27 March 2024

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and IHU Gesellschaft für Ingenieur-, Hydro- und Umweltgeologie mbH (IHU) have today taken an important step towards linking academic education and professional practice. By signing a cooperation agreement in the field of dual study programmes, the two institutions are further expanding their collaboration. The agreement was sealed in the presence of university president Prof. Dr Jörg Wagner, Luise Bärwinkel, authorised signatory and member of the IHU management, and Konrad Rose, authorised signatory of the IHU.

Signing of the cooperation agreement between Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and IHU GmbH strengthens regional education (Photos: Tina Bergknapp)

IHU GmbH, which is celebrating its 34th anniversary this year and is represented at five locations in central Germany, has extensive and long-standing experience in the fields of engineering, hydrogeology and environmental geology. Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, known for its wide range of engineering degree programmes, sees the cooperation as an excellent opportunity to further strengthen its expertise in the field of geology.

Prof. Dr Jörg Wagner emphasised the aim of the partnership to keep young talent in the region and offer students the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience. "This cooperation not only strengthens our location, but also enables us to expand our dual study programme," explained Prof. Wagner. Luise Bärwinkel added that IHU GmbH attaches great importance to attracting young people to the fields of hydrogeology/geotechnology and environmental sciences and retaining them in the region.

IHU GmbH combines many years of experience and innovative working methods with a regional presence for national and international commissions. IHU thus offers students a team of highly qualified specialists and researchers with bundled expertise to solve their challenging scientific and technical tasks, especially for the elementary resources of soil and water. The cooperation with Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is an important step towards realising common goals and creating synergies for the future of young academics in Nordhausen am Harz.

A key aspect of the co-operation is the close integration of studies and professional practice. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the company alongside their academic studies. This approach makes it possible to apply theoretical knowledge directly to professional practice and, conversely, to incorporate practical insights into academic training. Both the students and the participating institutions will benefit from this integration by contributing to the further development of the university programme and making a direct contribution to the students' professional careers.

The cooperation between Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and IHU GmbH (www.ihu-gmbh.com) emphasises the joint commitment of both institutions to increase the quality of academic education in conjunction with practical experience and to enable students to make the best possible transition to the world of work in a modern way.