Around the world in 16 fellows: Dr. Afi Amen Christele Attiogbe
This year and next, sixteen researchers from thirteen countries will be conducting their research and teaching at TH Köln as International Fellows. One of them is Dr. Afi Amen Christele Attiogbe. In this interview, she talks about her reasons for participating in the international exchange program, the cultural diversity at TH Köln, and what she definitely wants to experience in Germany.
Name: Dr. Afi Amen Christele Attiogbe
Home universitiy: Université de Lomé, Togo
Hosting faculty at TH Köln: Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems
Fellowship name: Enhancing Cocoa Production through Nature-Based Solutions (NBS): A Social-Ecological Valuation Framework
Duration of stay: 1 April – 30 June 2025, 15 September – 14 December 2025
I was interested in the International Fellowship because...
TH Köln offers a conducive and peaceful working environment for education and research. As a junior researcher, this was an opportunity to shape my career path, develop collaborative initiatives, and build meaningful partnerships. Through this program, I aim to deepen my expertise, gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and teaching, while engaging with a diverse network of scholars and professionals.
Specifically, during the fellowship I plan to...
co-develop with Prof Udo Nehren, a professor for ecosystem management at the Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems, a sound review analysis on nature-based solutions available to improve the cocoa sector in West Africa, and possibly develop a grant proposal for a pilot study. Additionally, joint courses are also developed to strengthen the curricula of the faculty.
During my time in Germany, I would like to...
(i) find out available technologies to improve agricultural productivity and how they could be reproduced or adapted in the West African context, and (ii) have teaching and research experiences in the European context.
I think international exchange is...
a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and showcasing achievements between the participating countries; and TH Köln is encouraged to do so to embrace endless opportunities and foster development.
One thing that is different at my home university compared to TH Köln is...
the administrative organisation of the University, the open and collaborative mindset of professors and the numerous facilities available for students.
What I take back to my home university is...
the creation of a conducive environment for students to express their talents and flow in their research and learning activities.
What I like about TH Köln is...
its cultural diversity and the opportunity to learn from people with different backgrounds and experiences, and its academic commitment to high-quality education.
What I really wanted to experience in Cologne is...
the Carnival, which I will be unfortunate to not experience because of the duty period. However, I hope in the next years because of the strong collaboration set up between TH Koeln and I. Of course, Deutsche Bahn should not be late or cancelled :)
About PLan_CV
The International Fellows program is part of the project PLan_CV („Professur-Laufbahn an Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften neu denken: Collaboration und Vernetzung“). Its goal: Finding excellent candidates for professorial careers at TH Köln and achieving greater permeability between the academic world and the business sector. The project’s budget of 12.4 million Euros is funded through the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space program “FH-Personal” (staff for universities of applied sciences).
October 2025
