writing papers, Projekt-basiertes Lernen internship summaries or lab reports. Unfortunately, their advisors do not have the time to sit down and review the students’ work individually and point out problems in language. Ulla Klee-Bender from the Department of So- cial Security Studies and Gabriele Menne-El Sawy and Jill Wolff from the Language Centre are addressing this issue by offering academic writing courses in both German and English. Their courses cover various forms of argumen- tation and the structural logic for academic writing and review finer points in grammar and spelling.

Projekt-basiertesBetreuungsrelation Lernen ‚us‘ engl. in MINT-Fächern „[bei] uns“ (an der H-BRS) Pro MINT us » Studies and Teaching 22

Extreme dedication BRSU graduate Sandra Bulling reports from the havoc-wreaked Philippines

When Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in November Journalist Sandra Bulling learned her trade at Bonn-Rhein- 2013, the devastation was overwhelming and the media Sieg University of Applied Sciences and was among the coverage extensive. Sandra Bulling, Media and Commu- first students to graduate from the Technical Journalism The ravaged city of Tacloban, No- nications Coordinator at Care International, was the first programme in 2004. Nine years later Bulling’s alma mater is vember 2013: Sandra Bulling was German to report from the ground and gave interviews, spotlighting her dedication as a reporter. “I think it’s great,” the first German to report from the one after the other, from beneath a flickering streetlight she says. “I thought the journalism programme was out- disaster-struck region outside her hotel. She makes the evening news in Germany standing and plan to keep connected with the university.” ÜÜwww.theguardian.com/ and her journal entries are published in The Guardian, one world/2013/dec/22/typhoon-hai- of the UK’s most well-known daily newspapers. Semester abroad gets things rolling yan-philippines-aid-workers-dia- ry-of-disaster Sandra Bulling was already laying down the foundation for an international career as an undergraduate. She travelled to China for her internship semester, where she worked in the Gerling Group press office. But this was just the beginning. Later she spent a total of six months in Cambodia with funding from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), first for an internship and then for her thesis, which she wrote under Professors Andreas Schümchen and Giso Deussen. Her work resulted in a practical handbook on setting up local newspapers in Cambodia. Yet another internship took Bulling to Care Deutschland; when she took the position of deputy spokeswoman, she moved to the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

As a press officer for Care, Bulling was frequently sent to crisis regions − in 2007 she witnessed first-hand the devastation of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, in 2010 she saw the violence of civil war in Kyrgyzstan and in 2013 she went to Jordan, where Care was aiding Syrian refugees. She has seen her fair share of human suffering. When asked how she deals with this, Bulling shows herself to be far from a hard- boiled reporter. “No matter how long I’ve been at it, seeing the corpses disturbs me deeply each and every time. Looking into the eyes of the survivors is not any easier, either.” 23 » Studies and Teaching

“I thought the journalism programme was outstanding and plan to keep connected with the university.” Sandra Bulling, Media and Communications Coordinator at Care International

Research 25

Observatory above the clouds Detective work in the lab Flying observatory provides new insight into Tracking down the causes of arthritis the origin of the universe » 27 » 26

Introducing IMEA and TREE Revolution in bone regeneration Two new research institutes at BRSU Professors Edda Tobiasch and Margit » 28 Schulze win the University Innovation Prize » 29

» movers + shakers cross-disciplinary and hands-on » 30

Visual contact A good nose for beetles Broadband Internet in rural Africa and in New detectors to track down harmful tree Germany’s Westerwald region pests » 32 » 34

A big-picture view Research and the spirit of invention Big Data on 35 screens at the Institute of Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Visual Computing Sciences funds patent applications » 35 » 36 » Research 26

Observatory above the clouds Flying observatory provides new insight into the origin of the universe

SOFIA stands for Strato- Christchurch, New Zealand – A converted Boeing 747SP The latest instruments on board spheric Observatory for Infra- takes off and reaches an altitude of 13 to 15 kilometres red Astronomy. The aircraft is after about one hour of flight. On board is a large, Collecting data in a flying telescope is expensive, but it’s a joint project of the German high-powered infrared telescope 2.7 metres in diameter. also necessary. Terahertz radiation headed for the earth is Aerospace Center (DLR) and Several researchers have gathered around the telescope normally absorbed by the water vapour in the atmosphere NASA. In 2013, BRSU Pro- and are frantically discussing their work over headsets – the before it reaches the Earth’s surface. SOFIA maintains an fessor Bernd Klein was on only way to communicate over the tremendous back- altitude at which this radiation can still be detected. Sat- board. ground noise on board. The mood is tense; the researchers ellite telescopes would be another option, but these have know that a single mistake could prove very costly. Their a number of disadvantages. “Building a satellite requires goal is to collect as much astronomical data as possible such extensive testing that the technology is already ten during the flight, and to gain a deeper look into the birth years old by the time it gets launched,” explains Klein. of the universe. “And as soon as the instruments are in orbit, we can no longer make any adjustments.” SOFIA, on the other hand, SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astrono- features the latest instruments on board – instruments my) is the name of the joint project between the German which can even be modified during flight if necessary. Teamwork: BRSU’s Bernd Klein Aerospace Center (DLR) and NASA. SOFIA takes off up to (2nd from left) with SOFIA 120 times every year with various scientific instruments SOFIA generates huge amounts of data, which then take project colleagues aboard. In 2013, Professor Bernd months to process. Klein expects to see several publications Klein from the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg based on the data in 2014, but also hopes to take part in University of Applied Sciences was another SOFIA flight, as long as it coincides with a break also on board. Klein is one of the between semesters. His students, after all, have priority developers of the German Receiver over the stars. for Astronomy at Terahertz Fre- quencies (GREAT) – a device that More information on SOFIA can be found on the DLR measures high frequencies in the website: terahertz range. “The data pro- Ü www.dlr.de/dlr/en/desktopdefault.aspx/ vides us with a wealth of informa- tabid-10465/706_%20read-264/706_read-264/# tion,” explains Klein. “Some of the gallery/284 waves we measure originate from very distant stars. Thanks to this data we’re able to learn a lot about their temperature and movement and, in turn, about their history.” 27 » Research

Detective work in the lab Tracking down the causes of arthritis

In Germany alone some 800,000 people suffer from rheu- a Borreliose infection, the histamine blocker should be able matoid arthritis (RA), a chronic infl ammation of the joints. to rapidly reverse the joint swelling,” says Illges. He hopes Most of the affl icted are between the ages of 40 and 60, that his research results will also lead to the development but many younger people suffer from RA as well. In fact, of new drugs in the fi ght against chronic arthritis, since 15 percent are younger than 40. There is no cure for the the therapies up until now have only been able to slow the disease so far, and science still cannot explain its cause. disease’s progression. A drug that could actually heal the disease would be a sensation. Arthritis likely involves an attack on the body’s own tissues by the body’s own immune system. For years now, BRSU biologist Harald Illges has worked to understand what in the human body could be responsible for this malfunction. His research resembles detective work, and over time, Illges has tracked down a likely suspect: the chemical messenger histamine.

Histamine receptor is one factor A histamine molecule. The chemical messenger histamine is likely involved in the emergence of “Histamine is produced in so-called mast cells, which are arthritis. important for our body’s own defence,” says Professor Illges. “Our research has demonstrated that arthritis ap- parently cannot develop without these mast cells.” But because histamine binds to four different receptors in the human body, the next challenge was to fi nd out which of these receptors plays the key role. Illges and his team blocked each of these receptors – one after the other. Sure enough, they learned that the illness did not emerge when receptor number 4 was blocked.

The researchers believe that blocking this receptor might allow for more effective treatment of reactive arthritis, a specifi c form of joint swelling seen with the Borreliose bacterial infection (Lyme disease), which is often transmitted by tick bites. “If a forest ranger seeks medical help for » Research 28

Introducing IMEA and TREE Two new research institutes at BRSU

Communicating innovations Sustainability in product development The new research institutes IMEA and TREE are part of “Communication is something that involves all depart- Dirk Reith, formerly at the Fraunhofer Institute for Algo- the Department of Electrical ments across the university,” says Andreas Schümchen, rithms and Scientific Computing, is Managing Director Engineering, Mechanical who heads the newly established Institute for Media of the new Institute for Technology, Renewables and Engineering and Technical Research and Development (IMEA) together with Michael Energy-efficient Engineering (TREE). TREE’s main areas of Journalism (EMT). Krzeminski. “We are particularly interested in communicat- focus are resource conservation, sustainability and energy ing change processes, from the perspective of both cor- efficiency. “In particular we want to support research in the porate communication and organisational communication, area of sustainable product development and innovation,” as well as from the journalistic perspective,” says Schüm- says Reith. “In addition we conduct our own industry-re- chen. lated research and development.” One current project, for example, is investigating resource-saving plastic packaging IMEA will consult private sector companies as well as for liquids. The goal of researchers is to use new materials organisations on developing complex communications to significantly reduce the weight of the packaging while strategies. “We also plan to focus more on innovation in maintaining the same level of quality and design. In anoth- media,” says Schümchen. One example is “Neues Erzählen er project, TREE researchers investigated how communi- im Netz”, an open and interdisciplinary online network cation and media influence public approval of wind parks, founded by Schümchen together with his colleagues. IMEA based on three wind parks currently being planned for the also awards an annual prize for innovative journalism. Düren area. Among the first winners was journalist Thomas Wendel in 2013 for his piece on the production of artificial meat. More: More: ÜÜhttp://emt.h-brs.de/TREE.html ÜÜhttp://emt.h-brs.de/IMEA.html 29 » Research

Revolution in bone regeneration Professors Edda Tobiasch and Margit Schulze win the University Innovation Prize

Every year some seven million people around the world the stem cells used in the past. “De- land on the operating table because of bone defects with pending on the differentiation grade, a wide range of causes, including tumours, age-related the risk of developing a tumour is illness, accidents and war injuries. And due to increased signifi cantly smaller than with the life expectancies around the world, the problem is going to use of embryonic stem cells,” says affect even more people in the future. Moreover, regener- Tobiasch. An additional advantage is ation methods – in the case of bone tumours, for example that the use of the body’s own stem – have been inadequate up until now. cells greatly reduces the chance that the resulting tissue will be rejected by Artifi cial biomaterials are often used to treat critical-size the body. bone defects, but these materials frequently cause side effects. “At the same time, a cure for these bone defects Using these new substances, Tobiasch is not possible without the use of implants,” says BRSU bi- and Schulze fi rst want to stimulate ologist Edda Tobiasch. Together with her colleague Margit bone regeneration for smaller defects in the area of den- From left: University President Schulze, Tobiasch developed new methods for improved tal medicine. “This can be used to stabilise implants or to Hartmut Ihne, the Innovation Prize regeneration and fewer side effects – research that earned regenerate jaw bone,” says Tobiasch. “As a next step we winners Margit Schulze and Edda them the BRSU Innovation Prize in 2013. want to apply this procedure to defects where blood fl ow Tobiasch, and Josef Hastrich, Deputy also needs to be stimulated.” The substrate containing pu- Chairman, KSK Köln In 2012, Tobiasch and Schulze were the fi rst researchers rinergic receptors is populated with stem cells from dental worldwide to demonstrate that special receptors known as follicles; this poses no problem from an ethics standpoint. “purinergic receptors” actively Numerous drugs, including some which promote the development of have already been approved, already stem cells in tissue cells. Purin- Edda Tobiasch and target purinergic receptors. ergic receptors are among the Margit Schulze were the G-protein coupled receptors, fi rst to demonstrate that Tobiasch and Schulze are now planning which are the target receptors pre-clinical studies in compliance with for about 60 percent of all purinergic receptors actively Good Manufacturing Practice require- Research partners in the bone prescription drugs sold today. To- promote the development ments. . regeneration project include biasch also discovered that stem of stem cells in tissue cells. an oral surgery practice in cells from the dental follicles Rheinbach, Matricel GmbH of wisdom teeth or from bone in Herzogenrath, and Heidel- grafts provide a better basis for berg University. bone tissue replacement than » cross-disciplinary and hands-on

Computer Scientist Dr. Oliver candidate. Schwaneberg devel- Schwaneberg completed all of oped the fi rst functional model his academic training at Bonn- of a skin sensor to help prevent Rhein-Sieg University of Applied serious injuries when working Sciences – from his Bachelor with power tools such as circular degree to his PhD. In September saws. BRSU has since applied for 2013, he received his doctoral a patent based on Schwaneberg’s degree magna cum laude in co- work. Schwaneberg himself operation with the DFG Research fi nds additional inspiration and Training Group “Imaging New motivation when a technology Modalities” at the University of requires him to apply more than Siegen. “My goal is to develop just his core knowledge in com- new technologies for application puter science. “I constantly have in business and industry, and to immerse myself in new disci- BRSU is a great place to make plines, because I’m developing this happen,” says Schwaneberg. software for a specifi c purpose,” A research associate at BRSU, says Schwaneberg. “Thanks to Schwaneberg is now using these my research, I am now familiar technologies to contribute to with disciplines such as electrical social change. engineering and optics.” Today, He is currently working together Schwaneberg’s research has pro- with the Institute for Occupation- gressed to the point where the al Safety and Health (IFA) to com- sensor can be put into practice. plete a project which he began For Schwaneberg, it’s time to some years earlier as a Master’s begin a new project. » movers + shakers

» Research 32

Visual contact Broadband Internet in rural Africa and in Germany’s Westerwald region

After conducting research at the Fraunhofer Insti- technology has been mass market for years now, which is tute FOKUS in Sankt Augustin, Karl Jonas joined the what makes it such a cost-effective solution. BRSU faculty again in 2013 as Professor of Computer Science. In an ideal case we Professor Jonas, you have helped drive the can create a wireless expansion of broadband Internet in Africa for connection across some some time now. Why is that important? 400 kilometres with just Africa lacks infrastructure, especially in its rural regions. In- 20 routers without having dependent media is often non-existent, and Internet access to lay a single meter of is for many people the only window to the outside world. glass fi bre cable. WLAN is But connecting remote regions is very expensive. With our mass market technology, WiBACK concept, we have developed a way for broadband Internet data to be transmitted over great distances via which is why it’s so cost wireless radio instead of through a fi bre optic network. This effective. technology is much easier to install and much more cost effective than an extensive network of cables.

How exactly does it work? Are there any examples of successful projects so far? We build a chain of transmitters and receivers that starts at an existing broadband Internet connection, in a larger The Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm (KTH) city for example, and extends to the rural settlement that installed a glass fi bre cable along a high-tension power line we’re trying to connect. When someone in the village goes from Dar es Salaam to Lake Victoria in Tanzania. From here online, data from his computer is transmitted to a router on we can now use WiBACK to connect the smaller settle- a local radio tower. From there it travels through our chain, ments around the lake. A hospital and a United Nations from router to router, until it reaches the broadband con- offi ce already have Internet connections thanks to this nection in the city. Each of these routers must have visual method. I hope that our students can work together with contact with the next router, so depending on the terrain, students at Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology to contin- we will install a router every 5 to 20 kilometres. In an ideal ue to expand this network over the next several years. case we can create a wireless connection across some 400 kilometres with just 20 routers without having to lay a single meter of glass fi bre cable. This kind of WLAN 33 » Research

You’ve now expanded into Germany with your WiBACK project. Why does a place like the Westerwald region need WiBACK?

The mayor of the small town of Hirz-Maulsbach called me one day and said he had heard about the Africa project. He asked me if there was any reason we couldn’t use the same technology to connect his own town. Hirz-Maulsbach is only about 40 kilometres away from Telekom headquarters in Bonn, but still does not have broadband Internet. There’s a good connection at the Fraunhofer Institute in Sankt Au- gustin, so our plan was to create a large test network start- ing at the institute’s Schloss Birlinghoven location. Today other towns have joined the network as well, including Hennef-Theishohn and Hennef-Blankenbach, and we’ve installed two towers where we’re testing solar power. If the solar power option works, the radio towers will no longer depend on access to the power grid.

Fraunhofer FOKUS film on public viewing via WiBACK technology: ÜÜhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5avqwqCfes

Internet connection for the village of Macha in Zambia. » Research 34

A good nose for beetles New detectors to track down harmful tree pests

It’s no more than four centimetres long, has two huge them out to hunt down the offenders. But varying weather antennae, and a voracious appetite. The Asian long-horned conditions can have a strong affect on the beetle’s charac- beetle has arrived in Europe and is regularly wreaking teristic odour, and the dogs then sniff in vain. To overcome havoc on the continent’s maple trees. In the fall of 2012, this problem, researchers at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of the city of Bonn had to cut down more than 300 maple Applied Sciences, under the direction of Professor Peter trees that had been attacked by the beetle and hollowed Kaul and doctoral candidate Ramona Makarow, are looking out like Swiss cheese. Unfortunately there is no gentler for a solution that works in all kinds of weather. solution when these pests strike. Beetle’s scent changes with the seasons Scientists are looking for ways to recognise an infestation in its earliest stages, before the beetle “goes viral”. Re- Kaul’s team from the Institute of Safety and Security Re- Pretty, but deadly for trees: searchers in Vienna, for example, familiarise dogs with the search (ISF) has experience with odour detection, especially The Asian long-horned beetle smell of dried larvae, pupae and beetles and then send in the area of explosives. For many years, his researchers have been developing bomb detection technologies. The beetle presents Kaul’s team with just as big a challenge. “There are so many parameters that determine the odour pattern – things like temperature, wind and humidity – so the pattern changes with the seasons,” says Makarow. “The type of wood or the presence of mould fungus can also have an inﬂuence.”

The researchers ﬁrst want to conduct a detailed analysis of the odour’s chemical makeup so that they can provide the dogs with more precise odour patterns. Over the long term, Kaul and Makarow’s team plans to develop detectors for the odour pattern. These could then be used by logistics companies, for example, to prevent the beetles from entering the country; the detectors would set off an alarm during transport. The Asian long-horned beetle, for example, came from China to Bonn hiding in wooden pallets. The project is being sponsored by the Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia. 35 » Research

A big-picture view Big Data on 35 screens at the Institute of Visual Computing

Around the clock and around the world, researchers are area is that users can view everything at the same time and busy gathering data on our climate – an extremely complex can also dive into the details by stepping closer to one or system with countless forces acting upon it. What is the more individual screens. relationship, for example, between ocean currents and temperature? What causes the currents, and what is their The screens also make it possible to simulate virtual worlds impact on weather and climate? Ideally, climate researchers with a high level of detail and visual quality. An architect, would be able to analyse numerous data sets side by side, for example, can take a virtual walk through a planned 35 individual screens so as to better recognise commonalities. house and review the interior space in “daylight” with real- are assembled to give istic light refl ections and shadows. The virtual house can be the impression of a Researchers in Professor André Hinkenjann’s team at the completely equipped, furnished and decorated right down single image more Institute of Visual Computing (IVC) work with a giant video to the fl oors, tiles and doors. “The video wall also features wall, which enables them to view tremendous amounts of a tracking system to record movement,” says Hinkenjann. than six metres wide data in high resolution – all at once. The system consists This allows the image on the screens to adjust according to and three metres of 35 screens assembled to give the impression of a single the user’s line of sight. Because these applications require high. complete image more than six meters across and three a tremendous amount of processing power, the system meters high. “Up until now, projectors have been used to is connected to a computer cluster which generates the create images of this size,” says Hinkenjann. “But a pro- visualisations for the screens. jector can very quickly become inadequate, especially for applications that require high resolution.” Financial support for the screen system came from the FHinvest programme, co-funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which is specifi cally geared towards supporting research at universities of applied sciences.

Diving into details

On the big wall, Hinkenjann and his colleagues visualise data from the German Climate Computing Centre (DKRZ) in Hamburg, which provides data sets on the ocean currents. “Our goal is to depict this data on the screens so that the user gets as big and complete a picture as possible without being totally overwhelmed by the amount of data,” says Hinkenjann. The advantage of the large screen » Research 36

Research and the spirit of invention Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences funds patent applications

A grocery retail chain recently gave its customers the option Applying for a patent is a science in itself Better forecasts of paying with a simple fi ngerprint ID at the checkout. But Atmospheric researcher a resourceful journalist fi gured out how to trick the system. A successful patent application must fulfi l several criteria: Stefanie Meilinger is working He used wood glue to recreate another person’s fi nger- the technology must be new, it must be described in min- with new sensor technology print, which he then stuck to his own fi nger. Computer ute detail, and it must also offer the prospect of commer- thanks to the “FH Basis” pro- scientists Norbert Jung and Oliver Schwaneberg from the cial application. For this reason, BRSU conducts a thorough gramme – a funding instru- Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences have now review before pursuing an invention further. If the technol- ment of the state of North- developed a sensor to unequivocally detect human skin. No ogy is promising enough, BRSU will handle the patent ap- Rhine Westphalia to support chance anymore for cheap imitations! plication and assume the fi nancial risk. The staff scientists newly appointed professors are listed as inventors according to the German Employee at universities of applied The detector is one of Invention Act and receive a percentage of any future sciences. Meilinger uses several patent applications proceeds. “Having a patent can mean a signifi cant the instruments to research that the Department of “Having a patent can competitive advantage for researchers when it comes fl uctuations in solar radiation Computer Science and mean a signifi cant to attracting third-party funding,” says Scheuer. “And across small areas of just a the Institute of Safety and competitive patents are also reputation-boosters – nowadays, sci- few square metres. “The Security Research (ISF) have entifi c publications and patents are considered more knowledge gained helps submitted on behalf of advantage for or less the same in terms of prestige.” make more accurate solar en- their researchers. The most researchers when it ergy output forecasts,” says recent success was a US comes to attracting The skin detection technology has already resulted in Professor Meilinger. Master’s patent awarded in 2013. third-party funding.” another invention. Jung’s team has developed similar students will also be able to For researchers, applying detectors that can recognise human hands and help Udo Scheuer, director of use the instruments for their for a patent is an important protect them from the blade of a circular power saw. BRSU’s Centre for Science thesis research. step towards protecting In a matter of milliseconds, the detector can reliably and Technology Transfer their invention. Anyone differentiate between skin and other materials such who copies the idea and as wood or plastics. The German Social Accident uses it commercially with- Insurance (DGUV), a partner in the project, hopes out the permission of the patent owner can be prosecuted, to reduce the number circular saw accidents – currently and patents can be valid for up to 20 years. But the appli- about 2,000 every year in Germany alone. This technology cation process is very time and resource intensive. “It can resulted in two separate patents applications with different take years before a patent is issued, and the application specifi cations, and both have been successfully submitted process costs several thousand euros – and that’s just for in Germany and the US. Germany,” says Udo Scheuer, director of BRSU’s Centre for Science and Technology Transfer. 37 » Research

Smart cover Although circular power saws are usually Their response was to develop a “smart” protec- equipped with a protective cover, serious acci- tive cover. Sensors allow the cover to adjust to the dents still occur on a regular basis, as many work- height of a piece of wood, metal or plastic, but if ers leave the cover open to save time. Germany’s it detects a hand, the protective cover stays down. occupational insurance association for wood The software can distinguish between human skin and metal workers (BGHM) asked researchers in and work material. Researchers are currently devel- Norbert Jung’s team to develop safer saws. oping the fi rst prototype.

Campus 39

A boost for diversity on campus Healthy employees for a high- » 40 performance university Online survey of university staff » 41

What’s your research? Information and networking opportunities for the public » 42

» movers + shakers far-sighted and forward-looking » 44

In good hands Making the transition to university Solid support for international PhD »47 candidates » 46 » Campus 40

A boost for diversity on campus

Funds raised for three new professorships for university has fully addressed this issue,” says Schnell. The An emergency team for women results of the audit, which involves interviews with students crisis situations and university staff, were encouraging and have generat- The goal of BRSU’s emergen- The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) ed additional momentum for improvements in this area. cy and crisis management responded positively to BRSU’s Equal Opportunities strategy “The audit is an important quality-management process; plan, issued in 2012, is to and awarded funding for three new professorships as part it’s an opportunity to take a critical look at what we have ensure the safety of the of BMBF’s female professor programme (Professorinnen- achieved so far and formulate new goals for the future,” university community and programm). “Promoting women is something we take seri- says Schell. In workshops, university and staff and students to minimise damage in the ously here at BRSU and we‘re pleased that the ministry has developed new action measures and target agreements event of a crisis. In develop- acknowledged us in this way,” says Equal Opportunities with the goal of making BRSU even more family-friendly. ing the plan, BRSU met with Commissioner Annegret Schnell. The goal is to promote Measures include a new outdoor playground and more local police, who helped and support female professors, particularly in the technical family-friendly internship terms for students with children analyse the current situation. disciplines. The appointment process is already underway A dedicated emergency team for two new positions in the engineering sciences and one More on the audit and certification process (in German): was put in place to decide on position in Technical Journalism. ÜÜ www.beruf-und-familie.de/index.php?c=22 action measures in the event of a crisis, such as a shooting, Family-friendly university Guideline against discrimination explosion or natural disaster. The team consists of BRSU’s BRSU renewed its status as a “family-friendly” university Mutual respect, a spirit of partnership, and the absence of president, chancellor, safety after successfully completing the auditing process for the discrimination are all major priorities at BRSU. A working engineer, press officer, and third time in 2013. “This time the audit focused on the group made up of representatives from the Equal Oppor- representatives from facilities compatibility of family and career/studies and whether the tunities Commission, the Staff Councils and the Student management. Committee (AStA) has developed a guideline which provides clear definitions of offenses such as discrimination, workplace bullying, and the violation of personality rights. “The guideline cannot prevent discriminatory behaviour, but it can sensitise everyone in the university community to the issue,” explains Schnell. Over the next several months, Schnell and others will work to increase awareness for the new guideline. In addition, the university is currently establishing an Ombudsman Commission which will serve as a source of information and counsel for affected persons.

The guideline is available for download (in German) at: Children welcome! BRSU ensures the compatibility of ÜÜhttp://gleichstellung.h-brs.de/gleichstellungsstellemedia/ family, career and studies. Partnerschaftliches_Verhalten.pdf 41 » Campus

Healthy employees for a high-performance university Online survey of university staff

“Promoting health and well-being is crit- Establishing a culture of health and ical to job performance, motivation, and well-being to maintaining employee satisfaction and loyalty over the long term,” says Elke Survey results were presented at several Kitzelmann, who heads BRSU’s Personnel information sessions and the first action Management and Development section. measures were discussed. The university But where does promoting health begin? will first focus on the issues of workload, University administration conducted an roles and responsibilities, social support and online survey in March 2013 to help an- work-life balance – all areas which are par- swer this question. The questionnaire was ticularly important to an employee’s sense developed by the Department of Work and of health and well-being. The plan calls for Organizational Psychology at the Ruhr-Uni- team coaching sessions as well as intensive versität Bochum (RUB) and adapted to the meetings to clarify any uncertainties re- specific needs of BRSU administrators. The garding roles and responsibilities – and to questionnaire addressed issues such as mo- make adjustments as necessary. The success tivation levels, health, and overall workload of these and additional measures will be for administration employees. evaluated by a new survey in two years.

“Our assumption was that many employees In this way, BRSU hopes to establish a pos- are under strain, so we were pleasantly sur- itive culture of health and well-being over prised by the results,” reports Kitzelmann. the long term. “The Office of the President The survey revealed that administration and the sections all want to do more to employees are motivated and find their jobs support the health of their employees, and varied and challenging. Respondents were they all stand behind the project. This is less positive, however, about the university’s important if we want to initiate change,” attention to health and health promotion. says Kitzelmann. Health support measures “We’ve just recently turned our attention to will eventually be expanded to include this area, so this was no surprise,” explains all university staff. “This process will also Kitzelmann. begin with an employee survey,” points out Kitzelmann. » Campus 42

What’s your research? Information and networking opportunities for the public

Odour sensors, facial recognition technology, and an An evening podium discussion brought distinguished intelligent power saw were just a few of the research guests, including Oliver Trenkamp from Spiegel Online projects presented by professors at BRSU’s fi rst Day and Professor Günter-Ulrich Tolkiehn from Transparency of Research event. On 5 December 2013, all BRSU International, together with President Hartmut Ihne for research groups were invited to the Sankt Augustin a discussion on research freedom. Participants criti- campus to present their current projects. cised the increasing pressure on researchers to attract third-party funding to fi nance their work. “Research For University President Hartmut Ihne, research is one of cannot be free and independent if fi nancing is tied to the university’s core functions. “Applications-oriented external interests,” said Tolkiehn. Ihne also made clear research at Germany’s universities of applied sciences has his position – that research on behalf of the private seen tremendous growth and development over the last sector must comply with rules and standards for scien- several years,” says Ihne. “The Day of Research is a chance tifi c research. “The university has the responsibility to for us to present our research projects to both the univer- convey these rules and standards, especially from an sity community and the general public.” The Offi ce of the ethical point of view,” said Ihne. President also sees the event as an opportunity to bring the various university departments together, to encourage networking, and to pave the way for new collaborative partnerships.

Research freedom

BRSU professors Edda Tobiasch and Margit Schulze are an example of international success in scientiﬁ c research. Tobiasch and Schulze were recipients of the 2013 University Innovation Prize for their research on new bio-materials for bone regeneration. They were the ﬁ rst worldwide to demonstrate how to actively promote the development of stem cells in different tissue cells (see p. 29).

TAG DER FORSCHUNG 5. Dezember 2013 ab 12.30 Uhr Campus Sankt Augustin 43 » Campus » movers + shakers » far-sighted andforward-looking heads. “We complementeach ly withtherespective section vision, andworksveryclose- enthusiasm, commitmentand her newrole withtremendous ber 2013.Shehasapproached post shetookoverinDecem- Resources Management,a for EconomicsandHuman nomics, isBRSU’s President Vice who hasaPhDinSocialEco- thinking. Today, Schuhmann, creativity andforward-looking pression ofBRSUasaplace left) stillremembers herfi rstim- Michaela Schuhmann(3rd from future. teachers andstaff intothe suffi cientspaceforstudents, puses, whichwillhelpensure Augustin andRheinbachcam- new constructionontheSankt tant projects sheoverseesisthe right track.Oneoftheimpor- challenge tokeepBRSUonthe offi cer, it’s Schuhmann’s daily university’s chiefadministrative tion,” saysSchuhmann.Asthe best solutionandcourseofac- perspective todecideonthe rely oneachother’s inputand other extremely wellandusually

» Campus 46

In good hands

Career start in Germany additional funding through DAAD’s STIBET programme for PhD students. International Office (IO) director Dr. Roland BRSU has introduced a new way to support foreign grad- Weiß provides an example: “We were able to provide a Library 3.0 uates who want to pursue work in the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg doctoral candidate, whose scholarship funding had run region or in other parts of Germany. The International Of- out, with a grant so that she could complete her studies.” With services such as iPad fice works together with the German Federal Employment In addition to individualised support measures, the IO loans or “Bib-Cloud” storage Agency’s International Placement Services (ZAV) to provide also provides services and events for the target group as space, the university library is consulting and job-placement services, as well job applica- a whole. A field trip for the international PhD candidates BRSU’s service hotspot. Stu- tion training and coaching. “Our international graduates and their advisors, for example, facilitated intercultural and dents can access everything face specific challenges when it comes to the job search,” interdisciplinary exchange. “For the doctoral candidates, it they need to work and study says Maria do Carmo Massoni, who coordinates the In- was an excellent opportunity to get to know the professors anywhere and anytime, and ternational Welcome Center. “Application processes and outside the usual working environment and to make new share it with other library bureaucratic requirements are different in every country, so contacts outside their own disciplines,” says Roland Weiß. users. our courses familiarise them with the conventions here in Currently 17 doctoral candidates from Eastern Europe, ÜÜBib-iPad: www.bib.h-brs. Germany.” The 2013 winter term training has already pro- North Africa and Asia benefit from the extensive support. de/bib_ipad.html duced positive results, with 5 out of 14 participants landing ÜÜBib-Cloud: www.bib.h-brs. jobs in Germany. DAAD Prize for outstanding service de/bib_cloud.html Solid support for international PhD candidates Brazilian Antonio Martins received the 1,000-euro DAAD Prize for outstanding academic performance and social Foreign doctoral candidates form an important part of engagement in 2013. After successfully completing his BRSU’s research community and, thanks to the individual- Master’s degree in Biomedical Science at BRSU, Martins ised support they receive, these international scholars also is now a doctoral candidate at the Helmholtz Institute for feel very much at home at BRSU. The university has now Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS). “Antonio Martins been able to expand its support for PhD students thanks to distinguished himself through excellent academic performance and the generous support he provided to international students,” says Roland Weiß. While at BRSU, Martins served as a Study Buddy for several foreign students and was a constant source of support and advice, even sharing his living quarters with incoming students for several weeks at a time. “I would help house first-semester students any time,” says Martins. “It really is very difficult to find an affordable apartment on your own.” DAAD awards the prize every year to socially-engaged foreign students. International PhD candidates on a field trip with their advisors 47 » Campus

Making the transition to university Tips and workshops for first-semester students

Every new university student has his or her individual needs. BRSU responds with a wide range of offerings to help first- year students get oriented and provide them with the tools they need for a successful university experience. Over the years, BRSU’s Language Centre has become an institution for these newcomers. Its supplementary courses are tailored to the requirements of the various departments and help students overcome any language deficiencies without losing time or falling behind in their studies.

BRSU has further expanded its Language Centre services through the university-wide programme “Pro-MINT-us”, which helps first-semester students make the transition to High school students on campus university life (see p. 20). Two new instructors in German and German for foreign English support the students in both conceptual and techni- While the Language Centre is open to all university students, students cal aspects of writing. individual departments are also working to help their stu- The Language Centre pro- dents make the transition from high school to university. vides foreign students just “Professors often notice in their lectures that many students, The Department of Business Administration, for example, what they need, familiarising especially first-year students, still struggle with writing – cooperates with four vocational colleges in the Bonn area them with German university whether it’s academic papers, lab reports or meeting min- – among them a commercial high school affiliated with the culture and use of the Ger- utes. Now they can contact us for support and we can offer vocational college Siegburg, which joined the partnership in man language in an academ- them individualised support tailored to their needs,” says November 2013. ic setting. In its course enti- Language Centre director James Chamberlain. As an exam- tled “Studienbegleitendes ple, the Language Centre offered workshops on lab report Thanks to this partnership, two high school students per Deutsch”, international stu- writing in both German and English designed especially for semester can attend BRSU courses in business mathematics dents learn tips and tricks for first-semester students in the Department of Natural Scienc- and statistics on a regular basis and even complete the exam. getting the most out of their es. The students’ texts were reviewed in individual coaching Any credits earned can then be applied to a subsequent time on campus, including sessions before they were graded by the instructors. university degree programme. “The main goal is to improve how to write an email to their the students’ academic and study skills, and we also hope to professor, how to participate More on the Language Centre’s services at: attract outstanding students to the university,” says Mischa actively in lectures/seminars ÜÜhttp://www.spz.h-bonn-rhein-sieg.de Ellenberger, who coordinates the partnerships with the and how to conduct effective vocational colleges for the Department of Business Admin- office-hour meetings with istration. Ellenberger and his team are currently working to professors. intensify the partnerships in an effort to realise these goals. “What

Number of language courses 2003 159 does 281 2013 change Water consumption per student [l] 2004 2230 1263 2013 look

Number of professors 2003 76 like?” 143 2013

Enterprises at the BusinessCampus 2005 12 41 2012 What does change look like …

… in the field of Business Psychology?

“In the past, business psychologists worked primarily in personnel management or organisational development. The scope of their work has changed, however. Today their expertise is put to use in areas such as HR development and addressing issues like workplace bullying. The need for these kinds of professionals will continue to grow over time, calling for greater collaboration with other disciplines. BRSU’s Business Psy- chology programme, which takes an interdisciplinary approach, is a direct − and smart − response to this development.” Maria-Christina Nimmerfroh, Lecturer in Business Psychology, Department of Business Administration What does change look like …

… when it comes to attitudes toward sustainability?

“Change often happens slowly when it comes to issues of sustainability. To actually effect change in an area such as energy use, a shift in awareness has to happen first. Attitudinal change is a precondition of change. Here at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, our goal is to drive sustainability across many different areas. But change itself is not the goal. Being open to the new while preserving and maintaining the old is not only important − it’s key aspect of sustainability.” Prof. Dr. Wiltrud Terlau, Director of the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) What does change look like …

… in the field of Materials Science?

“Our job as researchers is to further develop today’s materials and enhance their properties. More and more we’ve come to rely on computer simulations as a way to decrease the number of experiments that are either potentially dangerous or resource-intensive. The simulations will only be getting better as hardware continues to improve and computing power increases. This said, there will still be a need to conduct experiments the old fash- ioned way.” Prof. Dr. Dirk Reith, Managing Director from the Institute for Technology, Renewables and Energy-efficient Engineering (TREE), Department of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Technical Journalism (EMT) “Computer Science remains an exciting field”

Interview with Prof. Dr. Wolfgang meaning constant optimisation of both soft- Heiden, Dean of the Department of ware and hardware. This has led to ever smaller, Computer Science better and faster computers. The third kind of change is cyclical. In the case of Computer Sci- } What kind of changes can be seen in the ence, you see this in the constant shift in focus fi eld of Computer Science? between centralised systems and individualised systems. Examples of centralised systems would Given its ‘youth’ as a science, change is happen- be the fi rst terminals or cloud computing, which ing across the entire fi eld. The changes we are involves data kept at a single, central location. seeing within Computer Science are also affect- Individualised systems, on the other hand, would ing society as a whole − social media, for exam- be your classic PC, laptop or tablet computers. ple, are changing the way we communicate with one another. } What kind of changes await Computer Science? } Could you provide a few more examples? The next big step will be quantum and bio-computers. But it’s hard to say exactly when this will You can also differentiate between the kinds of happen. If someone had asked me ten years ago changes that are occurring. You have qualita- when I thought we’d have self-driving cars, my tive change when a new discovery is made that guess would have been the second half of the immediately alters the status quo. An example 21st century. Never in the world would I have would be the discovery of the integrated circuit thought we’d have the fi rst prototypes by today. – it’s what made computers possible in the fi rst Computer science remains an exciting fi eld to be place. More common is continuous change, in – it’s full of surprises. What does change look like …

… for social security systems?

“Social security systems are being forced to develop in pace changing, moving away from the traditional administrative with the demographic change and shifts we are seeing in approach towards one involving modern service providers. the labour market. This is the main focus of Social Security This means new responsibilities. In the future, carriers will Studies. Right now in Germany we are seeing an increase have to have a deeper understanding of the insureds’ needs, in temporary employment, mini-jobs and part-time work. interests and lifestyles and respond accordingly.” Occupational biographies are also changing. This can lead Vincenzo Cusumano, Lecturer for Social Security to security gaps, and social security needs to come up with Studies, Department of Social Security Studies solutions for closing them. Social insurance carriers are also

Region 55

Medical tourism training Big goals Courses for doctors, clinical staff and The Rhein-Sieg region’s fi rst Children’s tourism experts University gets kids excited about science » 56 » 57

Innovation hotspot BusinessCampus supports start-ups »58

» movers + shakers unique and attractive » 60

Students with strong backing Climate-friendly cement Germany Scholarships attractive for both Industry shows great interest in the sponsors and students AktivPuzzolan project » 62 » 63 » Region 56 57 » Region

Medical tourism training Courses for doctors, clinical staff and tourism experts

The Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf region is attracting more issues. and more patients from abroad seeking inpatient medical care. The metropolitan Rhineland region has over 90 clinics “There is tremendous demand for what we’re offering, Handbook for Social with more than 25,000 beds, along with top-class infra- which is why we want to continue to expand it,” says Security Management structure. To facilitate the region’s continued development Juszczak. Along with the Ajman Medical Congress (April in this area, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences 2014) and the third German-Russian health forum (May How can social security sys- offers extensive opportunities for further training as part of 2014), Juszczak is planning new seminars in areas such as tems be financed sustainably the “Medizintourismus entlang der Rheinschiene” (medical law and consumer buying behaviour. and fairly into the future? tourism along the Rhine corridor) project funded by the EU This core question in the field and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. BRSU significantly For more information: of social security studies is expanded its offerings in this area in 2013 with additional ÜÜwww.auslandspatienten.de becoming more and more seminars, new brochures, and its German-Russian health complex and challenging. The forum. Department of Social Security Studies at the BRSU’s Hennef Jens Juszczak is the project director at BRSU. “The training campus has responded by seminars are intended for everyone involved in the treat- developing a Social Security ment of international patients, including both healthcare Management Handbook. The and tourism industry professionals,” explains Juszczak. goal of the handbook is to Along with an introductory business development course facilitate and strengthen col- for hospitals and clinics in the area of foreign patient care, laboration between various BRSU also collaborates with various partners to offer more disciplines such as economics in-depth training. Some of the focus areas here include and medicine, and to create marketing and controlling, accounting, as well as soft skills a common foundation for for interacting with Russian and Arab patients. the field of social security management. More than 30 International visitors in Sankt Augustin different authors are contrib- uting to the project. In September 2013, BRSU and Health Destination Rhine- Additional information is land hosted the fourth medical tourism industry conference available at: in Sankt Augustin, and invited over 150 experts from all Unbiased and full of curiosity: ÜÜwww.sozialversicherungs around Germany, as well as from Sweden, China, the Children’s University partici- -wissenschaft.de Ukraine, Russia and the Arab Gulf States. The conference pants keep Professor Reiner was an opportunity for medical tourism experts to discuss Clement on his toes during a current market developments, research results and legal round of Q&A » Region 56 57 » Region

Big goals The Rhein-Sieg region’s first Children’s University gets kids excited about science

It’s 5 pm – time for the scheduled lecture to begin. Instead to open up new worlds and perspectives for these young of the usual influx of BRSU students, the hall fills with a researchers and inspire them to set big goals for their Can we buy happiness? buzzing hive of some 70 children between the ages of 8 education.” Children’s University partners BRSU and Alanus The first Children’s Univer- and 12. They are here to explore a big question with Pro- University believe that their educational responsibility ex- sity lecture event at Bonn- fessor Reiner Clement: “Can we buy happiness?” tends beyond their usual “audience” of university students. Rhein-Sieg University of “We want to give children in the region the chance to Applied Sciences was all Clement’s lecture is part of the Rhein-Sieg pilot initiative explore, discover and experience how exciting the arts and about happiness: What is “Children’s University”, a joint project of the Bonn-Rhein- sciences can be,” says Alanus University Rector Marcelo da this thing we call happiness? Sieg University of Applied Sciences and the Alanus Universi- Veiga. Can it be bought? How can ty of Arts and Social Sciences. The project features lectures an individual contribute to on a broad range of topics with the goal of getting children Regional support his or her own happiness? excited about scientific exploration. These were among the big Children’s University is sponsored by the Rhein-Sieg District, questions considered by “Children just soak up knowledge – and with great enthu- Germania Gebäudedienste GmbH, and the Rhein-Sieg dis- Professor Reiner Clement and siasm,” says University President Hartmut Ihne. “We want trict Kreissparkasse Foundation (Kreissparkassenstiftung). his large audience of kids. “We feel it’s important to open the university’s doors to “The children were very open people who otherwise don’t have much contact with it,” and forthcoming,” reported explains Thomas Kemp, Managing Director of Germania Clement. The group con- Gebäudedienste, a building services company. cluded that money does not make us happy over the long The Children’s University concept has already proven a suc- term, and that family, friends cess, with children participating across the region, and from and good health are more all different school types and educational backgrounds. important. “The lecture halls ‘sold out’ just a few days after sign-ups began,” says Reiner Clement, Vice President for Innovation How happy are people in and Regional Development at BRSU, who would like to Germany? see the Children’s University pilot project develop into a ÜÜwww.gluecksatlas.de permanent institution. “It’s an asset not only for the region, but for me and my colleagues as well,” says Clement. “Children are unbiased, open and uninhibited. They bring a fresh perspective and ask questions that we adults might not necessarily think of ourselves.” » Region 58 59 » Region

Innovation hotspot BusinessCampus supports start-ups

The BusinessCampus Rhein-Sieg includes 1,800 square me- outside research institutions or the private sector. “These tres of office space as well as laboratories and conference are often long-time research partners who strike out on rooms. At its three locations, the BusinessCampus currently their own and want to take advantage of the BusinessCam- supports 40 young companies from a wide range of in- pus,” says Scheuer. This was also how SIDACT got its start. dustries including IT, consulting and marketing. One of the Before founding the company, Thole and his team worked companies is SIDACT GmbH. From its offices on the BRSU at the Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific campus in Sankt Augustin, SIDACT distributes its products Computing SCAI in Sankt Augustin and had collaborated to markets throughout the world, including China, India with the BRSU on research projects. and Mexico. For company founder Clemens-August Thole, the BusinessCampus offers a long list of advantages. “The From research into business proximity to the students, the good infrastructure and the flexible leasing terms are particularly important,” says Today, SIDACT’s core business is based on the team’s re- Thole. search at the Fraunhofer Institute. Thole’s team developed a procedure for compressing the huge amounts of data All-around support and guidance generated by computer simulations, such as a computer-simulated crash test. “We started to see a tremendous The BusinessCampus is operated by a limited liability amount of interest from the private sector, and our team at company (GmbH) backed by three partners: Bonn-Rhein- Fraunhofer was spending more and more time consulting Sieg University of Applied Sciences, the regional bank companies and servicing our software,” recalls Thole, who Kreissparkasse Köln, as well as the Rhein-Sieg District trade is also SIDACT’s managing director. “The research aspect and industry promotion office. With the BusinessCampus, was no longer our main focus, and the time was ripe for a these partners provide entrepreneurs and start-up com- spin off.” panies with affordable office space as well as an extensive range of consulting and support services. “We consult SIDACT clearly has growth potential. Its current focus is these entrepreneurs in all phases – developing their idea, on the automotive industry, but it plans to approach other writing the business plan, even preparing for trade fairs,” industries such as aviation, oil and weather. SIDACT already says BRSU’s Udo Scheuer, one of the managing directors of employs several BRSU students as support staff. These stu- BusinessCampus GmbH. dents can also pursue internships or continue their work at SIDACT in the form of a Bachelor or Master’s thesis. Scheuer The BusinessCampus has helped launch many new compa- is optimistic about the company’s future. “SIDACT is an nies over the last few years. The entrepreneurs are usually exciting example of how mathematical research can result affiliated with BRSU, and about ten percent come from in software that is in demand around the world,” he says. » Region 58 59 » Region

Science Campus

The on-campus presence of companies such as SIDACT has several advantages for BRSU as well. They generate new research ideas, research projects, and provide students with valuable employment opportunities. But the BusinessCam- pus also has a strategic component for BRSU. “Our goal is to establish a Science Campus which is home to high-end companies, innovative spin-offs and centres for research and development – all of whom have productive relationships with BRSU and the region,” says University President Hartmut Ihne. This helps establish BRSU as the place in the region, where science and industry come together and promote innovation.

More on the BusinessCampus at: ÜÜhttp://www.bc-rs.de

More on SIDACT at: ÜÜhttp://www.sidact.com

What does the BusinessCampus offer? The BusinessCampus Rhein-Sieg consults entrepreneurs in all phases of building a business and provides office space and the necessary infrastructure. Along with its consulting services, the BusinessCampus offers entrepreneurs the chance to participate in start-up competitions and apply for start-up funding awards. Interested parties should contact Managing Director Udo Scheuer directly at:+ 49 2241 3972101, [email protected] » unique and attractive

Hans Stender, Chancellor of Bonn- primarily on engineering sciences, Rhein-Sieg University of Applied business and the social sciences. Sciences until April 2013, was a BRSU clearly distinguished itself key fi gure in the university’s de- with course offerings in fi elds like velopment. “When I fi rst heard technical journalism and biology, that a new university of applied which until then were taught only sciences was being established, at full-fl edged universities. “To an I knew right away I had to join extent we were looking to counter the effort,” recalls Stender. On the traditional image of a Fach- his fi rst days on the job, Stender hochschule,” says Stender. “And worked at a converted kitchen ta- looking back I can say that BRSU ble with a PC he brought himself. has done a terrifi c job of this so For his fi rst meetings, he served far. Today it has a very unique and refreshments in cups he bought creative profi le.” himself. “To have played such a Stender’s interim successor was major role in the start-up phase Angela Fischer, who heads BRSU’s is something I’ll never forget – it Personnel Management and Legal was very rewarding and a lot of Affairs section. On 1 December fun!” says Stender. Together with 2013, Fischer handed over to Dr. his pioneering colleagues, Stender Michaela Schuhmann, who, as tried hard to distinguish BRSU Vice President for Economics and from other universities of applied Human Resources Management, sciences (Fachhochschulen). At is now BRSU’s chief administrative the time of BRSU’s founding, most offi cer. Fachhochschulen were focused » movers + shakers

» Region 62 63 » Region

Students with strong backing “Deutschlandstipendium” attractive for both sponsors and students

Talent combined with drive and commitment is something we get to meet the people in their HR department. And that employers are always looking for, and something that who knows, maybe Eaton will even hire me.” more and more companies are willing to invest in early. One example is the “Deutschlandstipendium” or Germa- Svetlin Tontchev (23), ny Scholarship, which is funded by Germany’s business 4th semester, Business Administration: community together with matching support from the federal government. During the 2013/14 winter semester, “Before the scholarship I worked part-time in marketing 71 students at the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied along with my studies, which demanded a tremendous Sciences were able to find a Germany Scholarship sponsor amount of flexibility. And quite often the really attractive for a period of at least 12 months. work assignments would conflict with my class schedule. Thanks to the Germany Scholarship, I now have the finan- Each Germany Scholarship is sponsored by a business, cial freedom to concentrate 100% on my studies. My orig- private individual or foundation, which supports a young inal goal was to go into hospital management after gradu- talent with a pledge of 150 euros per month; these funds ation. But the contact to my sponsor Aldi has made me to are then matched by the Federal Ministry of Education and reconsider things a bit, so I’m keeping all doors open.” Research (BMBF). At BRSU, the sponsors have a voice in ÜÜhttp://www.deutschland-stipendium.de/ Thanks to his Germany Scholarship, determining which departments the scholarship holders Svetlin Tontchev can now turn his full come from. “For many companies, the Germany Scholar- attention to his studies. ship fits into their recruiting strategy,” says Fidegnon Witte, director of fundraising at BRSU. “It’s a way for the sponsors to demonstrate their sense of social responsibility, but the scholarships are also an effective medium for their HR marketing.” For the scholarship holders, the financial support often enables the next step in their development.

Lilian Degen (25), 3rd semester, Electrical Engineering:

“The scholarship took a huge weight off my shoulders. I was suddenly able to relax and perform better on exams, and my GPA improved significantly. It’s also exciting to be part of the Germany Scholarship network. My sponsor Eaton wants to offer seminars to scholarship holders, and » Region 62 63 » Region

Climate-friendly cement Industry shows great interest in the AktivPuzzolan project

How can CO2 emissions be reduced in cement manufactur- ested in the results and take an active part in the discus- ing and processing? It’s a question of critical importance to sions,” says Witzleben. Renewable building

the construction industry, since more CO2 emissions means materials higher costs. Steffen Witzleben, Professor of Chemistry in When does the cement harden? Resource scarcity is one of the Department of Natural Sciences, has been grappling the big challenges of the with this challenge for several years now. In 2013 he began Researchers are focused on the addition of pozzolans – future, which is why Profes- a new chapter in his research with the AktivPuzzolan pro- rocks made up of different materials, including limestone sor Steffen Witzleben and his ject, which involves the addition of special materials known and clay. Pozzolans have been a cement additive for some team in the Department of as pozzolans. time, but they cause the cement to harden more slowly. Natural Sciences are research- By altering the pozzolans and adding additional materials ing renewable raw materials The project is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Edu- called templates, Witzleben and his team want to control for the construction industry. cation and Research (BMBF) with additional support from and accelerate the crystallisation process, which is what As part of the “BioBau” various partners in the region including the University of causes the cement to harden. “Our goal is to optimise project, the research team

Siegen, Henkel Corporation’s Adhesive Technologies divi- cement so that companies produce significantly less CO2 focuses on the polymer lignin sion and construction materials manufacturers Wittekind during cement manufacturing and processing,” explains found in wood. “Currently and CIRKEL. Wittekind, for example, provides the cement Witzleben. only about two percent of required for the experiments. “The partners are very inter- the world’s lignin supply is The AktivPuzzolan research project will run until 2017. being used as a raw mate-

It remains to be seen how much CO2 can be saved with rial,” says Witzleben. “The AktivPuzzolan. One thing is clear for the researchers: They rest gets thrown away.” need to keep the price of the new cement as low as possi- Witzleben wants to use lignin ble. “Our goal is to maintain current price levels, since the to manufacture materials re- market is usually tough on the more expensive products,” sembling plastics which could says Witzleben. be used for products such as insulation.

International 65

For social protection worldwide Science connects Working group provides a forum for NRW-Near East scholarship programme international researchers » 67 » 66

Global university A meeting of like minds ERASMUS for university staff RISE scholarship holders conduct research in » 68 Rheinbach » 69

» movers + shakers versatile and dependable » 70

Contagious enthusiasm Welcome to Ghana Internship semester abroad First Summer School in Cape Coast » 72 » 74

Kick-off in Nairobi Trilateral cooperation with universities in Ghana and Kenya » 75 » International 66

For social protection worldwide Working group provides a forum for international researchers

Katja Bender is Professor for Economics at BRSU’s }}The next EADI General Conference will take place What is EADI? International Centre for Sustainable Development in Bonn in June 2014. What will be your role in the The European Association of (IZNE). Bender founded the working group “Social conference? Development Research and Protection” in 2013 together with Professor Esther International researchers and representatives from the field Training Institutes is Europe’s Schüring and representatives of development policy will be presenting leading network for develop- from the German Devel- their work. Participants will include ex- ment research and training. opment Institute (DIE) and perts from Europe, Asia and Africa, but Founded in 1975, EADI is Ruhr-Universität Bochum as also representative from the World Bank an international non-gov- part of the European Associa- and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Inter- ernmental organisation that tion of Development Research nationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The hosts events and provides fa- and Training Institutes (EADI). topics will be as diverse as the presenters cilities for scientific dialogue themselves – social protection of indig- and exchange. The General }} What is the focus of the enous women in India, national health Conference is EADI’s largest working group? insurance in Ghana, and the reduction event and is held every three Social protection is becom- of poverty and inequality in Indonesia to years. The next General ing more and more important name a few. It’s sure to be an interesting Conference entitled “Re- worldwide. It includes protection combination of lectures and discussions. sponsible Development in a against existential risks such as Polycentric World - Inequality, illness and unemployment, as well }}What initiatives is the “Social Pro- Citizenship and the Middle as other safeguards for the poor tection” working group planning? Classes” will take place in and disabled. Our working group We will continue to organise meetings Bonn, Germany from 23 - 26 provides international research- and collaborative research projects. In June 2014. ers with a forum for dialogue on addition, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University ÜÜwww.eadi.org social protection – a place where of Applied Sciences will be offering the they can present research results and share experiences international Master’s degree programme “Social Protec- from their work in both developing and high-income coun- tion” as of the 2014/15 winter semester. This programme tries. We have three main areas of focus: First, what is the will provide young professionals from around the world impact of social protection measures? Second, how should with interdisciplinary training and the necessary meth- social protection measures be designed and implemented odological skills to analyse the social protection needs of given the special circumstances in developing countries specific countries. There are not many programmes of this and the specific requirements of individual countries? And kind around the world, so it’s a way for BRSU to stand out. third, what role does a country’s political economy play in And it is also a way to make an active contribution to social developing and establishing social protection? protection around the world. 67 » International

Science connects NRW-Near East scholarship programme

One of Professor Edda Tobiasch’s personal goals is to use Scientific and intercultural exchange science and scientific research as a vehicle for dispelling Cooperation with prejudice and bringing disparate cultures together. The “Once a week everyone in the lab meets with Professor To- Wartburg College research team in her stem cell laboratory at BRSU, for biasch to talk about their ongoing experiments and to plan The partnership with Wart- example, is highly multi-national. Tobiasch, a former lab- additional work. The feedback helped me improve my sci- burg College in Iowa, USA oratory head at Harvard University, has participated in the entific writing and my research techniques,” recalls Yasmin is now official. BRSU and NRW-Near East scholarship programme since 2009. The Issa. Along with their research, the Middle Eastern guests Wartburg signed a partner- programme gives qualified students from Israel, Palestine also had a chance to learn about NRW culture, including ship agreement last summer, and Jordan the opportunity to take part in a research pro- boat rides on the Rhine, a visit to the open-air museum in which will include a range of ject at a university in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) for a Kommern, and a meeting of all 25 scholarship holders in initiatives such as exchange period of three months. The stay at a German institution is Düsseldorf. “We really get a lot out of our stay in NRW – semesters, summer schools designed to familiarise the scholarship holders with Germa- both scientifically and culturally – and at the same time our and collaborative media ny’s research and higher education landscape and pave the hosts experience first-hand the potential of students from projects. Students from both way for further collaboration in the future. the Middle East,” says Issa. It’s a fruitful exchange, and a schools will visit each other tradition that will continue at BRSU: Professor Tobiasch will for 10-day workshop sessions Tobiasch’s lab is a favourite among programme applicants. participate in the programme again in 2014. to collaborate on an online “Every year we receive more applicants than we can accept magazine and television pro- and the quality of the applicants is high, so it’s always a dif- gramme. The partner schools ficult decision to make,” says Tobiasch, who is a professor complement each other well of Biology at BRSU. In 2013, Tobiasch selected Palestinian with BRSU’s Technical Jour- Yasmin Issa, who had an impressive background in medical nalism specialists and Wart- biotechnology. Issa spent her three months in Rheinbach burg College’s expertise in under the direction of one of Tobiasch’s doctoral students the area of TV production. exploring the use of stem cells and bio materials for the purpose of bone regeneration in dental medicine. The work paid off; the project led by Tobiasch and colleague Margit Schulze was named winner of the 5,000-euro University Innovation Prize.

» International 68

Global university

ERASMUS for university staff BRSU commits to the “Code of Conduct for German Higher Education Projects Abroad” Each year some 250,000 students go abroad as part of the EU’s Erasmus programme. University staff mem- The Code of Conduct initiated by the German Rectors’ bers can also take part in a wide range of Erasmus Conference (HRK) and the German Academic Exchange training programmes. Claudia Luppertz and Claudia Service (DAAD) defines quality criteria for German higher Holbach, staff scientists in the Department of Electri- education projects abroad. By committing to the Code of cal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Techni- Conduct, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences cal Journalism (EMT), spent one week at the Universi- agrees to uphold certain standards and guidelines, includ- ty of Valencia. ing accredited dual degree programmes and transparent admissions policies, to ensure that German academic qual- }}What did you do in Valencia? ity is maintained abroad. BRSU is a partner in the German We took part in an IT course together with university Jordanian University (GJU) and the Vietnamese-German employees from all around Europe. It was actually quite University (VGU) and offers dual degree programmes with demanding – everything in English and taught at a pretty universities in Argentina, Canada, the UK and Italy, among high level. other countries.

}}How would you describe the difference between BRSU selected for HRK audit the two universities? “Internationalisation of Universities” Student life is very different. The University of Valencia has over 45,000 students, so it’s much bigger. Another differ- External reviewers from the German Rectors’ Conference ence is that many people in the university community there (HRK) are currently conducting a year-long review of hold down several jobs in order to make ends meet. BRSU’s international competencies. Are foreign students well integrated into the community and do they receive There are several ways for }}What was your favourite part of the experience? the necessary support? Is there an exchange programme BRSU staff to gain interna- Being able to communicate with the locals in their lan- for instructors? Is BRSU’s administrative staff sufficiently tional experience, including guage is simply a great feeling. The university’s Internation- trained in the area of intercultural competencies? Interna- job-shadowing, conferences al Office also hosted several events, including a tour of the tional Office director Dr. Roland Weiß is optimistic about and workshops. And there city, Salsa dance lessons and a Tapas cooking course. the evaluation results. “We are already very well positioned are several funding opportu- in this area and hope to receive additional tips from the ex- nities as well: perts on how to best optimise our international offerings,” ÜÜwww.h-brs.de/ says Weiß. The reviewers will provide their feedback after Mobilität+von+Beschäftigten+ concluding the audit process in November 2014. BRSU will then receive a certificate confirming its participation in the audit process. 69 » International

A meeting of like minds RISE scholarship holders conduct research in Rheinbach

The very popular Research Internships in Science and Small lab, intimate atmosphere Engineering (RISE) programme, sponsored by the DAAD, provide Bachelor students in the US, Canada and UK with “In the lab, Constanze taught me new stem cell differenti- the chance to spend a summer in Germany conducting ation techniques, and I’ll be able to apply this knowledge in research. Yu Zhang and Constanze Kaebisch – both doc- research projects back home. Rheinbach is a perfect work toral candidates in Professor Edda Tobiasch’s laboratory for environment. Everything here is small and familiar – and Genetic Engineering and Cell Culture – received over 40 I’m surrounded by fantastic people who share my love for RISE applications from outstanding students hoping to take science. My stay in Germany was my fi rst time in Europe part in their research projects. In the end they chose Amer- and defi nitely not my last!” icans Kelly Lui and Jillian K. Gorski, who then spent three Jillian K. Gorski studies Bioengineering at the University of months in Rheinbach. Pittsburgh.

Stem cell research by day, Beethoven by night

“I always wanted to go to Germany, so when I heard that I could do research in Germany on a RISE scholarship, I applied right away. BRSU‘s scientifi c and research profi le Scholarship holders Kelly Liu and was a perfect match, since I am very interested in stem cell Jillian K. Gorski (front, from left) with research and its many applications in the fi eld of regenera- their mentors Yu Zhang and Con- tive medicine. Together with my mentor Yu Zhang, I inves- stanze Kaebisch (back, from left). tigated the effect of the p53 tumour suppressor protein on the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. In my free time I was able to take in Bonn’s cultural scene and today I’m a big Beethoven fan!” Kelly Liu studies Biomedical Engineering at Columbia Uni- versity in New York City. “We raised these chicks from two eggs and then brought them to a farm.” Kelly Liu » versatile and dependable

Germans are serial sausage-eaters and Kore- Korea. She’s found a way to return the favour ans have no sense of humour – today Study as a Study Buddy for exchange student Joy- Buddies Joyoub Kim and Luisa Schimainski oub Kim, who is studying Business Adminis- laugh at the stereotypes they used to rely on. tration at BRSU for one semester. Kim is very Schimainski, who studies Technical Journal- thankful for the support from his Study Buddy. ism at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied “Luisa organised a room for me in the dorm, Sciences, spent a semester abroad in Daegu, helped me open a bank account and intro- South Korea. “Korea is incredibly diverse,” duced me to her friends,” says Kim. “Especial- she says. “It’s one of the world’s technology ly in those fi rst few weeks, I could not have giants and, at the same time, old traditions done it without her.” Still, the two do not yet are an integral part of everyday life.” Today agree on whether to use a knife or scissors to Schimainski has a newfound enthusiasm for cut a pizza. “It’s those small differences in the Asian culture and a great appreciation for the everyday life that make the cultural exchange support she received from her hosts in South interesting,” says Kim with a smile. » movers + shakers

» International 72

Contagious enthusiasm Internship semester abroad

Companies look for specialists and managers that can not Team spirit only work well in different markets, but also in different cultures. Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences “In the Procurement Trucks and Buses department at fills this need with its international internship programme. Mercedes Benz in Istanbul I played an active role in the ne- “A working semester abroad gives the students insight gotiation meetings from the very beginning and was able into a foreign culture in both the business and everyday to learn about the highly complex procurement processes. environment. The intercultural competency gained is a big For a short time I even took over for one of the buyers and benefit for our graduates and equally attractive for future conducted negotiations all by myself. My supervisors were employers,” says University President Hartmut Ihne. BRSU’s very satisfied with my work. I was able to procure a product long term goal is to provide half of its graduates with at a significantly lower price than expected. In general there international experience during their degree programmes. was a very strong team spirit between employees and su- The best ambassadors for the internship abroad are the pervisors and we often went out together in the evenings Bachelor students themselves. They immerse themselves after work. Thanks to my colleagues, I now know Istanbul in a foreign culture, take on significant responsibility, and from the inside, i.e. off the beaten path of tourism.” return to Germany inspired. Burhan Kolbasi spent six months at Mercedes Benz Türk A.S. in Istanbul. He studies Business Administration. Valentin Schell loves the fast pace This is what I want to do! in New York.

“Deutsche Telekom Inc. is always looking for promising start-ups to invest in. I worked for the head of the Innova- tion and Technology Scouting department and travelled up and down the East Coast. Small companies presented their business models to me and it was my job to either recom- mend them or not. I was given a lot of responsibility during my internship and it became clear to me that this is what I want to do with my career! The people in New York are so full of new ideas; their enthusiasm is contagious and it’s rubbed off on me!” Valentin Schell studies Business Administration and completed his internship semester in summer 2013 at Deutsche Telekom Inc. in New York.

Burhan Kolbasi immerses himself in business life in Istanbul. 73 » International

Valentin Kett is awed by the warmth and hospitality of the people he met in India.

New: Institute for International Studies The new BRSU Institute for International Studies offers A BMW as company car Logistics as a focus hands-on, internationally-oriented academic and profes- “My internship at BMW of North America was a chance “It’s hard to imagine a country more rich in contrast than sional training programmes. for me to learn what it’s like to work in marketing and India – both geographically and socially. I was able to travel Foreign students, BRSU’s communications for a large corporation. My responsibilities a lot on the weekends and got a first-hand look at the various departments or even included scheduling, support for photo and film shootings, country’s tremendous diversity. The people were incredi- private sector companies can and adapting German advertising brochures to suit the bly friendly, and I was deeply impressed with their sense take advantage of the insti- American market. I was very busy, but thanks to the great of hospitality. At Bosch and everywhere else I went, I was tute’s diverse offerings includ- work atmosphere it never got stressful. Getting a 3-series received warmly. I was less able to appreciate the Indians’ ing language courses, field BMW company car as an intern was the cherry on top. sense of time. Meetings, for example, regularly take place trips and intercultural training Looking back, my internship in New Jersey paid off double: a few hours later than planned. During my internship I courses. The institute gives I not only gained professional and international experience, focused primarily on logistics, conducting warehouse opti- BRSU a competitive edge but it was a great way to learn business English without a misation, for example, or making sure that two half-empty in the area of international lot of effort.” containers don’t get shipped from Bangalore to Hamburg. education and training. Laura Engels studies Business Administration at BRSU. Her Now back in Germany I’ve chosen logistics as my area of internship was in BMW of North America’s Marketing and concentration.” Communications department in New Jersey, USA. Valentin Kett studies Business Administration at BRSU. His internship semester at Bosch took him to Bangalore, India, where he worked from August 2012 to February 2013. » International 74

Welcome to Ghana First summer school in Cape Coast

Over the course of three weeks, eleven students from Unique natural beauty and Ghanaian hospitality Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences experi- enced their very own adventure in Ghana, including private Shimmering green national parks, roaring waterfalls, lectures, visits to local companies, and Africa’s breathtaking swinging bridges suspended high in the air – with Ghana’s natural scenery. The Summer School was initiated by Eileen natural beauty providing the awe-inspiring backdrop, the Küpper, director for intercultural communication at the locals enchanted the German guests with memorable Language Centre in Rheinbach. Küpper, who hails from cultural and culinary experiences. In the home village of Ireland, proved her improvisational talent on the ground in project coordinator Phanuel Wunu, the villagers greeted Ghana, where teacher strikes forced her to organise private the students with church songs and typical Ghanaian hos- lectures with Ghanaian professors. Instead of sitting with pitality. “Ghana truly inspired the students with its people 800 students in the lecture hall, the German students and and natural beauty, and made a lasting impression. There’s their Study Buddies met in small seminar groups. “The ben- no question that there will be a further Summer School in efit was that the instructors could devote their attention Cape Coast in 2014,” says Küpper with a satisfied smile. to the students’ specific interests and questions,” explains Küpper. “This would not have been possible in a regular Additional information on the Summer School in Ghana, lecture hall,” she continues. The students received certifi- including application form, can be found at: cates for their participation in the Summer School and will ÜÜwww.wir.h-brs.de/summer_school_ghana.html receive elective credit from BRSU.

After completing their project work, the Summer School participants – all of whom study either Business Admin- istration or Business Psychology at BRSU – paid visits to Ghana’s Goethe-Institut and small Ghanaian companies. Leticia Osafo-Addo, founder of Samba Foods, impressed the students with the simplicity of her business idea. She took a typical Ghanaian recipe for paprika sauce and figured out how to mass produce it and get it on to the supermarket shelves. Osafo-Addo’s example demonstrated the importance of a good idea and strong market knowledge to entrepreneurial success. 75 » International

Kick-off in Nairobi Trilateral cooperation with universities in Ghana and Kenya

Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences has been working closely with the University of Cape Coast in Ghana Creative minds in since 2009 in form of a partnership between BRSU’s Inter- Ghana national Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) and In October 2013 scholars the University of Cape Coast’s Institute for Development from Bonn-Rhein-Sieg Uni- Studies (IDS). These partners will now be joined by a third versity of Applied Sciences partner, the University of Nairobi’s Institute for Develop- and the University of Cape ment Studies, which is the world’s oldest institute of this Coast met in Ghana for their kind. IZNE’s founding director Professor Wiltrud Terlau trav- second annual conference elled to East Africa in November 2013 together with BRSU entitled “Entrepreneurship, colleagues and University of Cape Coast representatives to Innovation and Sustainable officially launch the trilateral cooperation. Economic Development in Africa”. The conference Sponsored by the DAAD, the tour began in Nairobi with a included working group Wiltrud Terlau (centre) leads the German and Ghanaian visit to the university and a meeting with top-level univer- sessions and an award pres- delegation to Nairobi sity administrators, who arranged for a special personal entation for the business plan welcome for the eight guests from Germany and Ghana. competition. Three teams “This is rather unusual for such a new cooperation and un- from the University of Cape derscores their tremendous interest in joining the partner- Coast were recognised for ship,” says Terlau. The university trio has ambitious goals. These projects will focus primarily on today’s challenges in their outstanding business Professors from all three countries met in working groups Africa and address questions such as: Which technologies ideas: a concept for supplying and identified focus areas such as sustainable technolo- can be used to improve rural infrastructures and which and distributing high-quality gies, responsible business, sustainable food production, of these can be financed, operated and maintained by meats, a breakfast delivery social protection, and business start-ups, and planned their the local population? How can food production be made service, and a business that contributions to the international EADI General Conference more sustainable along the food value chain? How can a designs protective covers for scheduled for 23 – 26 June 2014 in Bonn (see p. 66). country’s senior citizens be cared for when the traditional IT devices. The conference systems of elderly care no longer function? For Terlau, attracted considerable atten- Working from the inside out working “from the inside out” is key to overcoming these tion across Ghana. challenges. “African university curricula that emphasise In March 2014 it was time for the partners in Ghana and practical relevance and a focus on sustainable development Kenya to visit Sankt Augustin. The parties signed a trilateral put African graduates in a strong position to share their memorandum of understanding and joint applications for knowledge with others and to support their own country’s funding, thereby strengthening the foundation for further development. They become tomorrow’s multipliers,” says collaborative projects in teaching and research. Terlau.

Facts and Figures 77

Programmes of study / Students in the winter term Student numbers 2013/14 » 78 » 79

Organisational structure New appointments » 80 » 81

University Council Partner universities around the » 81 world » 82

Prizes and awards » 84 » Facts and Figures 78

Facts and Figures As of April 2014

Number of students First-semester students Graduates

7000 2000 1200 1800 6000 1000 1600

5000 35% 35% 1400 34% female 800 34% 1200 32% 4000 30% 1000 600 3000 800 400 2000 600 70% 68% 66% 66% 65% 65% male 400 200 1000 200

0 0 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Programmes of study

Bachelor’s programmes Master’s programmes For detailed statistics and data on Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of • Applied Biology • Analysis and Design of Social Protection Systems Applied Sciences: • Business Administration (B.A. and B.Sc.) • Analytical Chemistry and Quality Assurance ÜÜwww.h-brs.de/statistiken • Chemistry with Materials Science • Autonomous Systems • Electrical Engineering • Biomedical Sciences • Electrical Engineering (cooperative) • Controlling and Management • Computer Science • Electrical Systems Design • Mechanical Engineering • Computer Science • Mechanical Engineering (cooperative) • Innovation and Information Management • Forensic Science • International Media Studies (cooperative) • Social Security Studies w/focus on Accident Insurance • Mechatronics • Technical Journalism / PR • Corporate Social Responsibility & Non-Governmental • Business Information Systems Organisation (CSR & NGO) Management • Economic Psychology • Technology and Innovation Communication 79 » Facts and Figures

Students in the winter term 2013/14 Students by department and gender

Business Computer Science Electrical Engineer- Natural Sciences Social Security Administration ing, Mechanical Studies Engineering and Technical Journalism (EMT) female 50 % female female 12 % 20 % female female 58 % 66 %

2,221 1,769 1,584 1,022 327

male male male male 34 % male 88 % 80 % 42 % 50 %

Percentage of international students by department

15,7 % 16,3 % 10,4 % 18,8 % 0,6 % » Facts and Figures 80

Structure of the University

Office of the President

University Council Vice President Vice President Vice President 8 members for Economics and Human for Teaching, Studies & for Research and Transfer Staff unit Resources Management Further Education President Communications and Marketing Vice President Vice President Senate for International Affairs for Innovation and Regional 31 members Development

Departments and Institutes Commissions and Commissioners Administration and Central Facilities

Departments Institutes Commissions Commissioners Administration Central Facilities

Institute for Detection Financial Affairs Alumni Finance, Purchasing, Real Estate, Natural Sciences Technologies (IDT) and Budgeting Building and Construction, University and Environmental Protection and District Library Privacy Safety at Work Institute for Media Research and Development Research University Planning, Electrical Engineering, (IMEA) International Projects Organisation and Controlling, Language Centre Mechanical Engineering and and Quality Management Technical Journalism (EMT) Institute for Technology, Intercultural and Religious Renewables and Energy-Efficient Equal Opportunities Affairs International Office and Student Engineering (TREE) Centre for Campus IT Affairs Quality Management

Computer Science International Affairs School Liaison Personnel Management and Centre for Science and Legal Affairs Technology Transfer Graduate Institute Statutory Representatives Social Security Studies Teaching and Studies Occupational Health & Safety, Institute of Safety and Security Environmental Protection Research (ISF)

Business Administration Quality Improvement Appointment Procedures Institute for Social Innovations (ISI) Data Protection

Institute of Visual Computing Equal Opportunities (IVC) Staff Councils

Health and Disability International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE)

Student bodies Student Parliament, Student Committee, Departmental Councils, Student Representatives on Departmental Councils 81 » Facts and Figures

New appointments University Council

21.02.13 Prof. Dr. Christine Immenkötter The current members of the University Council were appointed in August 2007 and were confirmed Department of Business Administration, for a further term in 2012: four external members and four members of the university. The University General Business Management specialising Council is responsible for all strategic matters relating to the university. It advises the Office of the Pres- in Internal/External Accounting, Business ident and monitors the way the Office of the President conducts its business. Furthermore, it appoints Finance, Taxes and Operations Management the President of the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences and acts as his/her supervisory body. 01.03.13 Prof. Dr. Susanne Keil The eight voting members of the University Council are: Department of Electrical Engineering, Me- chanical Engineering and Technical Journal- ism (EMT) • Prof. Dr. Rupert Gerzer (Chairman) • Dr. Ines Knauber-Daubenbüchel 01.10.13 Prof. Dr. Harm Knolle Director of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine Managing Partner, Carl Knauber Holding Department of Computer Science, Database at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) GmbH & Co. KG Systems • Prof. Dr. Tobias Amely • Prof. Dr. Gerd Knupp 01.01.13 Prof. Dr. Klaus Lehmann Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences Department of Natural Sciences, Chemistry, • Prof. Dr. Elvira Jankowski • Prof. Dr. Karl W. Neunast esp. General Chemistry and Organic Chem- Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences istry • Dr. Eckart John von Freyend • Dr. Andrea Niehaus 01.03.14 Prof. PD Dr. Cristina Massen (Deputy Chairman) Director of the Deutsches Museum Bonn Department of Business Administration, Gebrüder John von Freyend GbR Business Psychology, esp. General Psychology and Scientific Methodology 01.06.13 Prof. Dr. Stefanie Meilinger Department of Electrical Engineering, Me- University employee structure chanical Engineering and Technical Jour- nalism/IZNE, Sustainable Technologies, esp. Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficiency 15.04.13 Prof. Dr. Alexander Pohl Professors 143 Department of Business Administration, (incl. fill-ins) General Business Management specialising in 234 Lecturers Corporate Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management and Project Manage- ment Non-academic staff 189 01.09.13 Prof. Dr. Andreas Priesnitz (incl. trainees) Department of Computer Science, Computer Science, esp. Programming and Programming Methodology 212 01.03.13 Prof. Dr. Esther Schüring Department of Social Security Studies, Social Security Systems esp. International Social Research associates Security Systems (incl. teaching staff with special responsibilities) » Facts and Figures 82

Partner universities around the world Ü www.h-brs.de/fhbrsmedia/Downloads/Internationales/outgoing/Partnerhochschulen.pdf

II II Shanghai Ranking: Times Higher Education World II University Ranking: II Top 100: II II • Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia Top 100: II Top 500: • University of Melbourne, Australia • University of Palermo, Italy • University of Queensland, Australia • York University in Toronto, Canada Top 400: II II • Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada • University of Dundee, Scotland • Kyungpook National University in Daegu, Korea • Brunel University London, UK • Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, • Dalhousie University, Canada Netherlands • Queensland University of Technology Business • University of Valencia, Spain School, Australia • University of Dundee, Scotland • York University, Canada • National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland • National University of Ireland Maynooth, Ireland • University of Valencia, Spain

Partner universities with double degrees

• Murdoch University in Perth, Australia • Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur • Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia (double degree), Switzerland • University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, • Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Australia Carolina, USA II • Queensland University of Technology, Australia • Pfeiffer University in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA II • Dublin Business School in Dublin, Ireland • Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Partner university • York University in Toronto (Dual Bachelor Degree), Scotland II II Canada • University of Aberdeen, Scotland II Partner university with double degree II • University of New Brunswick (Dual Bachelor Degree • University of Dundee, Scotland High-ranking university • Hunan University in Changsha, and Dual Master Degree), Canada TOP 500 Shanghai Ranking • HAN University of Applied Sciences in Nijmwegen, People’s Republic of China or Netherlands TOP 400 Times Higher Education World University Ranking 83 » Facts and Figures

II II II II II II II

II II

II II Partner university II

II II Partner university with double degree II High-ranking university TOP 500 Shanghai Ranking or TOP 400 Times Higher Education World University Ranking » Facts and Figures 84

Number of international partnerships by department

Social Security Studies

4 Natural Sciences Business Administration

19 26

26 20

Computer Science Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Technical Journalism (EMT)

Country University Department Universidad Nacional de San Luis EMT Argentina Universidad Tecnológica Nacional in Buenos Aires EMT Natural Sciences (Biology) Murdoch University in Perth Business Administration Natural Sciences (Biology) Victoria University in Melbourne Business Administration Australia All other departments University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland Business Administration Griffith School of Engineering EMT Queensland University of Technology, Business School Business Administration 85 » Facts and Figures

Country University Department Business Administration Bulgaria University of Economics in Varna Computer Science

York University in Toronto Computer Science

Canada Dalhousie University in Halifax Computer Science

University of New Brunswick in New Brunswick Computer Science

Croatia University of Dubrovnik Computer Science

Czech Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Materials Science) Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Faculty of Technology Republic All departments (Ph.D. programmes)

Ethiopia Agro Technical and Technology College in Harar EMT

Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Finland Computer Science in Espoo, Institute of Technology

Université de Poitiers, Institut d’Administration des Entreprises (I.A.E.) Business Administration

France Institut Universitaire de Technologie (IUT) Business Administration Paris Descartes Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne (UPEC) Natural Sciences (Biology) Ghana University of Cape Coast Business Administration Greece University of Crete Computer Science Computer Science Indo-German Center for Higher Education India EMT (Mechanical Engineering) Mudra Institute of Communication (MICA) Ahmedabad, Gujarat EMT (Media Studies) Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT) Business Administration National University of Ireland in Galway Business Administration Ireland Dublin Business School in Dublin Business Administration National University of Ireland, Maynooth Business Administration Innovation Value Institute » Facts and Figures 86

Country University Department Università di Palermo, Dipartimento di Biologia Italy Natural Sciences (Biology) Cellulare e dello Sviluppo Business Administration Kagawa University in Takamatsu Computer Science Japan EMT Nagaoka University of Technology Computer Science Deutsch-Jordanische Hochschule/ Computer Science Jordan German-Jordanian University (GJU) Business Administration Korea Kyungpook National University in Daegu Business Administrationn Montenegro University of Montenegro, Podgorica Computer Science Namibia Polytechnic of Namibia in Windhoek Social Security Management HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmwegen Natural Sciences (Biology) Netherlands Hogeschool van Amsterdam Computer Science Computer Science EMT (Electronics) Norway HiST, Sør-Trøndelag University College in Trondheim Natural Sciences (Biology and Chemistry with Materials Science) Computer Science Nantong University People’s EMT Republic of China Hunan University in Changsha Business Administration

Jagiellonen-Universität in Kraków Natural Sciences (Biology) Poland Warsaw University of Technology Computer Science St. Petersburg State University of Information EMT Technologies, Mechanics and Optics Moscow State Institute of Radioengineering, Computer Science Electronics and Automation (Technical University) Russian Federation Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology (Technical University) (MIET) EMT in Zelenograd, National Research University of Electronic Technology Ufa State Aviation Technical University Computer Science Tomsk Polytechnic University in Tomsk Computer Science 87 » Facts and Figures

Country University Department University of Valencia Natural Sciences (Biology) EMT Universitat Politècnica de València Spain Computer Science Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya/BarcelonaTech, Computer Science Barcelona School of Informatics Computer Science La Haute Ecole Arc Switzerland EMT Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur (ZHAW) EMT (Technical Journalism) Istanbul University EMT (Technical Journalism) Turkey Yeditepe University in Istanbul Natural Sciences (Biology) Ukraine Chernihiv State Technological University (CSTU) in Chernihiv EMT Natural Sciences Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen Business Administration University of Aberdeen Natural Sciences (Biology) University of Dundee Natural Sciences (Biology) United Keele University in Staffordshire Business Administration Kingdom Natural Sciences London South Bank University (Chemistry) Business Administration

Glyndŵr University in Wrexham/Wales EMT Brunel University London Ph.D. programmes Coastal Carolina University in Conway Business Administration Pfeiffer University in Charlotte, North Carolina Business Administration California State University in Sacramento Computer Science USA University of Bridgeport Business Administration University of California, Riverside (UCR) Business Administration Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa EMT (Technical Journalism) Vietnam Vietnamese-German University (VGU) in Ho Chi Minh City Computer Science » Facts and Figures 88

Prizes and awards

IfKom Prize 2013 Winners of the “Gesellschaft der Förderer” André Bier, Lionel Djeukam, Peter Eiser, Markus Kessel (Society of Donors) Awards and Pascal Schneiders, Department of Computer Science, Sven Schneider, Master of Autonomous Systems, interdisciplinary project in the field of Management Qualifi- Department of Computer Science cation Award sponsor: DSG-Canusa GmbH Theo Pack, Department of Computer Science Best Master’s thesis by a female student Award sponsor: DSG-Canusa GmbH Jacqueline Rohrbach, Biomedical Science, Department of Genesys Encalada, Department of Business Natural Sciences Administration University Innovation Prize Award sponsor: true fruits GmbH Prof. Dr. Edda Tobiasch, Professor for Genetic Engineering Rüdiger Huf, Department of Business Administration and Cell Culture, and Prof. Dr. Margit Schulze, Award sponsor: Kreissparkasse Köln Professor for Industrial Organic Chemistry and Polymer Felix Christian Sepcke, EMT Department Chemistry, Department of Natural Sciences Award sponsor: Eaton Industries GmbH Eduard Paal, EMT Department DAAD Prize Award sponsor: Dr. Reinold Hagen Stiftung Antonio Martins, Biomedical Sciences, Department of Juliane Werner, Forensic Science, Department of Natural Sciences Natural Sciences VDMA University Prize “Bestes Maschinenhaus 2013” Award sponsor: Innovatec GmbH Dr. Martschink, Evaluation Officer, EMT Department Aysegül Yasari, EMT Department Prof. Dr. Johannes Geilen, Dean of EMT Department Award sponsor: Verlag für die Deutsche Wirtschaft AG Prof. Dr. Melcher, Quality Management Officer in EMT Dilek Güneri, Biology, Department of Natural Sciences Department Award sponsor: Antiinfectives Intelligence GmbH Tobias Schwank, Chemistry, Department of Natural FBTI Computer Science Prize Sciences Jochen Wierum, Master in Department of Computer Sci- Award sponsor: Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA ence, Master-Thesis: „Ein Ansatz zum Aufbau und zur Aus- Frank Mannes, Department of Social Security Studies wertung wiederverwendbarer Strukturen aus Ticketsystem- Award sponsor: Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung e.V. und Versionskontrollsystem-Daten für multiple Analysen“

IZNE Prize for Sustainability and Responsibility in cooperation with the “Gesellschaft der Förderer” (Society of Donors) Claudia Lutz, Department of Business Administration 89 » Facts and Figures

SaSeRos (robot competition) - Winning teams Best Robot Award: (Team 10) Amund Eriksson Aarø (HiST), Dennis Kimm (BRSU), Thomas Mowatt (HiST), Jim Martin Somby (HiST), Leo Veenstra (HvA), Patrick de Wit (HvA) Best Specification: (Team 05)Pascal Boeschoten (HvA), Olga Fedtchenko (BRSU), Espen Rise Halstensen (HiST), Vu Nguyen (Metropolia), Kjeld Nieuwendijk (HvA), Simon Nolden (BRSU)

AFCEA Bonn e.V. student awards Jessica Millberg, Department of Computer Science, Master’s thesis: “Markerloses, modellbasiertes Echtzeit- Tracking für AR-Applikationen”

DGUV Prize on Occupational Diseases Josefine Lindner, Bachelor’s thesis, Department of Social Security Studies

German Federal Cross of Merit Gerhard Bigge, longstanding lecturer in the Department of Social Security Studies

German Fairness Prize awarded by the International Fairness Forum Detlef Flintz, lecturer in Consumer Affairs Journalism, EMT Department

Young Talent Award Argang Ghadiri, Department of Business Administration 90

Photo credits

Bosse und Meinhard: Cover, 4(5), 5(3), 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 18/19, International Office: 46 21, 25, 28, 30/31, 33, 38/39, 39, 43, 44/45, 54/55, 55, cydonna/photocase: 48 60/61, 65, 66, 68, 70/71, 76/77, 85 frauL/photocase: 49 Eric Lichtenscheidt: 4, 12/13, 37, 47 andrey-fo/photocase: 50 Frank Wiedemeier: 10/11 4X-image/istock: 51 martinwimmer/istock: 14 Nomadsoul/istock: 52 Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences: 15 jela65/photocase: 53 Florian Berscheidt: 16/17 Frank Alexander Rümmele: 59 Wikipedia/ Henry Donati/Department for International Tontchev, private archive: 62 Development: 22 acilo/istock: 62/63 CARE/Peter Caton: 23 Laura Engels: 64/65 Private archive: 24/25 Yasmin Issa: 67 C. Leinz/Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy: 26 Kelly Liu: 69 Jynto/Wikipedia: 27 Edda Tobiasch: 69 Eva Tritschler: 29, 42, 43(4), 56/57 Valentin Schell : 70 Jens Mödeker: 33 Burhan Kolbasi: 70 Gerhard Renker: 34 Valentin Kett: 71 Institute of Visual Computing: 35 Vanessa Dietrich: 74(2) Barbara Michel: 40 Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences: 75 gunnar3000/istock: 41 53773 Hennef Zum Steimelsberg7 Bonn-Rhein-Sieg UniversityofApplied Sciences Hennef Campus 53359 Rheinbach von-Liebig-Straße 20 Bonn-Rhein-Sieg UniversityofAppliedSciences Rheinbach Campus 53757 SanktAugustin Grantham-Allee 20 Bonn-Rhein-Sieg UniversityofAppliedSciences Sankt AugustinCampus www.h-brs.de

Shaping Change The University Addresses Society‘s Probing Challenges Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences Annual Report 2013