3 March 2026

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences (HSN) signed two cooperation agreements on 27 February 2026: with ACTANOL Energie GmbH from Kempten and with Dr Christian Borowski (Borowski - Büro für Umwelt und Energie) from Nordhausen. With these agreements, the university is intensifying its collaboration with regional and national partners from industry and engineering practice in research, teaching and practice-orientated training.

Practice-orientated studies and joint research projects with ACTANOL

The cooperation with ACTANOL Energie GmbH serves in particular to implement the practice-oriented degree programme at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. The aim is to closely integrate students into operational processes and provide them with in-depth practical knowledge. In addition, joint research projects, the processing of research proposals and the provision of topics for Bachelor's and Master's theses are planned.

ACTANOL is planning to open a branch office in Nordhausen. In addition to collaborating in research and development, the company also intends to recruit students on the Environmental Engineering programme in the future, thereby actively contributing to securing skilled workers in the region.

„The close integration of theory and practice is a central element of our study model,“ emphasised Prof. Dr Jörg Wagner, President of Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. „With ACTANOL, we are gaining an innovative partner that involves our students in challenging projects at an early stage and at the same time provides impetus for joint research activities.“

Tobias Neuber, Managing Director of ACTANOL Energie GmbH, explained: „The collaboration with Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is a strategic step for us. We want to jointly drive forward innovative research topics and at the same time integrate qualified junior staff at an early stage. The Nordhausen site offers excellent conditions for this.“

A particular focus is on topics relating to material processing and the sustainable use of resources. Joint research proposals are also planned.

Regional expertise for sustainable technologies

With Dr Christian Borowski, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is also intensifying its collaboration with an expert in the field of environmental and energy technology. The cooperation agreement provides for long-term collaboration in research and teaching.

Plans include the joint processing of research proposals, the provision of topics for Bachelor's and Master's theses, the realisation of internships and final theses as well as joint specialist events, workshops and publications

The main focus is on strategic and critical raw materials, material flow analyses, recycling and separation processes, recovery of raw materials, pyrolysis, biochar, decarbonisation and the technical evaluation and optimisation of plants.

Dr Christian Borowski explained: „The energy and raw materials transition requires sustainable, scientifically sound solutions. By cooperating with Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, we can transfer research results into practice more quickly and at the same time actively involve students in future topics.“

Strengthening transfer and networking

Both collaborations are integrated into the ongoing research activities of the ThIWert (Thuringian Innovation Centre for Recyclable Materials). Andreas Glimm from ThIWert acted as contact person for the co-operations. Vinod Banoth took part in the signing ceremony on behalf of Andreas Glimm and to represent ThIWert and the Transferwerk.

The aim of the collaboration is to prepare and implement joint projects, expand networks between universities, business and industry and systematically strengthen technology transfer.

About ACTANOL Energie GmbH

ACTANOL Energie GmbH, based in Kempten (Allgäu), is a young, innovative company in the field of sustainable energy. ACTANOL specialises in pioneering technologies for energy supply and resource conservation. The focus here is on organic residues that would otherwise remain unutilised: Using modern pyrolysis processes, these materials are converted into versatile energy (heat, steam, electricity) and into high-quality biochar as a permanent carbon sink.

As an energy contractor, ACTANOL develops and realises integrated supply solutions for municipalities, energy suppliers and industrial companies. Founded in 2022, the company pursues the goal of sustainably reducing CO₂ emissions and implementing climate-friendly energy systems in an economically viable manner.

About Dr Christian Borowski - Office for Environment and Energy

Dr Christian Borowski is a freelance engineer specialising in environmental, energy and raw materials technology. His office „Borowski - Büro für Umwelt und Energie“ supports companies, authorities and research institutions in the analysis, optimisation and further development of complex material and energy systems. Among other things, he focuses on securing strategic raw materials, material flow analyses, recycling and separation processes, recovery of critical raw materials as well as technical assessments and optimisation of plants and processes. Dr Borowski is also active in scientific publications and has many years of experience in research and industrial projects on the sustainable use of resources.