Strategically Expanding International University Partnerships
The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar will receive support in the form of up to one million euro in the next four years from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in order to strengthen the relationships with three long-term partner universities. The university succeeded in becoming a part of the DAAD Strategic Partnerships Programme and wants to place its collaborative activities with Tongji University (China), Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (Russia)and the University of California, San Diego (USA) on a strategic foundation.
The money comes from funds from the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).
»This success is, alongside winning the title of „International University 2011“ through the DAAD and the Stifterverband für die deutsche Wissenschaft (the Association for the Promotion of Science and Humanities in Germany), further confirmation that we are on the right path with our internationalisation strategy”, said University President Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karl Beucke. “We are striving to create an international climate at our university and open doors to highly respected research universities around the world for our students and academic staff. We have come a good step closer to his goal«.
The palette of intended measures that should begin in June, 2013, is multi-faceted and encompass all four faculties of the university. Research and study abroad, summer schools and guest professors are supposed to lead long-term to joint research proposals or programmes of study. Particular attention is being paid to interdisciplinary research and promoting young and talented individuals. »We applied for a good mixture of research- and teaching projects«, said Dr. Muriel Helbig, head of the International Office. »With this programme, we can realise projects that are tailored specifically to our university and our partners«.
For example, one project that has been envisioned is an expansion of the double-degree programme that already exists with Tongji University in Shanghai in the areas of design and urban planning. In addition, plans include facilitating the integration of students in Weimar and Shanghai through preparatory courses in language and culture. At Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, the internationalisation of engineering education and training takes centre stage, for instance through architecture- and construction projections on location. A joint interdisciplinary programme at the juncture of art and science between doctoral candidates has been planned with the University of California, San Diego. »The entire university should profit from the success in the Strategic Partnerships Programme. We want not only students and academic staff , but also administrative employees to travel to the partner universities and carry international ideas into every area of the university,« emphasised Helbig.
The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is an international university, which the DAAD and the Stifterverband für die deutsche Wissenschaft recognised in 2011 by awarding the university the title of the same name. All together, the university has relationships with 190 universities worldwide. Of the 4,000 students enroled at the university, approximately 16% come from other countries. Half of the 40 degree programmes are internationally-oriented. The university has the goal of internationalising all of its degree programs.
For more information, contact Dr. Muriel K. Helbig at the International Office.
Dr. Muriel K Helbig
Head, International Office
phone: +49 (0) 36 43/58 23 64
E-Mail: muriel.helbig@uni-weimar.de
Web: www.uni-weimar.de/international
You can find further information about the Strategic Partnerships Programme on the DAAD website:
Press Release from 29.01.2013
http://www.daad.de/portrait/presse/pressemitteilungen/2013/22981.de.html
Call for proposals and the list of projects selected
http://www.daad.de/hochschulen/ausschreibungen/21145.de.html