➀ ALepa.nrw offers adaptable digital learning materials for physics and electrical engineering, developed collaboratively by six universities in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);

➀ The open-access resources, hosted on the ORCA.nrw platform, support flexible teaching methods and self-study, covering core topics like mechanics, semiconductors, and circuitry;

➂ Funded by the NRW state government, the initiative aims to modernize STEM education and address the shortage of skilled professionals in technical fields.

➀ Esslingen University introduces the dual-degree MechatronikBUSINESS program, combining Mechatronics and Industrial Engineering, enabling students to earn two bachelor’s degrees in nine semesters;

➁ New specializations include Medical Technology, Energy/Hydrogen Systems, and AI in mechatronic applications, aligning with industry trends;

➂ Flexible study models (part-time, corporate partnerships, and work-study combinations) and enrollment options are available, with an open day scheduled for May 2025.

The Minister for Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, Ina Brandes, visited the 'Lab-on-Tour' science truck at the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences (HSHL) campus on April 16, 2025. The 'Lab-on-Tour' is part of the 'Digitalise_SWF' project started in 2023, funded by the Federal-State Initiative 'Innovative University'. Minister Brandes gained insights into the activities of the transfer project and experienced virtual reality and driving simulations in the truck.

Brandes emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents in MINT subjects and the role of the science truck in engaging students in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, and technology. The project aims to strengthen digitalization skills in the region and benefit small and medium-sized enterprises.

During the visit, the focus was on virtual and augmented reality in product development and connected mobility, showcasing a virtual industrial environment and a driving simulator.

The Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena (EAH Jena) is strengthening its international ties and actively responding to global challenges. With the DAAD-funded project 'Space, Bioprocess and Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Economy and Development' (SpEEED), the university is intensifying cooperation with partner universities in South America and Southeast Asia. The project, which runs from January 2025 to the end of 2027, focuses on developing innovative solutions for urgent issues such as climate change and increasing resource consumption.

Global cooperation for sustainable solutions: 'The major problems of our time can only be overcome through international dialogue and cooperation. SpEEED opens up new opportunities for our students to gain international experience and develop practical solutions for global issues,' explains Prof. Dr. Alexander Richter, Professor of Electrical Measurement Technology and Optoelectronics and project contact at EAH Jena.

Student benefits: More than 40 percent of EAH Jena students benefit directly from the measures within the SpEEED project. Especially students from the fields of business administration, electrical engineering and information technology, medical technology and biotechnology, and business engineering can apply for funding for international exchange programs.

➀ The Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg offers Bachelor's degree programs in Electrical and Information Engineering and Business Engineering for working professionals looking to advance their careers.

➁ The programs, offered in collaboration with the Hochschule Darmstadt and supported by the zfh – Zentrum für Fernstudien im Hochschulverbund, combine self-study phases with on-campus sessions for high flexibility.

➂ The labs of TH Aschaffenburg are integrated into the on-campus events and can be used for research and thesis work.

The IDA Institute strengthens its further development in the research and development sector.

The research institute, as a successful part of the regional innovation system, achieves this through various cooperations.

The IDA ends its fiscal year 2024 with record third-party funding, patents, and invention notifications. The institute has raised more than 5.7 million euros in third-party funding since 2019 and currently employs thirteen staff. The IDA cooperates closely with universities, universities, and industry. These collaborations enable mutual exchange of ideas between IDA, business, and society. The Institute achieves a regional reputation with its expertise and provides effective research and development support for large companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Research partners benefit from well-equipped laboratories, participation in in-house training, and the opportunity to obtain a guest researcher status, as well as the granting and supervision of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral theses. There is also the possibility of completing a doctorate in collaboration with universities. Doctoral students can remain in the IDA or in the regional industry. "This has the advantage that the region is supplied with scientifically trained personnel and this personnel does not have to migrate to urban areas," says Professor Jürgen Ulm, director of the IDA Institute.

Markus Hinsenkamp has been confirmed for a second term as Chancellor of the University of Bochum, lasting from March 2025 to February 2033.

The University of Bochum has confirmed Markus Hinsenkamp as Chancellor for a second term of eight more years. The re-election process took place on April 8, 2024, in a shortened procedure where a public tender could be waived due to the incumbent's re-candidacy – a method that was first applied at the University of Bochum. The University's electoral assembly, consisting of the eligible members of the Senate and the University Council, voted to re-elect Hinsenkamp. The almost unanimous election result, with only one abstention, underscores the high trust in his committed and successful leadership as Chancellor.

On February 25, 2025, Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, presented Markus Hinsenkamp with the certificate for his second term, which begins on March 1, 2025, and lasts until February 28, 2033.

The University of Esslingen has launched a new two-year project called 'suppleMINT' to enhance the attractiveness and feasibility of its MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Technology) study programs. Funded by the Science Ministry with nearly 160,000 euros, the project aims to deepen the technical study foundations for students in the first two semesters. It includes a supplementary semester for students who have completed the first or second semester, followed by a pilot phase expected in the summer semester of 2026. The project aims to increase academic success and prevent dropout, particularly for students on the second educational track.

➀ The state government of Rhineland-Palatinate is funding the establishment of a new bachelor's program in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Hochschule Koblenz with two million euros.

➁ The program will focus on robotics applications and artificial intelligence/informatics, filling a gap in the current educational offerings in the region.

➂ This initiative aims to support digital transformation in the economy and foster technological innovation by qualifying professionals in these fields.