News from TH Köln

Shaping the Future Together: Current Opportunities at the German-Jordanian University

The German-Jordanian University (GJU) is once again inviting participants to take part in events promoting exchange, collaboration, and international mobility. This year’s focus is on German Week, the Future University Conference, and Study Group Mobility. More

Faculty 12 - Shaping Democracy Through Sustainable Resource Management

Cologne, Sep 15 – On today’s International Day of Democracy, the importance of free, just, and participatory social structures is taking center stage around the world. For the Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems at TH Köln, this day is more than just a symbol: it underscores the core of its educational mission in the spirit of global citizenship. More

Language Courses for Students - Winter Semester 2026/27

You would like to improve your language skills or learn a new language from the very beginning? The program offered by the Language Learning Center during the winter semester 2026/27 is now online. More

iWater project presented at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia

The iWater project at TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences was presented at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17). The conference took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August 2026. More

Around the world in 27 fellows: Dr. Tomoko Fukuda

From 2025 to 2027, 27 researchers from 19 countries will be conducting their research and teaching at TH Köln as International Fellows. One of them is Dr. Tomoko Fukuda. In this interview, she shares how international exchange can help develop better systems across the world and what about her experience at TH Köln impressed her the most. More

New Method for Wastewater Treatment

Industrial and municipal wastewater contains mixtures of pollutants in varying combinations, making treatment difficult. In the MicroNanoClean project, an approach was developed to directly break down various pollutants rather than simply filtering them out. In an interview, project leader Dr. Himanshu Himanshu from the :metabolon Institute explains the challenges and the approach taken. More

Around the world in 27 fellows: Prof Dr Nancy Achieng Owuor Booker

From 2025 to 2027, 27 researchers from 19 countries will be conducting their research and teaching at TH Köln as International Fellows. One of them is Prof Dr Nancy Achieng Owuor Booker. In this interview, she shares how the strongest collaborations are built and what currywurst has got to do with that. More

New Get-iT Fellowships awarded by Prof. Dr Sylvia Heuchemer

Following a selection process conducted by a jury, 15 Get-iT Fellowships were awarded by the President of TH Köln to researchers from various disciplines and background groups. The aim of the fellowships is to enable researchers to further develop their skills in incorporating gender perspectives into research projects and to exchange ideas within a professional network. More

Around the World with 16 Fellows: Dr Evangelos Favvas

In 2025 and 2026, 16 academics from 13 countries will be teaching and conducting research at TH Köln as International Fellows. One of them is Dr Evangelos Favvas. In this interview, he talks about why he considers international exchange to be essential and how he was welcomed as an international visiting scholar at TH Köln. More

Prof. Dr Matthias Hochgürtel is to become the new Vice-President for Research and Knowledge Transfer

The TH Köln has filled a vacancy on its Executive Board: Prof. Dr Matthias Hochgürtel was elected today by the University Electoral Assembly, with no votes against, as the new Vice-President for Research and Knowledge Transfer. Most recently, Prof. Dr Sylvia Heuchemer had been acting in this role on an interim basis alongside her position as President. More

Plenty of time for experiments: a school laboratory with Cologne’s advanced chemistry course

On 23 February, eleven pupils from the advanced chemistry course at the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium in Cologne spent an exciting and hands-on day in the laboratories of the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences. More

Young talents conduct research at the Leverkusen campus

On 10 and 11 February 2026, 19 school pupils from across North Rhine-Westphalia visited the Leverkusen campus. As part of the state seminar for the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), these young chemistry enthusiasts spent a day in the laboratory and gained further practical experience. The following day, they celebrated their successes so far in the first two rounds of the competition. More

A celebratory conclusion and the start of an exciting future

On 12 June 2026, 65 graduates from the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes at the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences celebrated the successful completion of their degrees. Together with their families, friends and partners from the faculty, they were warmly bid farewell by Dean Prof. Dr Matthias Hochgürtel at the Leverkusen campus. More

AquaSan: Removal of trace substances from water using functionalised textile coatings

Project launch at the Leverkusen campus: Through the development of innovative, activated-carbon-coated spacer fabrics and a modular reactor system, the 'AquaSan' collaborative project aims to create a new class of materials that efficiently and sustainably absorb trace substances such as PFAS and bisphenol A from water. The coated carrier materials are to be used in sewage treatment works. More

Ideas, exchange, the future: ChemCologne Cooperation Day at the Leverkusen Campus

Innovation through networking – at the ChemCologne Cooperation Day 2026, the Leverkusen Campus was transformed into a meeting place for stakeholders from the worlds of academia, the chemical industry and the start-up scene. More than 120 participants came together to exchange experiences, provide inspiration and discuss new ideas for the chemical industry. More

Deepening academic practice as a WHK – Interview with Ida Schirrmeister

Ida Schirrmeister is studying for a Master’s degree in ‘Applied Chemistry’ at the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences. During her second Master’s semester, she spent six months working as a research assistant at the ChEAF (Chemical and Environmental Analytics Core Facility) at TH Köln. In this interview, Ida gives an insight into her work and her experiences. More

Strengthening Egypt’s Flagship Water Education Program: Workshop for the IWRM MSc Program at TH Köln

As part of the DAAD-funded iWater Project, TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences hosted an Enhancement Workshop bringing together academic staff from Ain Shams University, Mansoura University, and TH Köln to further strengthen Egypt’s Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Master's Program. More

A look back and a look ahead: Prof. Dr Matthias Hochgürtel steps down as Dean

One chapter is coming to an end, and a new one is beginning: Prof. Dr Matthias Hochgürtel stepped down from his role as Dean of the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences at the Leverkusen Campus on 30 June. From 1 July, he will take on new responsibilities as Vice-President for Research and Knowledge Transfer at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences. More

Nail varnish made from renewable raw materials

Chemistry students are contributing to the development of a UV-curing, bio-based nail varnish as part of a new research project. The collaboration between the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences at TH Köln and the start-up ALPHA LEVERKUSEN focuses on researching varnishes with the highest possible proportion of ingredients derived from renewable raw materials. More

20 young researchers discover chemistry

As part of the ‘Cologne Children’s University’, 20 children aged between nine and twelve were introduced to two fascinating areas of research at the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences. With great curiosity and enthusiasm, the young researchers worked just like professional scientists in the laboratories on the Leverkusen campus. More

Straight to the lab after school

Rafael (17), a school pupil from Cologne with a passion for chemistry, has completed a three-day laboratory placement at the Leverkusen campus to gain practical experience and prepare for a very special challenge: the final selection round of the International Chemistry Olympiad on 20 May in Kiel. More

PIONEER Winter School 2027

International Early-Career Researchers Develop Ideas for Cities of the Future - Apply now! More

Around the world in 27 fellows: Prof Dr Enrique Díaz de León López

From 2025 to 2027, 27 researchers from 19 countries will be conducting their research and teaching at TH Köln as International Fellows. One of them is Prof Dr Enrique Díaz de León López. In this interview, he shares why he wanted to come to Germany and why he thinks international exchange is essential. More

International Collaboration and Creative Ideas: TH Köln Students at IFAT 2026 in Munich

With two teams competing in the IFAT World University Challenge, creative contributions to the DWA “Slam,” and numerous additional activities, the Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems at TH Köln had a strong presence at IFAT 2026 in Munich. More

Infosession about the German Health Insurance

You have recently received an admission letter to TH Köln? Congratulations! Before you can start your studies in Germany, you must register with a Statutory Health Insurance. More

TH Köln Students Visit HARIBO's Highly Automated Logistics Hub

As part of the International Supply Chain Management course led by Prof. Dr. Andreas Fries, around 25 students from the Bachelor's and Master's International Business programmes at TH Köln recently had the opportunity to gain exclusive insights into one of Europe's most advanced supply chain operations during an excursion to HARIBO's corporate headquarters in Grafschaft. More

Eleven more International Fellows to enrich research and teaching at TH Köln

Since 2025, TH Köln has been hosting researchers from around the world: The International Fellows from the PLan_CV project contribute to research and teaching at the university for a period of three to six months. A new round of funding is now bringing eleven more researchers to Cologne. More

Around the world in 27 fellows: Dr Jessica Gutiérrez González

From 2025 to 2027, 27 researchers from 19 countries will be conducting their research and teaching at TH Köln as International Fellows. One of them is Dr. Jessica Gutiérrez González. In this interview, she discusses why international exchange is essential and what impresses her most about TH Köln. More

DAAD scholarship HAW.international

Students in bachelor, master and diploma programs at German universities of applied sciences can apply for scholarships for semester stays and final theses, internships abroad and trips to trade fairs and congresses. More

TH Student Wins Hackathon at Parisian University

With her idea for a mobile marketplace to improve rural supply, Lilli Bieler and her team secured first place at a hackathon held at Université Gustave Eiffel in Paris, a PIONEER partner university. Lilli also gave a presentation on the project to EU parliamentarians and mobility experts. In this interview, she shares her experiences. More

First Steps@TH Köln: Pre-Arrival Web-Seminar for new international first-year students

You have recently received an admission letter to TH Köln? Congratulations! Join us in the Zoom Session for international first-year students to learn about the next steps and use the opportunity to meet other new students and to ask us any open questions you may have – we look forward to meeting you! More

Google to speak at the International Marketing Ringvorlesung

The latest edition of the Ringvorlesungen in International Marketing Management at TH Köln attracted more than 100 students, alumni and faculty members, reflecting the growing interest in one of the most transformative developments shaping today's business landscape: artificial intelligence. More

Joint Efforts for Enhanced Mobility: PIONEER Workshop at the Universidad de Huelva

In May, a workshop was held at the University of Huelva, where representatives of the PIONEER Alliance worked together on the “PIONEER Mobility and Internationalisation Plan”. This plan represents a key milestone in the ‘Mobility and Internationalisation for All’ work package and forms the basis for the further development of mobility opportunities within the Alliance. More

From Classroom Theory to Boardroom Decisions

Dr. Marcus Kuhnert Shares Insights on Value Management and Market-driven M&A in International Business How do multinational companies decide where to invest billions of euros? What separates a successful acquisition from a costly mistake? And how can firms create sustainable value in rapidly changing global markets? More

COIL in Practice: Intercultural Learning through International Negotiation Projects

A COIL project on “International Negotiation” brought together students from TH Köln and international partners. Insights were shared during the COIL Lunch highlights. Prof. Dr. Elke Schuch presented outcomes, challenges, and lessons for digital international teaching. More

Workshop at the Ooka Laboratory, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo

Our international collaboration is progressing successfully: From June 1 to 5, 2026, the COLABO team will present exciting research findings at a workshop at the University of Tokyo. Learn more about this intensive exchange and future collaborations in the field of building automation. More

From Theory to Practice: International Business Students Explore Cross-Dock Logistics at Schnug

On 27 May 2026, 21 students from the Bachelor's programme International Business at TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences visited the recently opened Schnug Logistic Group's Distribution Center in Dormagen, a dedicated cross-dock facility serving the Covestro Group. More

PIONEER Information Booth: Experience Europe – Recap

As part of European Universities Week and to mark Europe Day on May 9, 2026, staff members from TH Köln set up an information booth on the topic of “Experiencing Europe” at the Deutz and Gummersbach campuses. More

Around the world in 27 fellows: Prof. Dr. Jörg Finsterwalder

From 2025 to 2027, 27 researchers from 19 countries will be conducting their research and teaching at TH Köln as International Fellows. One of them is Prof. Dr. Jörg Finsterwalder. In this interview, he discusses the connection between storytelling and food and what he likes about TH Köln. More

PIONEER Information Booth: Experience Europe - Recap

As part of European Universities Week and to mark Europe Day on May 9, 2026, staff members from TH Köln set up an information booth on the topic of “Experiencing Europe” at the Deutz and Gummersbach campuses. More

Students from TH Köln take on the IFAT World University Challenge

When students from TH Köln step onto the stage at IFAT Munich (4-7 May 2026), they bring more than technical knowledge. This is especially true for those competing in the World University Challenge, who bring firsthand experience of water challenges – from flood risk management in Sudan and sustainability projects in Egypt to engineering practice in Mexico and environmental work in Pakistan. More

2026 Student Award

The 2026 Student Award from TH Köln recognizes student projects addressing issues such as climate change and AI. This means you have the opportunity to shape your own academic experience! We’re looking for your ideas and input to help us improve our academic programs, teaching, and research. More

Designing International Learning Experiences: Insights from the COIL Workshop for PIONEER Lecturers

Faculty members of the PIONEER Alliance explored the design and implementation of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects during a six-week asynchronous preparation phase, leading to a live workshop on 30 March 2026. Through self-studying, collaborative planning, and simulated exercises, participants gained insight into creating global learning experiences. More

PIONEER Information Booth: Experience Europe

As part of European Universities Week, TH Köln will host an information booth about the PIONEER Alliance at various campus locations. More

Conference on Digitality and Democracy in November 2026 (B.I.P.)

Blended Intensive Programm (B.I.P.) for staff (researchers and doctoral students) on Digitality and Democracy: Thought Experiments and Scenarios as Interdisciplinary Approaches, at TH Cologne, 16.-20. November 2026. More

Around the world in 16 fellows: Dr. Evangelos Favvas

In 2025 and 2026, sixteen researchers from thirteen countries will be conducting their research and teaching at TH Köln as International Fellows. One of them is Dr. Evangelos Favvas. In this interview, he discusses why he considers international exchange essential and how he was welcomed as an international visiting researcher at TH Köln. More

Successful Completion of the PhD by Melissa Ramirez

Melissa Ramírez has successfully completed her cooperative PhD at TU Berlin and TH Köln. In her dissertation entitled "Screening and treatment of functional hearing difficulties in virtual reality – Perceptual and technical concepts", she focused on the investigation and treatment of functional hearing disorders using virtual reality. More

Research Award Lothar Cremer Prize – Johannes Arend

As part of this year’s annual meeting of the German Acoustical Society (DAGA 2026) in Dresden, Johannes M. Arend was awarded the Lothar Cremer Prize in recognition of his outstanding achievements as an early-career researcher and his innovative and pioneering work in the fields of binaural technology and virtual acoustics. More

Tropical Ecology Conference in Passau: Researchers present the REPLÂNTICA training programme

How can tropical forests be successfully restored in the long term? This is the question addressed by the REPLÂNTICA project run by the Institute for Natural Resources Technology and Management (ITT). At the European Conference of Tropical Ecology 2026 in Passau, project participants presented their approaches and initial results in a dedicated session. More

Call for Applications for Projects with International Partner Universities

Explore the internal call for project funding with partners from the international “Climate Change Adaptation” network or with potential strategic partners as part of the externally funded “Connecting Dots” project. More