German scientists tour UAH campus

As part of an international effort to deepen bilateral university relationships in the field of engineering, a group of scientists from the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, toured The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) campus on Monday, Oct. 26.

Eight German research universities were represented on the tour, organized by Baden-Württemberg International and facilitated by the Tuscaloosa Industrial Development Authority, The University of Alabama System, and the UAH Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development.

"UAH has made a concerted effort to increase its international collaboration opportunities and to assist in economic development efforts," says Dr. Ray Vaughn, UAH vice president for research and economic development. "This visit by Baden-Württemberg International is another example of UAH reaching out to the international community to explore research opportunities."

The German delegation toured UAH's College of Engineering, met with staff and discussed possible means of international cooperation in the field of student exchange, internship opportunities and research.

The German delegation included:

• Dr. Harro Heilmann, dean of students/international coordinator of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Production and Management, Aalen University of Applied Sciences;
• Dr. Peter Väterlein, deputy president and vice president of Academic Affairs, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences;
• Dr. Susanne Hetterich, professor for Technical Logistics Management and international coordinator of the Department of Technical Processes, Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences;
• Dr. Joachim Lembach, director, International Office, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences;
• Dr.-Ing. Frank Pöhler, professor for Polymer Processing and international coordinator of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences;
• Dr. Walter Götzmann, head of the Institute for Automation Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences;
• Birgit Teubner-Jatzlau, director, International Office, Offenburg University of Applied Sciences;
• Dr. Thorsten Schneider, scientific director, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, International Center, Offenburg University of Applied Sciences;
• Dr.-Ing. Robert Watty, dean and international coordinator, Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Ulm University of Applied Sciences.

Germany's public Universities of Applied Sciences have a stronger practical orientation than research universities, focusing education and research mainly on engineering, information technology, business and other professional fields.

The Universities of Applied Sciences in Baden-Wuerttemberg are well known for academic quality in engineering education and research, ranking among the best in Germany, and for close and manifold connections to the powerful local engineering industry. That provides students many opportunities to come in contact with potential future employers through internship and research opportunities.

This visit by Baden-Württemberg International is another example of UAH reaching out to the international community to explore research opportunities.

Baden-Wuerttemberg is one of Germany's 16 federal states and the country's economic powerhouse, being home to many global players such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bosch and SAP. It is the leading research and development region in Europe and its institutions of higher education rank among the best in Germany.

Baden-Württemberg International is the center of competence and first point of contact for the State of Baden-Württemberg for internationalization, promotion and development in the areas of industry and services, as well as science and research. Baden-Württemberg International markets the state's business, education and research opportunities both within Germany and abroad. It supports companies, universities and research institutions in setting up international cooperation and recruiting qualified staff, assists foreign companies investing in Baden-Württemberg and conducts projects in selected target countries.

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