Innovative, application-oriented, regionally anchored, dynamic - these associations are generally associated with the universities of applied sciences (HAWs). These practice-oriented universities have been enriching North Rhine-Westphalia as a science location for 50 years now. Founded in 1971 as universities of applied sciences, today there are 16 state-funded HAWs throughout the state. Around 172,000 people studied at these universities in 2019. The universities and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary at a digital ceremony.
The anniversary year is an opportunity for the UASs to look back on their success story to date and highlight their relevance to society and Business Studies. Alumni, employees, students and other people from the university environment report on what connects them to their university. On behalf of Fachhochschule Dortmund, doctoral student Tim Sonnenberg reports on the outstanding importance of universities for society because they initiate change processes and assume responsibility with their research.
In his welcoming address, Minister President Armin Laschet reviews the development of the last 50 years. In various discussion rounds, Science Minister Isabel Pfeiffer-Poensgen, together with representatives of the university management, takes a look at the special features of practice-oriented teaching and application-oriented research at the HAWs. The one-hour ceremony is still available on the YouTube video platform.
Minister President Armin Laschet praises practical relevance
"The universities of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia offer students and teachers a unique combination of academic and application-oriented teaching and research and have become an integral part of the German higher education landscape," praised Minister President Armin Laschet. "Thanks to their practical relevance and their direct connection to SMEs in particular, they are also an important regional contact for the development and implementation of innovative application-oriented projects. Today, they can look back on 50 years and thus an almost unbelievable success story."
Science Minister speaks of an impressive development
"I congratulate the universities of applied sciences on their anniversary! Over the past 50 years, they have undergone an impressive development: over the years, they have become an integral, independent and indispensable part of the higher education landscape and an enrichment for North Rhine-Westphalia as a science location. They have long since surpassed their original goal of offering professional qualifications at a science-related level. The particular strength of the universities of applied sciences lies in their proximity to application and their connection to Business Studies, especially to SMEs," says Science Minister Isabel Pfeiffer-Poensgen.
HAWs are drivers of innovation
Prof. Dr. Marcus Baumann, Chairman of the State Rectors' Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences, explains: "As HAWs, we see ourselves as drivers of innovation in the region. We offer the skilled workers of tomorrow first-class courses ranging from technical subjects, economics and design to social work, health and nursing sciences. We conduct research to make scientific findings usable in practice. In close cooperation with companies and institutions, we ensure the direct transfer of science and innovation. We are firmly anchored in the region. In short: we are incredibly important - and have been for 50 years!"
The "Incredibly important" campaign focuses on the importance of universities of applied sciences and universities of applied sciences and honors a successful idea. As Fachhochschule Dortmund, we therefore invite you to discover the potential of HAWs and FHs and see for yourself that we are dealing with a type of university that is diverse, innovative and, above all, incredibly important. Read more about the outstanding research projects here.(Opens in a new tab)