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HS Offenburg Studies Bachelor's Programs Mediengestaltung und Produktion Mediengestaltung und Produktion With a bachelor's degree in Mediengestaltung und Produktion, you’ll turn your ideas into media projects such as film, animation, sound, graphic design, or media art. You’ll learn the craft from the ground up and develop your artistic identity in our professional studios. Your program is your creative space, where you’ll experiment, push yourself to new heights as part of a team, and enrich the (media) world with your work. Academic Advising Profile Degree Bachelor of Arts (B. A.) Study Language German Standard period of study 7 Semester (inkl. 1 Praxissemester) Starts of study Summer semester Application deadline November 02 Admission requirements General or technical university entrance qualification, technical college entrance qualification ECTS 210 Credits Place of study Campus Offenburg Selection process Yes (entrance examination) Everything You Need to Know Course Content In our studios, labs, and workshops, we combine theory with hands-on experience—whether it’s picking up a camera, a pen, or a control knob. Here’s what you can expect in the creative fields: Film: Produce feature films, documentaries, and promotional videos using Hollywood-level equipment (e.g., ARRI Alexa XT). Animation: Create worlds in 2D, 3D, or stop-motion, and master visual effects as well as VR/AR applications. Sound: Compose film scores, jam in the recording studio, and learn mastering techniques for sound art and games. Graphic Design: Create striking designs for print, web, and interactive media. Media Art: Break new ground with interactive installations and performances in public spaces. Your Path to Becoming a Creative Professional : During the first 3 semesters, you’ll learn the basics and explore your options. You’ll shoot your first test films, record ambient sound, create layouts, and collaborate with a team to produce your first animated film. You’ll learn to critically reflect on your work. In the second phase of your studies, you’ll choose your favorite areas of design. You’ll devote an entire year to a major project. For example? A feature film or documentary as part of a team, a traditional animated film, or a computer animation that you model, animate, texture, and finalize in the render farm. You’ll spend one semester in media business and build valuable contacts at agencies or production companies. The program concludes with a design project serving as your bachelor’s degree thesis. Perspectives After graduation, you’ll launch your career where creativity meets technology. Our graduates are in high demand in: film and TV production (directing, cinematography, post-production) Animation studios and the gaming industry (VFX, 3D art) Advertising agencies (art direction, web and interaction design) Sound studios (sound design, music production) Independent media art and cultural management Fees and Funding Semester Tuition and Fees Tuition Fees for International Students and Students Pursuing a Second Degree BAföG Informationen rund ums BAföG gibt es auf der Webseite des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung . Bei allen Fragen zum Thema BAföG hilft dir außerdem auch das für die Hochschule Offenburg zuständige Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald unter dem Punkt Geld gern weiter. Anträge auf Ausbildungsförderung kannst du einreichen bei der Außenstelle des Studierendenwerks auf dem Campus in Offenburg. Außenstelle des Studierendenwerks Badstraße 24, 77652 Offenburg Telefon: 0781 205-328 Sprechzeiten: Mo und Mi von 9.00 – 12.00 und 13.30 – 15.30 Uhr sowie nach telefonischer Vereinbarung Hier findest du ein PDF, in dem wir für dich die Kriterien für die sogenannten üblichen Leistungen zusammengefasst, die du nach zwei Jahren BAföG Bezug für eine Weiterförderung nachweisen müssen. Ansprechpartner*in M BAföG-Beauftragte*r Fakultät Medien Fetzner, Daniel Prof. Dipl.-Ing. +49 781 205-4751 daniel.fetzner@hs-offenburg.de Scholarships Ein Stipendium hält dir finanziell den Rücken frei. Finde die passende Unterstützung in unserer Übersicht der Stipendienprogramme . Application Application and Entrance Exam Our program begins annually in the summer semester. We look forward to welcoming about 36 new students who want to learn and create alongside us. In addition to meeting the general admission requirements for studying at Hochschule Offenburg (HSO), all applicants demonstrate their special artistic talent in an entrance exam. 1. Your Art Portfolio The first step is your portfolio. Submit it to us by November 2, 2026, at the latest, for the 2027 summer semester. Here’s what to do: Download the Entrance Exam Application (German, pdf) form. Fill it out, print it, and include it with your portfolio. Please include a copy of your high school diploma and a signed resume. You are also welcome to include copies of any other certificates, certificates of participation, prizes, or awards. Bring your portfolio to us in person or send it by mail. Drop-off locations & times: In person: Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Building D (3rd floor, Room D312). Outside these hours: Please use the library in Building B (ground floor). It is open Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) and Saturday (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.). By mail: Hochschule Offenburg MGP-B Student Secretariat Monika Selent (Room: D312) Badstraße 24 77652 Offenburg What should be included in your portfolio? Show us what you’ve got! Select work from at least 1 of these 7 areas: Drawing & Painting: still life, figure, architecture, landscape, portrait, fantasy, sketches (representational or free artistic; graphic or in color); formats up to a maximum of DIN A0, at least 10 drawings/paintings. Graphic Design & Typography: Brochures, flyers, logos, posters, etc., at least 10 pieces. Photography: Prints of photos or digitally edited photos; at least 10 photos (preferably more), arranged thematically and mounted on cardboard. Audio, Sound & Music: Composed sounds, songs, improvisations, on a USB drive. Film & Video: Feature films, documentaries, artistically crafted vacation films, camera experiments, screenplays, storyboard sketches, and texts (stories) on a USB drive or in printed form. Animation: Stop-motion films (e.g., clay), 2D animations (e.g., short hand-drawn or cutout animations), 3D animations (e.g., Blender) or 3D modeling (computer graphics), comics, character designs, and storyboards on a USB drive or printed out. Interactive media: websites, web design, VJing, installations, performances, theater productions, texts, and artistic concepts on a USB drive or in printed form. A few tips: Design Areas 1–3: Neatly mount smaller works and photos onto cardboard and organize them by theme, motif, or design style. Please include at least 10 copies of each in your portfolio. Design Areas 4–7: Submit your digital works on a USB drive and please attach the drive to a piece of cardboard. Save digital files (.mp4, .wav, or .mov) so that they play on all computers. It’s best to test this briefly with friends. Don’t forget the credits for film and music: Include the title, contributors, duration, and the roles you took on (director, cinematographer, editor, sound, etc.). Write your name on the front of the portfolio and include a table of contents listing the selected sections. Don’t be afraid—we’re not looking for polished professionals! We don’t expect perfect masterpieces. We’re interested in your ideas, your willingness to experiment, and your personal perspective. You can include all of this in your portfolio: a short video that’s creatively or thematically interesting a first attempt at animating objects or characters frame by frame Sketches of fantasy characters you’ve created yourself stories you’ve written yourself Storyboard sketches for a future film project Photo series that explore, abstract, or reinterpret a specific theme Sounds and songs arranged by me Logo designs and youthful graphic design Simple sketches and wild drawings or paintings. Go for it! Artists are brave. 2. Complete and submit the online application The application portal is expected to open in December. Fill out the pages in the online application, upload all your required documents, and submit them electronically. Note : Please submit your application only if you have submitted a portfolio for portfolio review by October 31. Otherwise, you will not be able to submit an application again until the following year. 3. The Entrance Exam (December 2026) Did your portfolio impress us? If so, you’ll receive your invitation to the exam in about two weeks. The exam will take place in December: as a take-home assignment and as a personal interview at our University in Offenburg. Here’s what you’ll need: A computer with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection. The Zoom software. It’s best to test everything out in advance when you have some free time. Your tools: camera, microphone, musical instruments, paints, brushes, pencils, paper, software—basically, everything you need for your artistic work. We’ll email you all the details about the process in plenty of time. About one week after the entrance exam, you’ll receive notification of your acceptance. That way, you can start your Christmas break with some good news! Classes begin in mid-March. Please accept YouTube content This video is provided by YouTube. By accepting, you agree that your data will be transmitted to YouTube. For more information, please see our privacy policy. Accept YouTube content Highlights from the study program Werkschau by the Media Department The Werkschau is an annual event where students showcase the projects they've been working on for several months. In addition to musical entertainment, a wide variety of artworks on display, and film screenings, there's also an Artist Alley where students sell their own creations! More information about Werkschau Do you have any questions about the application or enrollment process? The team at the Zulassungsamt will be happy to assist you: Email: zulassungsamt@hs-offenburg.de Phone: 0781 205-4792 (Mon–Thu 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Tue 1:00 PM–3:00 PM) In person: Room: A 007 Contacts Dean of Studies Birkle, Markus Prof. Diplom Musiker +49 781 205-4753 markus.birkle@hs-offenburg.de Student Secretariat Selent, Monika Dipl.-Sozialpädagogin +49 781 205-137 monika.selent@hs-offenburg.de Downloads Study and Examination Regulations (PDF) StuPO General Provisions (PDF) StuPO Abbreviations (PDF) Module Handbook (PDF) Links Taster Course Academic Advising Getting Started

HS Offenburg International Exchange Students Study in Offenburg. Discover Germany. Join our international campus. Hochschule Offenburg welcomes exchange students from partner universities worldwide as well as free movers. Most students stay for one or two semesters and become part of a vibrant, supportive community. Hochschule Offenburg also participates in the following exchange programs: Erasmus+, Baden-Württemberg Scholarship Programme, DAAD KOSPIE (Argentina, Mexico, Colombia). Portfolio Ready for your Offenburg experience? We want to make sure that your stay with us is a complete success. Whether it’s joining our buddy program, finding accommodation, or getting settled, we support you every step of the way—so you can feel at home right from the start. And if you want to take it further, with our double degree programs you can earn top international qualifications and boost your profile for a global career. Services Double Degree Preparation Language requirements Exchange students who wish to attend German-taught courses at Hochschule Offenburg should be able to prove at least B1-level German language skills (CEFR) at the time of application. Exchange students who wish to attend English-taught lectures should be able to provide proof of English language skills at least level B2 (CEFR). We accept all recognized certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, OLS, Goethe, ÖSD, TestDaF, etc.). Native English speakers may upload a short self-written declaration, a school degree from a country, in which English is the official language or a statement from their institution. If you are unsure whether your certificate is accepted, feel free to contact us at incoming@hs-offenburg.de — we will clarify it for you. Orientation & Language support We support your transition to Offenburg through several offers: A four-week intensive German course every September. If possible, participation in this course is highly recommended. Orientation days in October/an orientation week in March for new arrivals German language courses (A1-C1) and a seminar on German Culture & Society during the semester. These programmes help you settle in, build skills, and meet new friends before the semester begins. Courses for exchange students taught in English A list with the English-taught courses for exchange students is available and updated regularly under this link (PDF) . Bachelor-level students can choose electives from the Master's degree programs and core subjects on request. In the winter semester, our Master's degree programs of the Graduate School CME, ENITS, RED, MPE and MBT are taught completely in English. In the summer semester, only CME and ENITS offer courses in English. MPE and MBT do not offer any classes during the summer semester. Attendance of subjects of the MBA program IBC is not possible. In addition to these options, exchange students can enroll in the flagship sixth semester of the International Management and Logistics (IML) program. Further information can be found here: link to International Management and Logistics Course Overview Deutschsprachige Kurse You can join any German degree program if you meet the academic prerequisites. Module handbooks and study regulations are available on the respective program pages. Application process Once you have been nominated by your home institution, please read our data protection (pdf) document and then apply to Hochschule Offenburg through our Online Application system. For the 2026/27 winter semester, applications will be accepted from April 1st, 2026 on. The deadline is May 1st, 2026. For the 2027 summer semester, applications will be accepted from October 1st, 2026. The deadline is November 1st, 2026. Please have the following documents at the ready: Application photo Transcript of records CV Learning Agreement (or Erasmus+ OLA) Language certificate (German B1; English B2; For details on the recognized certificates, see the section Language and Preparation) Copy of passport Online Learning Agreements ERASMUS+: Use the software offered by your home institution. Learning Agreement Non-ERASMUS+ (pdf) Print out the application pdf (created at the end of the process) and the accommodation request, sign the forms and upload the signed documents (must be done one step at a time). If you experience technical difficulties, please contact incoming@hs-offenburg.de Once everything is processed, please allow approximately four weeks for us to get back to you with further information on your acceptance. We would like to point out that you will need health and liability insurance for the time of your stay in Germany. You can apply for liability insurance from your home country or after your arrival in Germany. We are looking forward to receiving your application! Internship Internship at a company If you are planning to stay for a second semester to carry out an internship at a company, please let the International Office as soon as possible. We are there to help you get started with your applications! Internships at a lab at the university Students from our partner universities can apply for an unpaid internship in one of the university's laboratories. We cannot guarantee a place, as this depends on the projects and capacities of the supervising professors. Please send the following documents to incoming@hs-offenburg.de and do not forget to mention the starting date and duration of the internship you are looking for: Letter of motivation CV Transcript of Records The more precisely you describe your areas of interest and personal skills, the easier it will be to find an internship according to your needs. FAQ – what you should know Fees and Costs Students at Hochschule Offenburg must pay certain fee(s) for each semester: Administrative fee per semester: €80.00 (waived for exchange students from partner universities and special scholarship recipients who are not pursuing a degree) Social contribution per semester for the Freiburg-Black Forest Student Services Organization: €65.00 (for the cafeteria, dormitories, counseling centers, etc.) Contribution to the Student Government per semester: €25.00 (waived for recipients of special scholarships and exchange students from partner universities, who are not pursuing a degree) Flat-rate service fee per semester for students in the Graduate School’s international master’s programs: €150.00 (for housing placement, field trips and excursions, mentors, etc.). Tuition fees per semester charged by the State of Baden-Württemberg for non-EU citizens: €1,500.00. You are exempt from the €1,500.00 tuition fees if you: are a citizen of the European Union and/or the European Economic Community, are the spouse or child of a citizen of the European Union and/or the European Economic Community, have earned your high school diploma in Germany, are recognized as a refugee in Germany, are an exchange student from a partner university. MBA tuition fees for students in the International Business Consulting program: a total of €10,400.00 for the entire program (3 semesters). Students in the MBA program do not pay any additional tuition fees to the State of Baden-Württemberg. Semester tuition fee charged by the State of Baden-Württemberg for a second degree program: €650.00 (only for students who are exempt from the State of Baden-Württemberg’s tuition fee of €1,500.00 and have already earned a master’s degree in a consecutive degree program in Germany). This information is provided without guarantee. The current laws of the State of Baden-Württemberg are legally binding. For more information on tuition fees, visit the following website: https://mwk.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/hochschulen-studium/studium/studienfinanzierung/gebuehren-fuer-internationale-studierende-und-zweitstudium/ The respective payment deadlines will be announced with the letter of admission. Exchange students from partner universities and recipients of special scholarships may pay the student service fee after arriving in Offenburg. Before Arrival Do I need a visa? Students from non-EU countries must obtain a student visa. A tourist visa is not sufficient. Apply approximately three months before arrival. Do I need to prove financial resources? Yes. You must demonstrate you can cover your living expenses, approximately €11,904 for the first year. This can be done via a blocked account, scholarship, or proof of savings. Is health insurance required? Yes, all students must have valid health insurance for enrollment. You can use German student insurance or a recognized international plan. After Arrival What should I do immediately after arriving in Offenburg? Complete enrollment at the university to receive your student ID (“OSKAR”) and login credentials. Open a German bank account for rent, insurance, and other payments. Confirm health and liability insurance coverage. Register your address at the town hall and visit the immigration office for a residence permit if required (non-EU students). Pay the broadcasting fee (€18.36 per household per month). Is there an orientation or welcome program? Yes. All new students are invited to orientation sessions, including a special introduction for international students. This provides an opportunity to meet peers and become familiar with the university before classes begin. Is there support before arrival? Yes, the university provides a Buddy Program to connect incoming students with current students who can help with housing, paperwork, and settling in. Services We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming atmosphere to ensure you have a successful and enjoyable time at Hochschule Offenburg. Here are some of the key services we provide: Accommodation The International Center (INT) actively supports all new international students in finding accommodation in Offenburg and Gengenbach before arrival . Our goal is to help every student find a suitable place to live. Depending on availability, we arrange places in dormitories (in Offenburg only) or private accommodation (in Offenburg and Gengenbach). The furnished dormitory rooms (approx. €290–€370) are located close to the Offenburg campus. The private accommodation options (approx. €350–€480), which are also fully furnished, offer a great opportunity to experience German culture. (Please note: There are no dormitories at the Gengenbach campus.) Important Note : Our placement service for private accommodation is exclusively for students in international Master's programs and for exchange students. World Café Each semester, the International Office hosts a series of “World Cafe” - where international students, staff and members of the Senior Service gather together. It provides an optimal space for cross-cultural conversations over coffee, tea and baked goods. The World Cafe takes place every month and is recurring at the start of the semester. Intercultural competence certification As part of participating in a language course, students are eligible to participate in intercultural competence training. Staff members may also take part if places are available. After successfully completing a language course, participants can apply for a certificate that documents the achieved language level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In addition, students can count the language course toward the Certificate of Intercultural Competence, certifying not only their language skills, but also their ability to navigate international contexts confidently. Orientation Events To ensure you have a smooth start, the International Center hosts several orientation events at the beginning of the semester. These are a perfect opportunity to get to know the campus, your professors, and fellow students, and to ask any questions you might have. All new students are invited to an Introduction Day with a welcome address by the Rector. New Master's degree students also get to join a special retreat (often in the Black Forest or at Lake Constance) for several days of orientation. Don't worry about the details for now —you will be notified about all relevant dates and locations well before your arrival (after you have been admitted) . Senior Service To help international students settle into life in Germany, Hochschule Offenburg offers the "Senior Service" in cooperation with the city's Senior Citizens' Office. This program is designed to support students with everyday or study-related questions and to help them get acquainted with German culture and language. The university organizes numerous events to foster connections between students and members of the Senior Service, and these joint activities have already led to many lasting friendships. Cultural Program Hochschule Offenburg encourages international students to immerse themselves in German daily life and culture. The International Center offers a diverse and exciting cultural program , which includes excursions to local sights as well as trips to neighboring Switzerland and France. Buddy Program The Buddy Program pairs new international students with senior students to help them settle in and navigate campus life. It ensures students feel at home from day one while fostering friendships across cultures. Summer language course Before the winter semester really gets underway, we'll get you ready for everyday life on campus! In our 4-week intensive course " German as a Foreign Language " in September, you'll learn the language and make your first contacts through a colorful leisure program. Double Degree Hochschule Offenburg has several double or triple degree agreements in place that allow students from partner universities to study for a part of their degree in Offenburg. In these programmes, students typically graduate with two or, in some cases, three official diplomas , significantly enhancing their career profile with multicultural competence and deep specialized knowledge. The programmes currently offered are: Bachelor: Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik 3nat INSA ( Maschinenbau , Mechatronik und Autonome Systeme ) Wirtschaftsinformatik Master: Biotechnology DaSAI ( Informatik , Mechatronik und Robotik ) Dialogmarketing und E-Commerce Elektrotechnik / Informationstechnik INSA ( Maschinenbau/Mechanical Engineering ) Process Engineering Renewable Energy and Data Engineering Sustainable Business Development

HS Offenburg International Go Abroad The world is waiting: Your path to studying abroad Discover new cultures, improve your language skills, and broaden your horizons: a study abroad experience is the perfect way to enhance your academic journey and personal growth. It’s worth starting early to explore your options and plan your study abroad experience—whether it’s a traditional semester abroad, a double degree program, an internship abroad, or a short, intensive program. The International Office is here to support you every step of the way. We’re your backstage team and maintain a vast network of partner universities worldwide where you can begin your international adventure. Make the world your campus! Partner Universities For everyone already studying with us: All details on planning and financing, as well as dates for your consultation, are available on the intranet . Your Paths Abroad Semester of study at a partner university Most of our students choose to study at one of our partner universities. Why? It’s simple: you won’t have to pay tuition fees at almost any of them. Plus, the International Office will help you with the planning. Funding through Erasmus+ is often particularly attractive, as it provides you with financial support. Where can I go? Check our database to see which partner universities are available for your degree program. How do I submit an application? Applications are processed through our International Office. You can find all the details about the process and funding on the intranet . Freemover Is your dream university not an official HSO partner? As a “free mover,” you can also organize your stay on your own. Keep in mind that you’ll generally have to pay tuition fees at the host university (usually between €2,000 and €10,000 per semester). Short-term programs Is a full semester too long for you, or does it not fit into your schedule right now? Then short-term programs are perfect for you—they’ll still give you a taste of life abroad. You can also do them in addition to a semester abroad or an internship abroad. Where can I go? You can find the current offerings in our Moodle course . How do I apply? Applications are processed through our International Office. You can find all the details about the application process and funding on the intranet . Summer Schools Typically, you’ll spend 2 to 4 weeks at a University abroad. The courses are either tailored to your major, offer general continuing education, or combine both. In most cases, you’ll complete the summer school with an exam. If you check with us beforehand, we may be able to grant you credit for this work toward your degree. Erasmus+ Blended Short-Term / Intensive Programme Here, you get the best of both worlds: You’ll spend 5 to 30 days studying abroad and also take part in a virtual program. The best part is: the Erasmus+ program provides financial support. For your participation, you’ll earn ECTS credits, which you can have applied toward your degree program after prior agreement. Virtual Exchange - Online Exchange Formats Our partner universities—particularly those within the European university alliance ChallengeEU—offer a variety of “Collaborative Online International Learning” (COIL) courses. Although these courses are conducted entirely online, they still provide you with valuable international experience and the opportunity to interact directly with students from all over Europe. Internship abroad An internship abroad is the perfect opportunity to gain experience in an international work environment. In addition to gaining valuable insights into the global professional world, you’ll discover new perspectives, improve your language and professional skills, and experience daily life in another country firsthand. Good to know: All the details on planning, tips, and scheduling a personal consultation are available to our students on the intranet. You can get an initial overview of the Erasmus internship at the DAAD . Thesis Abroad Combine your bachelor's degree or master's thesis with a study abroad program. For more information, visit the intranet . Double degrees With a double degree, you’ll get the most out of your studies: By the end, you’ll have two degrees under your belt—one from HSO and one from our international partner university. Some programs even offer three degrees! An unbeatable advantage for launching your career. These degree programs currently offer double or triple degrees: Bachelor's degree: Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (trinational) INSA ( Mechanical Engineering , Mechatronics, and Autonomous Systems ) Business Informatics Master’s degree: Biotechnology DaSAI ( Computer Science , Mechatronics, and Robotics ) Interactive Marketing and E-Commerce Electrical Engineering / Information Technology INSA ( Mechanical Engineering ) Process Engineering Renewable Energy and Data Engineering Sustainable Business Development Contact outgoing@hs-offenburg.de

HS Offenburg Research Institutes IMLA IMLA – Institute for Machine Learning and Analytics Welcome to the IMLA We conduct research on the intelligent analysis of large data sets and develop artificial intelligence applications. Through transfer projects, we apply our data expertise directly in the field. In addition, our knowledge is incorporated into the degree programs at Hochschule Offenburg, as well as into digital teaching materials and continuing education courses. Research Projects Industrial Partnerships Research The IMLA's primary mission is to carry out research and knowledge transfer projects on topics related to data analysis and artificial intelligence. The research questions addressed reflect the areas of expertise of the IMLA members. Autonomous Systems An autonomous system is a system that can make decisions on its own. To do this, it must perceive its environment, develop a model of that environment based on its perceptions, and act autonomously using that model. It makes decisions, which are then translated into planned actions. These actions, in turn, affect the environment. An autonomous system often interacts with other autonomous systems. Examples include autonomous vehicles and robots that operate autonomously—systems that are not rigidly programmed but must react to changes in their environment. Projects involving autonomous systems at Hochschule Offenburg include the Audi Autonomous Driving Cup and the Shell Eco-Marathon Autonomous Challenge (autonomous driving), as well as Sweaty (robot soccer). Big Data In the field of big data, we investigate how very large volumes of structured and semi-structured data can be efficiently stored and, in particular, analyzed. A cluster running Hadoop and Spark is available for projects and proof-of-concepts, with data analysis performed using GPUs (on Hadoop) as well as R and Spark. The various components of Hadoop and Spark each have their own areas of application, but they can often be integrated with other tools or external systems to handle even more complex tasks. For example, the scope of such a platform can be expanded by incorporating machine learning tools. As part of a project with an industrial company, for instance, a “big data platform” for storing and analyzing production data was designed and implemented. The use of Hadoop technologies complemented the relational database technologies currently in use and enabled faster (ad hoc) analyses as well as machine learning on the data. Business Analytics Business analytics focuses on the application of machine learning methods and statistical analyses to business management issues. These methods are applied across all areas of a company: from target audience analysis and campaign optimization in marketing, to sales forecasts, to the analysis of manufacturing processes based on sensor data. Traditional topics in data analysis and storage, such as business intelligence and data warehousing—as well as their extension through machine learning methods—are also the focus of our research interests. In the future, methods for processing natural language and other unstructured data will become increasingly important in business processes as well. Learning Analytics Learning analytics refers to the measurement, collection, analysis, and evaluation of data about learners and learning processes in order to provide support for learning and teaching using the collected data. A wide variety of machine learning methods and approaches are used in this process. The underlying data is typically generated in electronic learning environments and digital exam management systems. It is based, for example, on exam results, learning materials, online discussions, tests, and exercises. In all activities related to learning analytics, learners’ privacy and personal data must be protected. Machine Learning With the help of machine learning, computers are able to learn on their own, based on data, how to solve complex tasks without having to be explicitly programmed to do so. Machine learning algorithms use provided training and test data to search for patterns and learn a model that can be used to make decisions automatically in the future. The goal is for the computer to learn automatically and adapt its actions without human assistance. There are a number of different machine learning methods, which can be categorized into supervised and unsupervised learning, as well as reinforcement learning. We work with all types of machine learning, with a particular focus on deep learning. Multimedia Databases Unlike traditional, structured databases, multimedia databases store unstructured data—primarily images, audio, and video, but also free-form text. A viewer can understand the content of an image or a video, but its meaning remains hidden from a computer. As a result, searching for multimedia content in a database is only truly feasible if semantic metadata is available to describe that content. Today, this metadata can be generated using deep learning; examples include objects in images and videos, or faces/people and their emotions. This would make it possible, for instance, to search for images, sounds, and videos featuring a tiger. Parallel Computing Parallel computing is a prerequisite for the practical implementation of many machine learning techniques. For example, parallelization reduces the training time for deep neural networks—which can sometimes take weeks—to just a few days or hours, making the practical application of deep learning possible in the first place. Many other machine learning methods are also highly computationally intensive and require parallel or distributed computing. We focus in particular on massive parallelization using graphics processing units (GPUs) and algorithms optimized for them, e.g., in the field of data clustering. The IMLA has several servers equipped with NVIDIA Tesla GPUs for highly parallel data processing. Smart Mobile Devices Machine learning methods can also be used in a mobile context, particularly on smartphones. This can be achieved using various system architectures: On the one hand, the algorithms can be executed entirely on servers, meaning that the data to be analyzed must be transmitted from the smartphone via appropriate interfaces. However, this requires a constant connection to the servers. Alternatively, when using neural networks, for example, only the computationally intensive training can take place on the servers; the trained network is then transferred to the smartphone and used locally (see TensorFlow Lite). Another approach is to run machine learning applications entirely on the smartphone, for example, using hardware-accelerated SDKs such as ARCore (Android) or ARKit (iOS). Research Projects BMBF Project KI-Bohrer Project website: www.ki-bohrer.de Project Description Geothermal energy as an alternative source of electricity and heat for achieving climate goals. Meeting internationally agreed-upon climate goals—including limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, if possible—is certainly one of the greatest technical and societal challenges of the coming decades. Without a further massive expansion of CO2-neutral energy generation, these goals will not be achievable. Geothermal power plants—particularly those located near urban areas and equipped with combined heat and power systems—could make a decisive contribution to climate-neutral heat and electricity supply in metropolitan areas. Provided a site is geologically suitable, geothermal plants offer several key advantages over other renewable technologies: I) Decentralized small- to medium-capacity plants enable local district heating supply and thus achieve very high efficiency; II) existing coal- and gas-fired power plants can be retrofitted sustainably and cost-effectively by utilizing the existing infrastructure; and III) when in operation, the plants are visually unobtrusive, quiet, and odorless, which contributes to a high level of public acceptance. Problem: Noise Control for Urban Geothermal Drilling In addition to the many operational advantages, however, the construction of geothermal plants in metropolitan areas also poses a significant technical and social problem: with currently available methods, the deep drilling required at urban sites leads to considerable and prolonged noise pollution for local residents. In particular, since drilling must continue continuously—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for months on end—for technical and economic reasons, complying with legal noise limits of typically 35 dB (at night in residential areas) poses an enormous technical and logistical challenge. Current approaches to noise control rely on a combination of I) continuous monitoring of noise emissions through acoustic measurements in the surrounding area; II) optimization of construction site logistics, e.g., scheduling noisy activities for specific times of day; III) passive sound insulation through protective walls and enclosures around the drilling rigs; IV) active noise reduction through (currently) manual adjustment of drilling control parameters. Approach: Active noise reduction through AI-based control of the drilling rigs While Approaches I–III are currently part of the technical standard, we see considerable room for innovation and a need for further development in active noise reduction. The manual control methods currently in use are insufficient to address the comprehensive complexity of the optimization problem at hand: Noise control and the technically safe, economical advancement of the borehole are not only conflicting objectives; monitoring a wide range of operating conditions and simultaneously adjusting hundreds of control parameters can only be implemented suboptimally by manual means. Therefore, the goal of this project is to automate the optimization of drilling operations using state-of-the-art AI methods. We expect this fundamentally new approach to significantly improve noise protection for local residents while simultaneously increasing drilling speed. This is expected to significantly increase not only the public acceptance of geothermal projects but also their economic viability. Both of these improvements over the current state of the art could make a substantial contribution to the further expansion of geothermal energy and, consequently, to the achievement of overarching climate goals. Q-AMeLiA Quality Assurance of Machine Learning Applications (Q-AMeLiA) The goal of the consortium comprising IMLA, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, and Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences is to support SMEs in the specific machine learning software development life cycle (ML-SDLC) and the key quality indicators associated with it. Five SMEs are collaborating with three universities of applied sciences to develop appropriate tools for assessing data quality in terms of representative coverage of the feature space, as well as for evaluating the quality of the trained AI model achieved during the learning process. This mitigates the product risk for manufacturers of AI-based products and guarantees customers quantified product performance with regard to the AI’s decisions. Project website: https://q-amelia.in.hs-furtwangen.de/ UPPER RHINE 4.0 On the topic of cross-border Industry 4.0 in the trinational Upper Rhine region, Hochschule Offenburg is participating in this joint competence network alongside numerous partners. The main goal is to foster cross-border networking of Industry 4.0 expertise from northwestern Switzerland, the Grand-Est region of France, and Baden-Württemberg. This is intended to help the Upper Rhine region establish itself as a model for the successful implementation of Industry 4.0. A wide range of activities takes place as part of the project, including workshops, continuing education programs, and student exchange activities. Cross-border events provide opportunities for direct exchange with industry and Universities in the region. Among other things, the IMLA is organizing a cross-border summer school on machine learning. The “UpperRhine 4.0” project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project runs from October 2017 to September 2020. KompiLe Project duration: December 1, 2021, to November 30, 2025 The “KompiLe” project, funded by the federal-state program “Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education,” examined the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching. A particular challenge posed by AI-supported technologies lies in balancing technical, ethical, social, and legal aspects and, on this basis, finding optimal solutions for higher education. KompiLe directly linked learning with AI to learning about AI, thereby enabling a reflective, AI-supported learning process. The project was based on the assumption that the design and use of AI-based learning offerings require AI literacy on the part of both instructors and learners, while also fostering it. About the Project Learning with AI To optimally support learning as an active, constructive, and individualized process, the KompiLe project developed an intelligent, adaptive learning environment based on learning preferences, experiences, and learning strategies. Learning About AI In addition, the following modules on AI-related content were designed, implemented, and evaluated. AI in the Media Chatbots Artificial Intelligence—Ethics and Data Protection Best practices for teaching these modules can be found here (PDF) . Publications Journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings Schmidt, C., Sedlmeier, T., Bauer, K., Canz, M., Schlemmer, D., & Sänger, V. (2025): Fostering AI Competence—Learning with and about Chatbots in a Making Scenario. Journal of Higher Education Development, ZFHE 20/Special Issue on Artificial Intelligence (double-blind peer review) Schmidt, C. & Sänger, V. (2025): AI in Higher Education Teaching—Didactic Instruction and Learning Support. In: T. Breyer-Mayländer, D. Drechsler, C. Zerres (Eds.): AI Transformation in Germany. UTB, 2025. Dahal, P., Nugroho, S., Schmidt, C., & Sänger, V. (2025): AI-Based Learning Recommendations: Use in Higher Education. Future Internet 2025, 17(7), 285. doi.org/10.3390/fi17070285 Schlemmer, D., Schmidt, C., Bauer, K., Canz, M., Sänger, V., & Sedlmeier, T. (2023). Promoting AI Competence: Pedagogical Making in Higher Education. Ludwigsburger Beiträge Zur Medienpädagogik, 23, 1–14. doi.org/10.21240/lbzm/23/11 (Double-Blind Peer Review) Dahal, P., Nugroho, S., Schmidt, C., & Sänger, V. (2024). Practical Use of AI-Based Learning Recommendations in Higher Education. In: Herodotou, C., et al. Methodologies and Intelligent Systems for Technology-Enhanced Learning, 14th International Conference. MIS4TEL 2024. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol. 1171. Springer, Cham. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-73538-7_6 Sedlmeier, Teresa; Schmidt, Claudia; Sänger, Volker; Bauer, Katrin; Canz, Michael; Hillenbrand, Gisela; Dahal, Prabin; Nugroho, Saptadi (2024): Learning Experience through Content Curation and AI-Based Learning Recommendations. Proceedings of DELFI 2024. German Informatics Society (Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V.). ISSN: 2944-7682. EISSN: 2944-7682, DOI: doi.org/10.18420/delfi2024_32 Nugroho, S., Dahal, P., Hillenbrand, G., Bauer, K., Sedlmeier, T., Schlemmer, D., Schmidt, C., Sänger, V.: From LMS to LXP: Extending Moodle with AI-Based Recommendations for Learning. Upper Rhine Artificial Intelligence Symposium (URAI), September 17, 2023. Conference Proceedings: urai2023.sciencesconf.org/data/pages/book_urai2023_en_2024.pdf Presentations Sedlmeier, T. (2025): Toward a Learning Experience Platform with OER, Content Curation, and AI: A Functional Evolution of the Learning Management System. Keynote at the ORCA.nrw OER Symposium, September 11, 2025 Bauer, K., Canz, M.: KompiLe – Promoting AI Competence, Supporting Individualized Learning. Teaching Day, Hochschule Offenburg, April 18, 25 Sedlmeier, T., Schmidt, C., Sänger, V., Bauer, K., Canz, M., Hillenbrand, G., Dahal, P., & Nurgroho, S. (2024): Learning Experience Through Content Curation and AI-Based Learning Recommendations. 22nd Symposium on Educational Technologies (DELFI 2024), Fulda University of Applied Sciences, September 9–11, 24 Dahal, P., Nugroho, S., Schmidt, C., Sänger, V. (2024). Practical Use of AI-Based Learning Recommendations in Higher Education. 14th International Conference. MIS4TEL 2024, Salamanca, Spain. June 26–28, 2024 Hillenbrand, G: From LMS to LXP—Moodle Plugins for AI-Based Learning Recommendations, Moodle Conference, Leipzig, March 12–13, 2024 Nugroho, S., Dahal, P., Hillenbrand, G., Bauer, K., Sedlmeier, T., Schlemmer, D., Schmidt, C., Sänger, V.: From LMS to LXP: Extending Moodle with AI-Based Recommendations for Learning. Upper Rhine Artificial Intelligence Symposium (URAI), September 17, 2023 Sänger, V. & Schmidt, C.: The KompiLe Project: AI as a Learning Companion? Teaching Day, Hochschule Offenburg, April 27, 23 Sänger, V.: AI in Teaching—Ideas and Concepts from a Current Research Project, Freiburg. Baden Association of Industrial Enterprises (WvBI) Black Forest, March 8, 2024 Poster Poster presentation (PDF ) at the Teaching and Learning Conference: Teaching Innovations for Universities in the Digital World, Stuttgart, 2023 Poster presentation (PDF) at Teaching Day: Thematic Tables on AI Applications, Hochschule Offenburg, November 27, 2025 Project Management Prof. Volker Sänger Supported by Completed Projects TSAAI Project TSAAI Project: Freely Available Online Continuing Education in Applied AI After three years, the Transversal Skills in Applied AI (TSAAI) project will come to an end on February 28, 2025. The goal of the project was to develop an online course on applied AI for participants who do not have an explicit IT or Informatik background but come from a specific application domain. Under the coordination of the University of Málaga, six European universities, including Hochschule Offenburg, have developed a freely available course. Content : Introduction to AI and machine learning, AI methodology, applications of AI in industry and the IoT, the humanities, natural sciences, and the financial sector. With the exception of the foundational modules, participants can freely select and combine individual application areas as they wish. Example: Participants with a background in engineering choose the module “Applied AI in Industry and the IoT ” (developed by TalTech in Tallinn, Estonia) with a focus on AI applications in the energy sector. We have also attempted to incorporate current developments in generative AI, even though this poses a major challenge given the current pace and dynamics of the field. Screenshot of the FuturIA learning platform showing the available modules Format : Online, guided self-study. There are 8 modules in total, and the course is worth 15 credits. All course contents are freely available. A fee will apply for those wishing to obtain a certificate from the University of Málaga (currently in planning). Target audience : Undergraduate students in all disciplines nearing the end of their bachelor’s degree, graduate students, and professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge of the fundamentals of AI and its various applications. Languages : The material is available in English, German, Spanish, Slovenian, Croatian, Estonian, and Macedonian. In the fall of 2024, the course underwent a successful initial pilot with students from the participating universities across various degree programs. All information and access to the platform can be found at https://www.tsaai.eu/ Interested? Please contact tobias.hagen@hs-offenburg.de , and we'd be happy to answer your questions in a one-on-one conversation! Funding Notice The project was funded by the EU as part of the Erasmus+ KA2 program. MachineLearn-ING Hochschule Offenburg has a growing continuing education sector that currently offers five master’s programs as well as certificate courses. The university is integrated into numerous regional networks, some of which are explicitly focused on digitalization and continuing education. These networks are being utilized for the MachineLearn-ING pilot project to encourage working high-level professionals to pursue continuing education. The technical focus of MachineLearn-ING is machine learning, which is considered a key driver of innovation for digitalization. The organizational structure of the continuing education course is tailored to the target group’s tight schedule. The project thus serves as a model case for reaching specific target groups with the future-oriented qualification programs of the “Workplace 4.0.” The project is funded through the SmartQualifiziert program, which is part of the Stifterverband’s Future Skills initiative. Predictive Maintenance The “Predictive Maintenance” research project is receiving 750,000 euros in funding from the Carl Zeiss Foundation’s “Transfer” funding program. The project will begin on January 1, 2019, and the funding period is three years. The research project focuses on the development of an Industry 4.0-compatible technology for the functional and procedural design of predictive and intelligent maintenance solutions. ML2 The interdisciplinary research project “Menschen lernen Maschinelles Lernen” (ML2) addressed the question : How can we harness the potential of machine learning for small and medium-sized enterprises while ensuring that students receive application-oriented training? It was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the “IKT 2020 – Research for Innovation” funding program and implemented by the Analytics and Data Science research group at Hochschule Offenburg. The project provided training in machine learning to both company employees and students. The curriculum designed for this purpose included not only theoretical content but also practical components in which participants had to solve current problems at the participating companies using machine learning. A total of approximately 40 employees and an equal number of students completed the curriculum. Insights into Our Research Developing new methods. Optimizing processes. Driving innovation. At IMLA, we seek answers to research questions. Our project directory lists all the projects we’re carrying out in collaboration with partners from academia and industry. There, you can search for all ongoing and completed projects since 2014. You can find the latest milestones and breakthroughs in our daily work under “Insights .” Projects Insights Industrial Partnerships Companies can collaborate with the IMLA in various ways and thus benefit from our expertise in research and technology transfer: As a project partner in a publicly funded research or technology transfer project. Depending on the arrangement, the company may receive funding itself or participate as a non-funded partner to share in the project results. As a client commissioning a project. In this case, you retain all rights to the results. A project may involve just a few person-days or, for example, be carried out as part of a doctoral dissertation. You have a research question that can be addressed as part of a student’s final thesis and supervised by a member of the IMLA on behalf of the university. Long-term cooperation agreements with the University that go beyond individual projects are also possible. Please contact us! Our Industry Partners Education and Continuing Education In addition to research and knowledge transfer, teaching and continuing education are also among the IMLA’s responsibilities. Data literacy is one of the key competencies of the information society. As a result, a large portion of the degree programs at Hochschule Offenburg include content on analytics and AI in their curricula, which is mostly taught by IMLA members. The spectrum ranges from introductory courses for engineering and Betriebswirtschaft programs to the specialized bachelor's program in Angewandte Künstliche Intelligenz . Research and teaching on AI converge in the robot soccer projects: Sweaty and magmaOffenburg regularly achieve success at world and European championships, not least thanks to the great dedication of the participating students. In addition, the IMLA develops teaching materials on analytics and AI, such as the online course on machine learning with practical exercises based on the KNIME platform, or as part of the Erasmus+-funded project “Transversal Skills in Applied Artificial Intelligence” ( TSAAI ) . Further Information Publications List of all recent IMLA publications on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.de/citations?hl=de&user=XgNf1vYAAAAJ Title Year Fake or JPEG? Revealing Common Biases in Generated Image Detection Datasets P. Grommelt, L. Weiss, F.J. Pfreundt, J. Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2403.17608 2024 2024 Urban Sound Propagation: A Benchmark for 1-Step Generative Modeling of Complex Physical Systems M Spitznagel, J Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2403.10904 2024 2024 Are Vision Language Models Texture or Shape Biased and Can We Steer Them? P Gavrikov, J Lukasik, S Jung, R Geirhos, B Lamm, MJ Mirza, M Keuper ... arXiv preprint arXiv:2403.09193 2024 2024 Challenging the Black Box: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Attribution Maps of CNN Applications in Agriculture and Forestry L Nieradzik H Stephani J Sieburg-Rockel S Helmling A Olbrich ... arXiv preprint arXiv:2402.11670 2024 2024 An in-depth study of U-net for seismic data conditioning: Multiple removal by moveout discrimination R Durall, A Ghanim, N Ettrich, J Keuper *Geophysics* 89 (1) WA233–WA246 2024 2024 Retail-786k: A Large-Scale Dataset for Visual Entity Matching B Lamm, J Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2309.17164 2023 2023 Improving Native CNN Robustness with Filter Frequency Regularization J Lukasik, P Gavrikov, J Keuper, M Keuper *Transactions on Machine Learning Research* 2023 2023 Don't Look into the Sun: Adversarial Solarization Attacks on Image Classifiers P. Gavrikov, J. Keuper , arXiv preprint arXiv:2308.12661 2023 2023 Deep Diffusion Models for Seismic Processing R. Durall, A. Ghanim, M.R. Fernandez, N. Ettrich, J. Keuper *Computers & Geosciences* 177, 105377 2023 2023 Fix Your Downsampling ASAP! Be Natively More Robust via Aliasing- and Spectral Artifact-Free Pooling J Grabinski, J Keuper, M Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2307.09804 2023 2023 As large as it gets: Learning infinitely large filters via neural implicit functions in the Fourier domain J Grabinski, J Keuper, M Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2307.10001 2023 2023 Automating Wood Species Detection and Classification in Microscopic Images of Fibrous Materials with Deep Learning L Nieradzik, J Sieburg-Rockel, S Helmling, J Keuper, T Weibel, A Olbrich ... arXiv preprint arXiv:2307.09588 2023 2023 On Invariance, Equivariance, Correlation, and Convolution of Spherical Harmonic Representations for Scalar and Vectorial Data J Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2307.03311 2023 2023 Seismic Demultiplexing with Deep Learning M. Fernandez, N. Ettrich, M. Delescluse, A. Rabaute, J. Keuper 84th EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition 2023 (1) 1–5 2023 2023 Deep Diffusion Models for Multiple Removal R. Durall, A. Ghanim, M. Fernandez, N. Ettrich, J. Keuper 84th EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition 2023 (1) 1–5 2023 2023 Fine-Grained Product Classification on Leaflet Advertisements D Ladwig, B Lamm, J Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2305.03706 2023 2023 Deep Learning Strategies for Seismic Demultiple M. Fernandez, N. Ettrich, A. Delescluse, A. Rabaute, J. Keuper Third EAGE Digitalization Conference and Exhibition 2023 (1) 1–5 2023 2023 The Power of Linear Combinations: Learning with Random Convolutions P. Gavrikov, J. Keuper , arXiv preprint arXiv:2301.11360, 2023 2023 On the Interplay of Convolutional Padding and Adversarial Robustness P Gavrikov J Keuper Proceedings of the IEEE/CVF International Conference on Computer Vision … 2023 2023 Detecting Images Generated by Deep Diffusion Models Using Their Local Intrinsic Dimensionality P. Lorenz, R.L. Durall, J. Keuper Proceedings of the IEEE/CVF International Conference on Computer Vision 448–459 2023 2023 An Extended Study of Human-Like Behavior Under Adversarial Training P. Gavrikov, J. Keuper, M. Keuper Proceedings of the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern … 2023 2023 Rethinking 1×1 Convolutions: Can We Train CNNs with Frozen Random Filters? P. Gavrikov, J. Keuper arXiv 2023 2023 Unfolding local growth rate estimates for (almost) perfect adversarial detection P Lorenz, M Keuper, J Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2212.06776 2022 2022 Robust models are less overconfident J Grabinski, P Gavrikov, J Keuper, M Keuper , *Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems*, vol. 35, pp. 39059–39075, 2022 2022 Physics-Constrained Deep Learning of Aerosol Microphysics P. Harder, D. Watson-Parris, P. Stier, D. Strassel, N.R. Gauger, J. Keuper , AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts 2022 GC22I 2022 2022 Aliasing and Adversarial Robust Generalization of CNNs J Grabinski, J Keuper, M Keuper *Machine Learning* 111 (11) 3925–3951 2022 2022 Does Medical Imaging Learn Different Convolution Filters? P. Gavrikov, J. Keuper , arXiv preprint arXiv:2210.13799, 2022 2022 Frequency-Low-Cut Pooling—Plug-and-Play Against Catastrophic Overfitting J Grabinski, S Jung, J Keuper, M Keuper European Conference on Computer Vision 36–57 2022 2022 GSparsity: Unifying Network Pruning and Neural Architecture Search by Group Sparsity A. Chatzimichailidis, A. Zela, J. Keuper, Y. Yang 2022 Dissecting U-Net for Seismic Applications: An In-Depth Study on Deep Learning for Multiple Removal R. Durall Lopez, A. Ghanim, N. Ettrich, J. Keuper 2022 Dissecting U-Net for Seismic Applications: An In-Depth Study on Deep Learning Multiple Removal R. Durall, A. Ghanim, N. Ettrich, J. Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2206.12112 2022 2022 Image-to-Image Seismic Interpolation M. Fernandez, R. Durall, N. Ettrich, M. Delescluse, A. Rabaute, J. Keuper 83rd EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition Workshop Program 2022 (1) 1–5 2022 2022 Intelligent Data Governance and Data Management—New Opportunities for Customer Data Management S. Braun, D. Follwarczny, A. Heißler , *Aspects of Digitalization Management*, 89–113, 2022 2022 New Channels—New Data: The Changing Role of Customer Data in Retail S Braun D Follwarczny A Heißler The COVID-19 Transformation: Crisis Management and Future Prospects in … 2022 2022 An Empirical Investigation of Model-to-Model Distribution Shifts in Trained Convolutional Filters P. Gavrikov, J. Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2201.08465 2022 2022 [AutoMLConf'22]: GSparsity: Unifying Network Pruning and Neural Architecture Search by Group Teaser A. Chatzimichailidis, A. Zela, J. Keuper, Y. Yang 2022 An Empirical Investigation of Trained Convolutional Filters P. Gavrikov, J. Keuper 2022 Tackling Key Challenges of AI Development—Insights from an Industry-Academia Collaboration A Melde, M Madan, P Gavrikov, D Hoof, A Laubenheimer, J Keuper ... The Upper-Rhine Artificial Intelligence Symposium UR-AI 2022: AI … 2022 2022 Physics-Informed Learning of Aerosol Microphysics P Harder, D Watson-Parris, P Stier, D Strassel, NR Gauger, J Keuper *Environmental Data Science* 1 e20 2022 2022 Adversarial Robustness Through the Lens of Convolutional Filters P. Gavrikov, J. Keuper Proceedings of the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern … 2022 2022 CNN Filter DB: An Empirical Investigation of Trained Convolutional Filters P. Gavrikov, J. Keuper Proceedings of the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern … 2022 2022 Investigating Shifts in GAN Output Distributions R. Durall, J. Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2112.14061 2021 2021 Aliasing Coincides with CNNs’ Vulnerability to Adversarial Attacks J. Grabinski, J. Keuper, M. Keuper The AAAI-22 Workshop on Adversarial Machine Learning and Beyond 2021 2021 Is RobustBench/AutoAttack a suitable benchmark for adversarial robustness? P. Lorenz, D. Strassel, M. Keuper, J. Keuper , arXiv preprint arXiv:2112.01601, 2021 2021 Detecting AutoAttack perturbations in the frequency domain P. Lorenz, P. Harder, D. Straßel, M. Keuper, J. Keuper , arXiv preprint arXiv:2111.08785 2021 2021 FacialGAN: Style transfer and attribute manipulation on synthetic faces R. Durall, J. Jam, D. Strassel, M.H. Yap, J. Keuper , arXiv preprint arXiv:2110.09425, 2021 2021 Emulating aerosol microphysics with machine learning P Harder, D Watson-Parris, D Strassel, N Gauger, P Stier, J Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2109.10593 2021 2021 Spectraldefense: Detecting adversarial attacks on CNNs in the Fourier domain P Harder FJ Pfreundt M Keuper J Keuper 2021 International Joint Conference on Neural Networks (IJCNN) 1–8 2021 2021 Generative Models for the Transfer of Knowledge in Seismic Interpretation with Deep Learning R Durall, V Tschannen, N Ettrich, J Keuper *The Leading Edge* 40 (7) 534–542 2021 2021 Estimating the Robustness of Classification Models Based on the Structure of the Learned Feature Space K Ho, FJ Pfreundt, J Keuper, M Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2106.12303 2021 2021 A Retail Product Categorization Dataset FS Elayanithottathil, J Keuper , arXiv preprint arXiv:2103.13864 2021 2021 Local Facial Attribute Transfer through Inpainting R Durall, FJ Pfreundt, J Keuper 2020 25th International Conference on Pattern Recognition (ICPR) 95–102 2021 2021 Learning embeddings for image clustering: An empirical study of triplet loss approaches K Ho, J Keuper, FJ Pfreundt, M Keuper 2020 25th International Conference on Pattern Recognition (ICPR) 87–94 2021 2021 Investigating Shifts in GAN Output Distributions R. Durall, Lopez, J. Keuper [35th Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems] 1–8 2021 2021 KOBRA: Practical Learning-Based Methods for the Automatic Configuration of Business Rules in Duplicate Detection Systems S Braun, G Alkhouri, E Peukert , German Informatik Society, Bonn, 2021 2021 AI Projects—The Role of Data Quality S. Braun, D. Follwarczny 2021 Checkout Optimization as a Success Factor S. Braun, D. Hennig 2021 Valid Customer Data—The Foundation for Omni-Channel Marketing S Braun Marketing and Sales Automation: Fundamentals—Implementation—Applications 159–175 2021 2021 A Question of Quality S. Braun, D. Follwarczny IT-Zoom/IT-Mittelstand 1 2021 2021 Sample-Efficient Localization and Stage Prediction with Autoencoders. S. Hoch, S. Lange, J. Keuper , ESANN 2021 2021 MSM: Multi-stage multicuts for scalable image clustering K Ho, A Chatzimichailidis, M Keuper, J Keuper High Performance Computing: ISC High Performance Digital 2021 International … 2021 2021 Combating Mode Collapse in GAN Training: An Empirical Analysis Using Hessian Eigenvalues R. Durall, Lopez, A. Chatzimichailidis, P. Labus, J. Keuper 2021 Combining Transformer Generators with Convolutional Discriminators FJ Pfreundt, A Dengel, J Keuper KI 2021: Advances in Artificial Intelligence: 44th German Conference on AI … 2021 2021 Group Sparsity: A Unified Framework for Network Pruning and Neural Architecture Search A. Chatzimichailidis, S.S. Arber, Zela, P. Labus, J. Keuper, F. Hutter, Y. Yang 2021 Combining Transformer Generators with Convolutional Discriminators R. Durall, S. Frolov, J. Hees, F. Raue, F.J. Pfreundt, A. Dengel, J. Keuper , K.I. 2021: Advances in Artificial Intelligence: 44th German Conference on AI … 2021 2021 Latent Space Conditioning on Generative Adversarial Networks R Durall, K Ho, FJ Pfreundt, J Keuper 2021 Combating mode collapse in GAN training: An empirical analysis using Hessian eigenvalues R Durall, A Chatzimichailidis, P Labus, J Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2012.09673 2020 2020 Latent Space Conditioning on Generative Adversarial Networks R Durall, K Ho, FJ Pfreundt, J Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2012.08803 2020 2020 An Empirical Study of Explainable AI Techniques on Deep Learning Models for Time Series Tasks U Schlegel, D Oelke, DA Keim, M El-Assady arXiv preprint arXiv:2012.04344 2020 2020 Python Workflows on HPC Systems D. Straßel, P. Reusch, J. Keuper 2020 IEEE/ACM 9th Workshop on Python for High-Performance and Scientific … 2020 2020 Teaching Practical Machine Learning Concepts to Professionals and Students: An Integrated and Interdisciplinary Qualification Project T Hagen, T Lauer, V Sänger, K Dorer, S Trahasch , 2020 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), 1–8, 2020 2020 Synthesizing Seismic Diffractions Using a Generative Adversarial Network R. Durall, V. Tschannen, F.J. Pfreundt, J. Keuper , SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2020, 1491–1495 2020 2020 System setup for synchronized visual-inertial localization and mapping S Hensel, MB Marinov, M Schmitt 2020 XXIX International Scientific Conference on Electronics (ET) 1–4 2020 2020 Nothing Is as It Seems: On the Art of Collective Memory in the Digital Age G. Meier , *Praktische Theologie* 55 (3), 140–147, 2020 2020 Technique for monitoring technical equipment D Oelke J Wimmer U.S. Patent 10712239 2020 2020 Extracting Horizon Surfaces from 3D Seismic Data Using Deep Learning V Tschannen, M Delescluse, N Ettrich, J Keuper *Geophysics* 85 (3) N17–N26 2020 2020 Toward visual debugging for multi-target time series classification U Schlegel, E Cakmak, H Arnout, M El-Assady, D Oelke, DA Keim Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Intelligent User … 2020 2020 PHS: A toolbox for parallel hyperparameter search PM Habelitz, J. Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2002.11429 2020 2020 Detection of point scatterers using diffraction imaging and deep learning V. Tschannen, N. Ettrich, M. Delescluse, J. Keuper , Geophysical Prospecting 68 (3), 830–844, 2020 2020 Methodology for mapping a processing area for autonomous robot vehicles P. Biber, H. Becker, S. Hensel U.S. Patent 10551844 2020 2020 Unsupervised multiple person tracking using autoencoder-based lifted multicuts K Ho J Keuper M Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:2002.01192 2020 2020 Message from the MLHPC Workshop Chairs SH Lim, X Shen, J Keuper, M Houston 2020 SmartPred: Unsupervised hard disk failure detection P Rombach, J Keuper High Performance Computing: ISC High Performance 2020 International … 2020 2020 Watch your up-convolution: CNN-based generative deep neural networks are failing to reproduce spectral distributions R Durall, M Keuper, J Keuper Proceedings of the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern … 2020 2020 Unsupervised Multiple Person Tracking Using Autoencoder-Based Lifted Multicuts J. Keuper, K. Ho, M. Keuper 2020 Python Workflows on HPC Systems J. Keuper, D. Straßel, P. Reusch Proceedings of PYHPC 2020: 9th Workshop on Python for High-Performance and … 2020 2020 Synthesizing Seismic Diffractions Using a Generative Adversarial Network J Keuper, V Tschannen, R Durall Lopez, FJ Pfreundt SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2020, 1491–1495 2020 2020 Protect Our Health with Cleaner Cars—How to Gain Customer Acceptance for the Purchase of Air Pollution-Reducing Retrofits J Reiter, U Hartmann, L Greschuchna, J Westrich, A Moertl, L Cherkaoui ... HCI in Business, Government, and Organizations: 7th International Conference … 2020 2020 Learning to Walk with Toes J. Fischer, K. Dorer , *Artificial Intelligence: Research Impact on Key Industries*. Proceedings of … 2020 2020 Experimental Setup for the Evaluation of Algorithms for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping S. Hensel, M. B. Marinov, C. Kehret, M. Stefanova-Pavlova . Systems, Software, and Services Process Improvement: 27th European Conference … 2020 2020 Machine Learning Meets Visualization to Make Artificial Intelligence Interpretable (Dagstuhl Seminar 19452) E Bertini, PT Bremer, D Oelke, J Thiagarajan Schloss-Dagstuhl-Leibniz Center for Informatik 2020 2020 Collaborations Between Industry and University D. Oelke, A. Sutor , *Foundations of Data Visualization*, pp. 279–283, 2020 2020 A Two-Stage Minimum-Cost Multicut Approach to Self-Supervised Multiple Person Tracking K. Ho, A. Kardoost, F.J. Pfreundt, J. Keuper, M. Keuper Proceedings of the Asian Conference on Computer Vision 2020 2020 Semi-few-shot attribute translation R. Durall, F.J. Pfreundt, J. Keuper 2019 International Conference on Image and Vision Computing, New Zealand … 2019 2019 Scalable hyperparameter optimization with lazy Gaussian processes R Ram, S Müller, FJ Pfreundt, NR Gauger, J Keuper 2019 IEEE/ACM Workshop on Machine Learning in High Performance Computing … 2019 2019 Gradvis: Visualization and second-order analysis of optimization surfaces during the training of deep neural networks A. Chatzimichailidis, J. Keuper, F.J. Pfreundt, N.R. Gauger 2019 IEEE/ACM Workshop on Machine Learning in High Performance Computing … 2019 2019 Autonomous work device P. Biber, K. Marx, S. Petereit, S. Hensel U.S. Patent 10466710 2019 2019 Unmasking deepfakes with simple features R Durall, M Keuper, FJ Pfreundt, J Keuper arXiv preprint arXiv:1911.00686 2019 2019 Architecture of a Big Data Platform for a Semiconductor Company D. Müller, S. Trahasch , DATA ANALYTICS 2019, 41, 2019 2019 Image-based automated hit detection and score calculation on a steel dartboard S Hensel, MB Marinov, F Sprich, B Ganev 2019 Second Balkan Junior Conference on Lighting (Balkan Light Junior) 1–4 2019 2019 Team Keuper, Janis Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4801 janis.keuper@hs-offenburg.de Hagen, Tobias Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-4676 tobias.hagen@hs-offenburg.de Dorer, Klaus Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-385 klaus.dorer@hs-offenburg.de Gasper, Rainer Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4882 rainer.gasper@hs-offenburg.de Grabowski, Hartwig Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4741 hartwig.grabowski@hs-offenburg.de Hensel, Stefan Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4697 stefan.hensel@hs-offenburg.de Lauer, Tobias Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-431 tobias.lauer@hs-offenburg.de Lutz, Theo Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 7803 9698-4451 theo.lutz@hs-offenburg.de Braun, Simone Prof. Dr. rer. pol. +49 7803 9698-4438 simone.braun@hs-offenburg.de Oelke, Daniela Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-4894 daniela.oelke@hs-offenburg.de Reiter, Joachim Prof. Dr. rer. pol. +49 7803 9698-4472 joachim.reiter@hs-offenburg.de Giel, Dominik Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-217 dominik.giel@hs-offenburg.de Schaad, Andreas Prof. Dr. phil. +49 781 205-4660 andreas.schaad@hs-offenburg.de Sänger, Volker Prof. Dr. rer. pol. +49 781 205-4724 volker.saenger@hs-offenburg.de Seitz, Jürgen Prof. Dr. juergen.seitz@hs-offenburg.de Ladwig, Daniel daniel.ladwig@hs-offenburg.de Maas, Laura laura.maas@hs-offenburg.de Spitznagel, Martin martin.spitznagel@hs-offenburg.de Horn, Pius +49 781 205-4981 pius.horn@hs-offenburg.de Management & Contact Keuper, Janis Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4801 janis.keuper@hs-offenburg.de

HS Offenburg Research Institutes INES INES – Institute of Sustainable Energy Systems Welcome to INES! INES is an active driver of the energy transition INES shapes energy research at Hochschule Offenburg and in the Upper Rhine technology region. Through application-oriented research and development, cooperation with industry and local authorities, committed teaching and the advancement of our students and young scientists, INES impacts science, economy, society and policy – providing an important contribution towards secure and sustainable energy supply. Insights into Research Transfer Research Group Electrical Energy Storage (EES) Lithium-ion batteries have become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. In the future, electrolysers and fuel cells for green hydrogen will play an important role. In the Electrical Energy Storage (EES) research group, we are improving the lifetime and performance of batteries and fuel cells. Research Group EES Research Group Electric Mobility (EMC²) Professors Christian Klöffer and Patrick König jointly head the Electric Mobility Competence Center (EMC²) at INES. One part of the EMC 2 research group conducts, headed by Prof. Dr. Christian Klöffer, research in power electronics and electric machines for mobility applications. Another part investigates different electric powertrain topologies (variants of the traction on-board network) with batteries and fuel cells. Research Group EMC² Research Group Advanced Building Technology (E2G) The E2G group at Offenburg University conducts research in the field of technical building equipment with a focus on heating and cooling with thermo-active construction components, ventilation technology and indoor air flow, façade-integrated building technology, and energy system technology for buildings. Research Group E2G Research Group Energy Systems and Energy Economics (EEW) An energy supply based on renewable energies with zero CO 2 emissions is technically and economically feasible. With this vision in mind, the EEW group is researching sustainable energy systems in two main area Intersectoral Energy System Analysis and Energy Management Research Group EEW Research Group Intelligent Energy Networks (IEN) The energy transition will be decided in the distribution grid. Decentralized generators, storage facilities, flexible consumers, and cross-sector applications must be coordinated in an intelligent, efficient, and stable manner. The Intelligent Energy Networks (IEN) research group develops data- and model-based methods for analyzing, simulating, and optimizing climate-neutral energy systems—from microgrids to the municipal level. Research Groups IEN Research Group Pyrolysis and PV (PnP) The research group PnP, headed by Prof. Dr. Heide Biollaz and Prof. Dr. Daniel Kray, develops in particular pioneering production processes of solar cells and modules. The focus is set on strategic product development for medium-sized machine construction companies in the field of solar module manufacturing. Research Group PnP Research Group Hydrogen Technology Hydrogen technology is a key component in achieving the energy transition, particularly for storing renewable energy, efficiently converting it into electricity for stationary or mobile applications, and thereby decarbonizing all sectors of the economy. Research Group Hydrogen Technology A Glimpse into Our Research Developing new methods. Optimizing processes. Driving innovation. At INES, we seek answers to research questions. Our project directory lists all the projects we are carrying out in collaboration with partners from academia and industry. There, you can search for all ongoing and completed projects since 2014. You can find the latest milestones and breakthroughs in our daily work under Insights . Projects Insights Laboratories Applied Control Engineering and Building Automation The lab for Applied Control Engineering and Building Automation is equipped with a practical ventilation and air-handling system (HVAC system) featuring an integrated climate control and conditioning unit. The system allows for the targeted creation of defined outdoor and operating conditions and is fully integrated into a modern building automation environment. For experiments, a single room can be specifically isolated from the rest of the building structure and climate-controlled independently. This enables the investigation of control engineering issues under reproducible and realistic conditions. Automation is handled by a freely programmable Direct Digital Control (DDC) system with field devices, interface modules, sensors, and actuators, as well as a higher-level building management system. Comprehensive capabilities are available for measurement data acquisition, trend recording, parameterization, and visualization of system states. The laboratory facility is suitable for both fundamental control engineering investigations and application-oriented experiments in the field of building automation. Typical laboratory experiments: Investigation and parameterization of temperature control systems in ventilation systems (supply air, room air, and cascade control). Analysis and comparison of P and PI controllers, including controller tuning according to standard methods (e.g., Ziegler-Nichols, Chien-Hrones-Reswick). Evaluation of the dynamic behavior of controlled systems (step response, time constants, dead times). Design and analysis of cascade control systems to improve room temperature control. Development and analysis of control and sequencing strategies for heating, cooling, and heat recovery systems. Investigation of heat recovery strategies (recuperative and regenerative) during heating and cooling operations. Practical training in the programming, commissioning, and operation of building automation systems. Integration of control engineering, energy efficiency, and building operations using real system components. Figure 1: Laboratory ventilation system with an air-handling and conditioning unit and heat recovery. Figure 2: System Visualization During Test Operation in Building Automation Contact Manuel Lämmle Ulrich Kuttruff Jens Glembin Battery Lab Our battery lab is equipped with comprehensive in-operando and post-mortem diagnostics for decentralized energy storage systems and generators, with a particular focus on lithium-ion battery cells and battery modules. Performance, cycling and aging tests under defined thermal parameters can be performed in the battery lab, as well as characterizations of cell capacity, internal resistance and impedance, opening of lithium-ion cells and post-mortem diagnostics of electrodes and other cell components. The lab equipment includes: Battery cyclers for various cell types for maximum currents up to 800 A and voltages up to 80 V (a total of around 25 channels of the Biologic, BaSyTec systems and EA Elektro-Automatik) Electrochemical impedance spectrometers (EIS) Five temperature test chambers of various sizes with safety equipment for lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries (-40°C to +180°C) Glovebox for working under inert gas atmosphere Equipment for opening commercial lithium-ion cells and harvesting cell components Sample preparation including grinding and polishing machine for scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy and chemical analysis The equipment was largely financed through funds from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) within the "Enerlab 4.0" project (2018-2020) and has since been gradually expanded. The infrastructure was installed as part of the new construction of the Research and Innovation Center of Energy Technology (RIZ Energie). Contact Person Wolfgang Bessler Building Physics and Thermal Comfort A climate chamber simulates the environmental climate. The combination of two adjacent indoor climate chambers provides a so-called double climate chamber. In the two identical test chambers (adiabatic, with high thermal inertia), technical building systems can be evaluated under real-life conditions. Extensive measurement technology, measurement data acquisition and process automation are available for this purpose. Typical areas of application are: Performance measurements of facade-integrated building services, especially ventilation Evaluation of the dynamic behavior of heating/cooling and ventilation Performance measurements on surface temperature control systems ( including building component activation), especially under transient operating conditions for controller development Room air flow for different ventilation systems under variable operating conditions Steady-state and dynamic special measurements for heating/cooling and ventilation for determining performance curves and time constants Management strategies for inert and agile indoor heat/cool transfer systems Assessment of Thermal Comfort (PMV/PPD and Local Comfort Parameters) in Living and Work Spaces Contact Person Jens Pfafferott Sascha Himmelsbach E-Mobility To fully test the operating ranges of the drive components (battery, DC/AC converter, electric motor), test benches such as the one shown in Figure 1 are commonly used. The components highlighted in blue are the DC/AC converter (frequency converter) or the electric motor under test. The components highlighted in green form the braking unit (electrical load machine), which is used to maintain the test machine at a specific speed. Highlighted in yellow is the power supply, which is connected to the electrical grid. For cost and safety reasons, projects often forego the use of a real drive battery and instead rely on battery emulation using a controllable battery emulator (red). To cover the full range of electric mobility drive components in terms of variety and power class—from e-scooters to hybrid and electric vehicles to trams—two test benches are currently under construction or in the procurement phase. The medium-power test bench is expected to be completed shortly. The test bench is shown in Figure 2. The test bench for the highest drive power is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2021. In addition to the test benches described for operating real electric machines, a so-called electric machine emulator is in use. An electric machine emulator is capable of simulating electric machines with (within certain limits) arbitrary parameters. It thus replaces the test specimen in Figure 1 with a power electronic component that behaves like the real electric machine at the terminals. This allows, for example, the functionality of the developed control and regulation algorithms to be validated in terms of their universality without the need for additional real machines. With minimal effort, fault conditions in electric machines can be simulated, and the response of the control and regulation algorithms can then be evaluated. Figure: Test bench design Contact Person Christian Klöffer Patrick König Compound Energy Systems This lab for small-scale combined heat, power and cooling (mCHP) is used to simulate complex energy supply systems for electricity, heating and cooling in the grid network, taking into account the load situation at the consumer. The current network load is provided by an external signal. The actual load situation is mapped in the Air Conditioning/Ventilation Lab (with climate chamber). Based on these parameters, corresponding operation management algorithms optimize the micro-CHP system with power input or output, heat or cold production and thermal storage use. The following components are available: Cogeneration plant: 5 kW / 10 kW Hot-water stratified storage: 1.500 l with 6 kW heater Adsorption chiller: 12 kW Reversible heat pump: 12 kW, cooling, and 16 kW, heating Cold-water stratified storage: 1,450 l Cooling tower / outdoor unit: 29 kW, waste heat, also heat source These components are connected in such a way as to allow very flexible thermo-hydraulic coupling. Extensive process automation in combination with market-standard field systems serves as a test platform for optimized control algorithms. Work on the micro-CHP plant Micro-CHP Overview: Overall Contact Person Jens Pfafferott Sascha Himmelsbach Industrie 4.0 Small and medium-sized enterprises are increasingly focusing on their own energy supply, installing their own PV systems, charging stations and storage units. Up to now, energy management has primarily used the flexibility in the classic energy system components. In the course of ‘Industry 4.0,’ however, automation and digitalization are also making the production processes themselves more flexible. To show how this flexibility in industrial processes can also be harnessed for energy management, a demonstrator for industrial energy management is under development at RIZ Energie. It will be equipped with central components of industrial processes, such as various engine types with frequency converters, compressors, heating and cooling elements, or lighting units. The components are supplemented by an extensive monitoring and automation system as well as a control system. Simultaneously, a so-called digital twin, i. e. a computer simulation of the real system, runs on the control system. This provides the basis for optimized control of the demonstrator through predictive optimization-based control approaches. New methods of industrial energy management can thus be tested and further developed on the demonstrator. Concept Layout for Experimental Twin Contact Person Michael Schmidt Refrigeration and Heat Pump Technology Research With the establishment of the first junior professorship in refrigeration and heat pump technology at a German university, Hochschule Offenburg has the opportunity to become one of the pioneers in this field in Germany. In the Refrigeration and Heat Pump Technology Lab, research is conducted both on the systemic integration of smart grids and at the component level. How can the thermal integration of heat pumps be improved? How can the efficiency of these systems be further increased? How can their service life be extended at the same time? Teaching Students learn the fundamentals of refrigeration machines and heat pumps . They learn everything about operating principles, components, design and calculation, integration into energy systems, and the complex interconnection of different systems. In the accompanying lab, students have the opportunity work with these machines in a practical setting , build them from scratch and commission them, control and monitor them, and learn how to handle flammable refrigerants properly. Contact Person Sebastian Gund Climate Chamber Climate simulations (without solar simulator) in a walk-in climate chamber (CTS GmbH, Hechingen; construction year 2013), with a usable interior space of 40 m³ (5,50m (l) x 2,45 (w) x 2,90 m (h)) between -55 °C and +85 °C, high humidity variability (10% to 98% relative humidity; +5°C to +82°C in dew point range) and fast response time. Typical applications are: Performance and fatigue tests on components exposed to weather conditions Performance tests on vehicles with high-efficiency drives under winter and summer conditions Performance tests on building services systems, especially electric and thermally driven heat pumps/cooling units Building-physics product characterization of components and systems Combining two adjacent indoor climate cells, a so-called double climate chamber is available for, e.g., evaluating facade-integrated building technology or the dynamic behavior of indoor heating/cooling and ventilation. Contact Person Jens Pfafferott Sascha Himmelsbach Hydrogen Process Technology Hydrogen and Bioenergy – Flexible, Climate-Friendly, and Forward-Looking Germany aims to become climate-neutral by 2045. To achieve this goal, energy sources such as electricity and gas (biogas) must be generated in a climate-friendly manner and used efficiently. Hydrogen and bioenergy, which complement each other perfectly, play a key role in this effort. Making Smart Use of Surplus Electricity Electricity generation from wind and solar power fluctuates greatly. During periods when there is a lot of renewable electricity, prices are often very low—sometimes even negative. Conclusion: Surplus electricity can be used to produce hydrogen instead of going to waste. Gas as a Flexible Form of Energy Storage Gas consumption—for methane or biogas, for example—also fluctuates: it is high in winter and low in summer. Gas can be easily stored and used as needed when electricity is in short supply. Conclusion: Gas is an ideal energy storage medium and will remain indispensable even in a green energy future. Bioenergy and Hydrogen – The Synergy The combination of excess electricity and gas flexibility opens up new possibilities: Surplus green electricity is converted into hydrogen via electrolysis. The hydrogen can be fed into the natural gas grid, used at a later time, or blended with biogas. Bioenergy and hydrogen complement each other, increase the efficiency of existing facilities, and make use of existing infrastructure. Legal Framework The Energy Industry Act defines “biogas” broadly: This includes biomethane, sewage gas, landfill gas, and mine gas—and, in the future, hydrogen produced from green electricity as well as synthetic methane from renewable sources. Hydrogen Projects in Germany To date, 88 GW of electrolysis capacity has been reported—but only a small portion of that has actually been built or is under construction. Obstacles include high electricity prices, expensive equipment, and the lack of a hydrogen network (planned for 2032). The Proposed Solution In the short term: Build simpler, more cost-effective electrolysers that operate only when electricity prices are very low. Feeding the hydrogen into existing gas networks—without new infrastructure. Long term: Convert CO₂ from biogas plants into climate-neutral methane using hydrogen. Use it as fuel, energy storage, or an industrial feedstock. Low-Cost Electrolyzers – Flexible and Rugged New electrolysers are specifically designed for short periods of use when electricity rates are very low: Frameless design using embossing technology Seals from the automotive industry No expensive precious metals or PFAS substances Slightly lower efficiency, but extremely cost-effective Perspective: Climate-Neutral Methane Plants absorb CO₂ from the air. This CO₂ can be converted into methane together with hydrogen—a sustainable cycle that generates energy while protecting the climate. Conclusion Simple, flexible solutions make it possible to utilize excess electricity, upgrade biogas, and produce climate-neutral methane over the long term. This creates a smart synergy between bioenergy and hydrogen—for a sustainable, future-proof energy supply. Contact Person Ulrich Hochberg Patrick König PV-Labor Together with wind energy, photovoltaics or PV is the mainstay of a future global energy supply that is based 100% on renewable sources. We conduct research and development to make PV even more environmentally sustainable – for example, by economizing on consumables to achieve even more solar power per square meter of surface area (or per gram of silicon, glass, etc.). We are focusing on the following areas in particular: Solar modules without plastic encapsulation (N.I.C.E.TM technology - production and integration) Caracterization of solar cells and modules We have laboratory equipment for this purpose to optimize production processes: Class A+AA+ LED flasher up to 1.0 x 2.0 m2 module size (Wavelabs) Laminator for glass-foil and glass-glass modules up to 640 x 480 mm2 (E.E.T.S.) Outdoor test bench with monitoring for mono- and bifacial modules (self-made) Dispenser up to 525 x 525 mm2 (NordsonAsymtek) Climatic test chamber Hand tool for plasma cleaning of surfaces (Relyon) Multi-tool for, e.g., PL/EL/Grid Resistance (self-made) QSSPC and SunsVoc (Sinton Instruments) LEXT laser scanning microscope (Olympus) IonSlicer for double-sided Ar-ion polishing of STEM samples (JEOL) SEM with STEM and EDX functions (JEOL) Contact Person Daniel Kray Pyrolysis Lab Biochar is the solid residue from the pyrolysis of biomass. The corresponding process—PyCCS (pyrogenic carbon capture and storage) or BCR (biochar carbon removal)—accounts for over 80% of the carbon sinks produced worldwide. This makes it the most advanced negative emissions technology (NET) for active CO2 removal. Both biochar and the resulting pyrolysis oils and gases can help, both now and in the future, to decarbonize the economy and actively cool the climate. Our focus is particularly on the following areas: Biochar from biomass for use in agriculture and materials Characterization of pyrolysis processes and biochar To this end, we have laboratory equipment to optimize the production and application of biochar and pyrolysis products: Mills for comminution (cutting mills, hammer mills, ball mills, shredders) Pelletizing system Drying cabinets Muffle furnace Chemical analysis in the chemistry lab (including TOC, TN, GC, ICP-OES) Water-holding capacity Lab for circular chromatography Turf sanding machine for applying biochar Access to a greenhouse for plant experiments Kon-Tiki manual pyrolysis reactor with exhaust gas analysis Fully automated pyrolysis plant with a biomass throughput of 10 kg/h (Regenis MAX) Our biochar projects are conducted as part of the FYI:Agriculture 5.0 think tank ( fyi-landwirtschaft5.org ). Contact Heide Biollaz Daniel Kray Indoor Air and HVAC Technology The Air Conditioning and Ventilation Lab primarily explores innovative air conditioning systems and new components such as air diffusers, chilled ceilings, heat recovery systems, air/water heat exchangers, etc. in terms of their energy efficiency and thermal comfort. It includes a lab room and an air conditioning unit. In the lab room (variable size, up to 7.20 m x 7.20 m x 5.50 m, temperature-controllable side walls), extensive measurement equipment is available for the investigation of indoor air flow and thermal comfort, in particular for the measurement of indoor air velocity and degree of turbulence, sound, air temperature, humidity and differential pressure. Flow visualization can be provided as well. The air conditioning system includes all components for thermodynamic air treatment and can be used both for studying optimized operation management strategies and for air preconditioning (experimental analysis of air conditioning systems). Contact Person Jens Pfafferott Sascha Himmelsbach SHK.4.FutureEnergySystems SHK.4.FutureEnergySystems – A shipping container becomes an energy-self-sufficient tiny house “The SHK.4.FutureEnergySystems project highlights the versatility of the SHK trades in vocational training [plant mechanics, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning] and TGA planning in degree programs [Maschinenbau / Energie- und Gebäudetechnik].” The energy-self-sufficient tiny house demonstrates how to collaboratively implement a project for the energy transition—from the initial idea to completion— showcases typical system components for energy-efficient residential and office buildings, and ensures a high quality of living throughout the year with comfortable indoor temperatures and high air quality, provides hot drinking water, and supplies electricity to all electrical systems. And all of this using only solar energy! Smart Grid A complex, three-phase power grid is operated as a microgrid at RIZ Energie, fed from renewable energy sources as far as possible. Three photovoltaic generators, with 2.16 kW peak power each, provide a significant contribution from solar energy. For intermediate energy storage, stationary batteries of various technologies are charged, or the traction battery of the University's electric vehicle is ‘refueled.’ Various switchable loads can be integrated into the power grid as energy users. Electronic loads allow different use cases to be emulated, from single-family homes to small commercial operations. The energy supply from renewable energy sources is supplemented by a wind generator with 5.5 kW peak power. Intelligent control of the individual components is achieved using a predictive energy management system that figures in weather, demand and usage projection data. An example of an important application area is grid-serving control, where the microgrid communicates with external partners via the built-in smart meter gateway like a smart grid, and either consumes or releases electricity depending on the state of the higher-level grid, or the market. The automation and communication structure is PLC-based, with direct coupling to the management level of the microgrid. This allows the complex interaction of data acquisition from meters and network states, regulation and control, and yield-and-demand forecasts to be mapped in an energy management system. Contact Person Michael Schmidt Transfer Information for Businesses Partnerships There are numerous opportunities for companies to carry out research and development projects in the field of energy technology: from energy generation to energy storage and distribution, and on to energy utilization. Much of this work is experimental in nature and is supported by numerical methods. It is often supplemented by field studies and monitoring campaigns on components or systems during operation and under real-world conditions. Direct R&D contracts are often suitable within product development for shorter project durations: consulting, examiner opinions, and studies. Metrological investigations for vulnerability analysis and product characterization. Model-based and numerical evaluations to identify optimization potential. Collaborative projects with other companies and research institutions are well-suited for multi-year, complex research questions with a higher research component: laboratory measurements, field studies, monitoring campaigns, system development, and extensive numerical simulations. Information for Students Further Information Team Professors Bausch, Jörg Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4827 joerg.bausch@hs-offenburg.de Bessler, Wolfgang Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil +49 781 205-4653 wolfgang.bessler@hs-offenburg.de Biollaz, Heide Prof. Dr. sc. techn. +49 781 205-4657 heide.biollaz@hs-offenburg.de Gasper, Rainer Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4882 rainer.gasper@hs-offenburg.de Hartmann, Niklas Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4645 niklas.hartmann@hs-offenburg.de Klöffer, Christian Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4870 christian.kloeffer@hs-offenburg.de König, Patrick Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4872 patrick.koenig@hs-offenburg.de Kray, Daniel Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-4634 daniel.kray@hs-offenburg.de Lämmle, Manuel Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4773 manuel.laemmle@hs-offenburg.de Pfafferott, Jens Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4604 jens.pfafferott@hs-offenburg.de Schmidt, Michael Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-4788 schmidt@hs-offenburg.de Employees Aamoume, Amine Dipl.-.Staatsing. Zoom amine.aamoume@hs-offenburg.de Abo Alrob, Hamza Qassem Hussein +49 781 205-4807 hamza.abo@hs-offenburg.de Aniekwensi, Uchenna Johnpaul +49 781 205-4890 uchenna.aniekwensi@hs-offenburg.de Bartsch, Viola Zoom viola.bartsch@hs-offenburg.de Bhowmick, Saurav saurav.bhowmick@hs-offenburg.de Boschert, Lars +49 781 205-4908 lars.boschert@hs-offenburg.de Braun, Jonas +49 781 205-4766 jonas.braun@hs-offenburg.de Bühler, Moritz Zoom moritz.buehler@hs-offenburg.de Degel, Jan Philipp +49 781 205-4905 philipp.degel@hs-offenburg.de De Jesus Tabora, Cesar +49 781 205-4932 cesar.dejesus@hs-offenburg.de Domènech Monfort, Meritxell +49 781 205-4270 meritxell.domenech@hs-offenburg.de El Azhary, Karima +49 781 205-4958 karima.elazhary@hs-offenburg.de Falk, Werner Zoom falk@hs-offenburg.de Guerra Nunez, Philip Hernan +49 781 205-4826 philip.guerra@hs-offenburg.de Gund, Sebastian Dipl.-Ing. +49 781 205-4607 sebastian.gund@hs-offenburg.de Hähnlein, Stefan +49 781 205-4813 stefan.haehnlein@hs-offenburg.de Himmelsbach, Sascha Dipl.-Ing. (FH) +49 781 205-136 sascha.himmelsbach@hs-offenburg.de Hoferer, Luca Zoom luca.hoferer@hs-offenburg.de Huschle, Marius +49 781 205-4969 marius.huschle@hs-offenburg.de Jakob, Leonie Dr. rer. nat. leonie.jakob@hs-offenburg.de Kasper, Evi Monique Zoom evi.kasper@hs-offenburg.de Lamm, Mila +49 781 205-4928 mila.lamm@hs-offenburg.de Lichtner, Patrick Zoom patrick.lichtner@hs-offenburg.de Mmeka, Patricia Ogochukwu +49 781 205-4977 patricia.mmeka@hs-offenburg.de Müller, Philipp +49 781 205-4960 philipp.mueller@hs-offenburg.de Naumann, Johanna Dr.-Ing. johanna.naumann@hs-offenburg.de Pallàs Solà, Judith judith.pallas@hs-offenburg.de Pönisch, Christoph +49 781 205-4881 christoph.poenisch@hs-offenburg.de Philip, Linson Zoom linson.philip@hs-offenburg.de Quarti, Michael +49 781 205-4846 michael.quarti@hs-offenburg.de Reiner, Julius julius.reiner@hs-offenburg.de Rißmann, Sascha +49 781 205-4854 sascha.rissmann@hs-offenburg.de Ritzinger, Lena +49 781 205-4954 lena.ritzinger@hs-offenburg.de Rohm, Claudia +49 781 205-4779 claudia.rohm@hs-offenburg.de Ronecker, Mirko Zoom mirko.ronecker@hs-offenburg.de Sandhaas, Anna +49 781 205-4673 anna.sandhaas@hs-offenburg.de Satheesh, Vishal +49 781 205-4915 vishal.satheesh@hs-offenburg.de Schede, Simone +49 781 205-4828 simone.schede@hs-offenburg.de Schmider, David +49 781 205-4681 david.schmider@hs-offenburg.de Schwab, Simon Zoom simon.schwab@hs-offenburg.de Thennadan, Aqib Rizal aqib.thennadan@hs-offenburg.de Tomás, Leroy +49 781 205-4930 leroy.tomas@hs-offenburg.de Vijay, Mehul +49 781 205-4983 mehul.vijay@hs-offenburg.de Vogel, Lisa Maria Dipl.-Psych. +49 781 205-4922 lisa.vogel@hs-offenburg.de Wirwitzki, Michael +49 781 205-4606 michael.wirwitzki@hs-offenburg.de Wüst, Sylvia Zoom sylvia.wuest@hs-offenburg.de Contact and Directions Shipping Address Regional Innovation Center for Energy Technology Badstr. 22a 77652 Offenburg Mailing Address Hochschule Offenburg, Institute of Sustainable Energy Systems Badstr. 24 77652 Offenburg Phone: (0781) 205-0 Fax: (0781) 205-214 Email: ines@hs-offenburg.de Directions INES is located in the RIZ Energie - Research and Innovation Center of Energy Technology on the main campus in Offenburg. Google Maps Plus Code: FW6R+2J Offenburg Job Offers Academic Positions We are always looking for dedicated academic staff to join our research and development teams. Current job opportunities are listed on the Hochschule Offenburg career page . INES professors also welcome unsolicited applications, even if there are no current job postings. It is also possible to pursue a Ph.D. through doctoral research groups or individual doctoral programs. Equipment The Institute of Sustainable Energy Systems is located at the RIZ Energie - Research and Innovation Center of Energy Technology on the main campus in Offenburg. In addition to modern offices for staff, the research building features a technical facility covering an area of approximately 900 m². The technical facility provides space for large-scale equipment, test benches, and larger laboratory units for the research topics being investigated at INES. Publications Since INES was founded in 2012, numerous publications from all research groups have been released each year. You can find the list of publications on the OPUS academic publication server at Hochschule Offenburg. Simply click here. Kontakt Schmidt, Michael Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-4788 schmidt@hs-offenburg.de Klöffer, Christian Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4870 christian.kloeffer@hs-offenburg.de

HS Offenburg Research Institutes INES Pyrolysis and PV Pyrolysis and PV (Prof. Biollaz, Prof. Kray) By mid of the century photovoltaics will be the most important energy source according to estimations of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The research group PnP, headed by Prof. Dr. Heide Biollaz and Prof. Dr. Daniel Kray, develops in particular pioneering production processes of solar cells and modules. The focus is set on strategic product development for medium-sized machine construction companies in the field of solar module manufacturing. Currently, a laboratory is under construction where new process technologies will be developed to the point where they can be transferred by companies into the prototype phase. The research activities are supported by comprehensive characterization systems, for example photo- and electroluminescence, REM/STEM and high-resolution confocal microscopy. Furthermore, the so-called negative emission technologies (NET) are being researched. The focus is on PyCCS (pyrogenic carbon capture and storage), which produces vegetable carbon from biological residues in addition to pyrolysis oils and gases. This can be used in a variety of applications to permanently store carbon from the CO 2 in the air and thus actively cool the earth. Of particular interest is the cascade use in agriculture (animal feed, manure treatment, fertiliser additive, soil improvement), which is investigated in the project "FYI: Agriculture 5.0": fyi-landwirtschaft5.org . Projects PyCCS-2050 The PyCCS-2050 project is investigating the industrial scaling of Pyrogenic Carbon Capture and Storage (PyCCS) by 2050—that is, the permanent removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere through biomass pyrolysis and the non-oxidative use of the products biochar, bio-oil, and pyrolysis gas. The goal is to increase carbon sequestration efficiency, develop new material utilization pathways, establish robust monitoring, reporting, and verification(MRV) concepts in line with future German and EU regulations, and to holistically assess ecological and economic impacts using life-cycle analyses. Hochschule Offenburg (HSO) is responsible for key technological developments in the field of pyrolysis and gas utilization: A condensation unit for the separation and material utilization of bio-oil is being installed at the existing facility, while the condensate-free pyrolysis gas is being experimentally characterized and its energy balance assessed. Based on this data, HSO simulates process chains for utilizing the pyrolysis gas—particularly for ammonia production via the Haber-Bosch process—taking into account gas treatment and waste heat recovery, and evaluates them in terms of efficiency and costs. In addition, innovative gas purification steps are being developed and tested on a laboratory scale. In this way, HSO is making a decisive contribution to advancing PyCCS from a primarily energy-driven application toward integrated, material-oriented, and climate-effective utilization concepts, and to creating the technological foundation for sustainable industrial implementation. Project duration: April 2026 – March 2029 Funding: BMBFTR Project partners: University of Hamburg Geisenheim University Institute for Non-Classical Chemistry (INC) Ithaka Institute, a non-profit limited liability company QUASAR Project QUASAR: High-Quality Recycling for Next-Generation Photovoltaic Modules As part of the EU-funded QUASAR project (“Quality and Safety for Photovoltaic Assets Recycling”), Hochschule Offenburg is working as part of a 20-member international consortium to close material loops in the solar industry. While the project as a whole aims to increase recycling rates and reduce the costs associated with end-of-life PV modules, Hochschule Offenburg ’s core expertise lies in technical innovation and characterization at the module level. Under the leadership of the Photovoltaic Technology and Biochar (PVT) research group at the Institute for Sustainable Energy Systems (INES), Offenburg University of Applied Sciences is focusing on optimizing module technology (particularly in Work Package 9). One technological focus is the development and implementation of sensor elements directly within the PV modules. To this end, the University utilizes its specialized laboratory infrastructure for material and module characterization (including electroluminescence, LIV measurements, and climate chambers) as well as expertise in the field of microelectronics. Another milestone within the project is the commissioning of a new, semi-automatic PV production line , which will be used to investigate and optimize the scalability of innovative laboratory solutions to industrial manufacturing standards. Project duration: September 2023 – November 2027 Funding: EU Project partners SINTEF Scatec 2nd Life Solar Soren ROSI Renewables Norway Equinor Energy LuxChemtech ELKEM SoliTek Bifa Environmental Institute GmbH EPRI Europe EPRI Ile-de-France Photovoltaic Institute DOW DOW Silicones Chemicals Iberica Norner Research HUMAX The HUMAX project aims to investigate various measures for humus formation in different combinations on arable land. A unique feature of the HUMAX project is that these measures are to be applied in combination with agri-photovoltaic systems and agroforestry systems . The goal is to identify potential synergies among the measures and to demonstrate combined application options. The innovative potential of the HUMAX project lies in the fact that established humus-building measures (cover crops, winter green manure, undersowing, compost application, etc.) will be combined and tested with promising measures such as biochar, among others. The integration with agroforestry systems opens up, in addition to humus building, further potential as a carbon sink , since trees and shrubs store carbon in their above- and below-ground biomass and, in addition, offer significant substitution potential through wood products and the material generated during the management of woody plants. This is to be precisely quantified so that we can not only make statements about total carbon storage in the soil and biomass, but also quantify the substitution effects and biomass potential for biochar production via pyrolysis. By combining various humus-building measures, the aim is to identify ways to maximize humus formation and thus carbon sequestration—that is, the soil’s function as a carbon sink. Building on this, a modular system will be developed that allows farmers to assemble the best possible combination of measures for their specific conditions, enabling targeted carbon and humus management as well as energy production via agri-photovoltaics on their farms. Duration: 2023–2029 Funding: BMLEH Project Partners University of Freiburg University of Hohenheim Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e.V. Geisenheim University of Applied Sciences Fraunhofer ISE BC-LOOKUP The goal of the BC-LOOKUP project is to create a comprehensive database on the properties of biochar derived from secondary agricultural biomass, which also reflects the influence of different pyrolysis conditions and technologies. Building on this, a freely accessible online climate farming tool will be developed that allows farmers to calculate the potential for producing biochar based on basic data about their farm (farmed area, crops, number of animals) to calculate the potential for producing biochar and receive recommendations on measures (e.g., field hedges) that can be taken to generate the required amount of biomass. Furthermore, the data will be made available for climate and Earth system modeling, as well as for research and policy advisory purposes, to enable the calculation—based on biomass potential studies—of the possible contribution of pyrolysis to sustainable resource management in the future. Project Duration: September 2023 – August 2029 Funding: BMEL Project Partners Ithaka Institut gemeinnützige GmbH DBFZ German Biomass Research Center, non-profit GmbH GreenStone Through the GreenPracticeH2O project, Hochschule Offenburg (HSO) is working to promote greater resource efficiency and closed-loop material cycles in photovoltaic production. The goal of this collaborative project is to use water, process chemicals, and energy more sustainably in the manufacture of silicon solar cells and to find meaningful ways to reuse previously unused by-products. The HSO is responsible for further processing concentrated rinse water from PV production. First, suitable analytical methods for determining KOH, carbonate, and silicate contents will be tested and validated. Building on this, HSO will optimize the binder reactions by adjusting the amounts of water glass, calcium aluminate cement, and lye added. The goal is to develop sustainable concrete substitutes. The mixtures produced are being experimentally tested for applications such as railroad ties, water-repellent roof tiles, and carbon concrete. In this way, HSO is making a concrete contribution to returning silicate-containing wastewater into the material cycle and to the development of climate-friendly building materials in line with sustainable energy and resource management. Project duration: March 2025 – February 2028 Funding: BMWK Project partners Bifa Environmental Institute Centrotherm Clean Solutions Delta-Umwelt-Technik GmbH Fraunhofer ISE ICB GmbH & Co. KG Mondas GmbH Oxford PV RENA Technologies GmbH Singulus Technologies AG Technical University of Berlin Vallis Solaris WinMod GmbH PyFlex PyFlex undertakes a detailed and holistic assessment of PyCCS technology as a flexibility provision measure in the German electricity and heating system. It quantifies and evaluates the potential of a flexible use of pyrolysis plants in a future energy system. Through the open-source development of the intersectoral energy system model "MyPyPSA-Ger", in which the agricultural sector is mapped, the competitive situation for (flexible) biomass use will also be evaluated. A model-based, techno-economic system evaluation of the flexibility of pyrolysis plants will be compared with a business analysis, including the consideration of business models and the effects of changes to the political and economic framework conditions. The evaluation will be supplemented by an ecological analysis. Funding period April 2024 - March 2027 Funding institution BMWK Project partner Institut für ökologische Wirtschaftsforschung (IÖW) ZIM International NICE-wire In this project, we are further developing Apollon Solar’s proprietary N.I.C.E. (tm) technology (New Industrial Cell Encapsulation). Together with F.U.R. Wickeltechnologie, we are demonstrating the transition from flat ribbons to round wires in cell interconnects. This reduces shading while increasing PV output and improving tolerance to microcracks. The project is preparing the production technology and market launch. At the University, we are developing the process technology, presenting laboratory prototypes, and characterizing them. Funding agency: BMWi, FKZ ZF4384205 ZG8 HyPErFarm The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the EU’s climate targets require all economic sectors to significantly reduce their consumption of fossil fuels. However, the agricultural sector has the potential not only to decarbonize significantly but also to produce energy—not at the expense of food production, but in parallel with it. Photovoltaics (PV) have become dramatically more competitive compared to other renewable energy sources and are now as competitive as wind power. Currently, PV farms are being installed on large tracts of land, leading to a loss of arable land for crops. Combined agri-photovoltaic (APV) systems, which allow for dual land use—growing crops while simultaneously generating electricity—offer the ideal solution. HyPErFarm brings together various types of stakeholders with the goal of promoting the market viability of radically new crop production systems, innovation workshops for stakeholders, and fostering acceptance among citizens and consumers—as well as analyzing public perception and conducting studies on farmer acceptance—to test the market viability of these products. HyPErFarm also develops and demonstrates new ways to use and distribute the energy produced on the farm using heat pumps, e-robots, hydrogen production, storage, and utilization, as well as the electrical pyrolysis of biomass by-products, which sequesters carbon while simultaneously improving soil quality. The project’s impact lies in the further development of APV systems for large-scale market introduction and in making attractive new business models accessible to farmers. HyPErFarm thus supports radical innovation and contributes to building a future EU agricultural sector with low fossil carbon use and high climate resilience, one that can also supply local communities with electricity and hydrogen. The 12 partners of HyPErFarm are capable of adopting and further developing the new cultivation methods, providing the necessary new technologies, and implementing new APV business models that enable continuous food production on land used for energy generation. Project website https://hyperfarm.eu Funding Body EU, Horizon 2020 Real-world laboratory: Positive carbon footprint in (municipal) operations Optimization of local material flow management to develop and demonstrate modular, replicable measures for reducing emissions and creating nature-based carbon sinks. The Mundenhof Animal and Nature Adventure Park, covering an area of 38 ha, is the largest animal enclosure in Baden-Württemberg, generating a large volume of organic waste such as manure, leaves, and yard trimmings. To date, most of this waste has been disposed of off-site, which involves significant effort and costs. The on-site conversion of these organic residues and waste materials into biochar, nutrient-rich humus, and high-quality planting substrates could make a significant contribution to the Mundenhof’s climate and environmental protection efforts as well as its business objectives. As part of the project (involving a total of six project partners), a variety of modules for reducing emissions and creating carbon sinks are being developed. The climate impact of these individual measures will be quantified and documented so that they can be replicated—either individually or in any combination—by interested municipalities or businesses. Funding provider: Badenova FYI:Landwirtschaft 5.0 For Biodiversity and Against CO2: Solving the Climate Crisis—“Landwirtschaft 5.0” for Biodiversity and Fair Compensation for Our Farmers It is now widely accepted that carbon dioxide emissions must be drastically reduced to halt global warming. New research shows that these measures alone will not be enough to bring about the necessary change. Rather, we must actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One option is the permanent removal of carbon through the carbonization of biomass into biochar. The biochar produced in this way can then be used, for example, as a soil amendment to improve plant growth. Further details are available on the project website fyi-landwirtschaft5.org Links to the successful crowdfunding campaigns: https://www.startnext.com/landwirtschaft-50 and https://www.startnext.com/landwirtschaft-50-auf-die-aeck . Further Information Team PnP Biollaz, Heide Prof. Dr. sc. techn. +49 781 205-4657 heide.biollaz@hs-offenburg.de Kray, Daniel Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-4634 daniel.kray@hs-offenburg.de Bartsch, Viola Zoom viola.bartsch@hs-offenburg.de Jakob, Leonie Dr. rer. nat. leonie.jakob@hs-offenburg.de Pönisch, Christoph +49 781 205-4881 christoph.poenisch@hs-offenburg.de Reiner, Julius julius.reiner@hs-offenburg.de Satheesh, Vishal +49 781 205-4915 vishal.satheesh@hs-offenburg.de Publikationen Peer-Reviewed Journals Jannis Grafmüller, Hans-Peter Schmidt, Daniel Kray, Thomas D. Bucheli, Haike Mäurer, Jens Möllmer, Heiko Peisert, Nikolas Hagemann, "Biochar acidification increased sorption and reduced leaching of nitrate," Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 393, 2025, 127224, ISSN 0301-4797, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127224 . ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479725032001 ) M. Domènech Monfort, A. Sandhaas, E. Zozmann, C. Pönisch, D. Kray, N. Hartmann, "Energy system transformations toward zero emissions: A focus on pyrolysis," Energy Conversion and Management: X, Volume 26, 2025, 101052, ISSN 2590-1745, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecmx.2025.101052 . ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590174525001849 ) Grafmüller, J., Möllmer, J., Muehe, E.M. et al. "Granulation compared to co-application of biochar plus mineral fertilizer and its impacts on crop growth and nutrient leaching." Sci Rep 14 , 16555 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66992-0 M. Domènech Monfort, A. Sandhaas, E. Zozmann, Ch. Pönisch, D. Kray, N. Hartmann, The Role of Pyrolysis as a Negative Emission Technology in Future Energy Systems. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4606539 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4606539 Grafmüller, J.; Schmidt, H.-P.; Kray, D.; Hagemann, N. "Root-Zone Amendments of Biochar-Based Fertilizers: Yield Increases of White Cabbage in Temperate Climates." Horticulturae 2022 , 8 , 307. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040307 D. Kray et al ., "N.I.C.E.-Wire: Next Generation Robust Eco-Friendly Bifacial PV modules With High Efficiency," in IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics , vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 38–44, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.1109/JPHOTOV.2021.3124168. Conference Papers Christoph Pönisch, Lukas Schanz, Jesus Salazar da Costa Fernandes, Michael Schmidt, Daniel Kray, "Encapsulant-Free Full-Size N.I.C.E. Modules in Outdoor Performance Test: First-Year Results and Roadmap toward Higher Efficiency." 40th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (September 2023: Lisbon, Portugal). https://doi.org/10.4229/EUPVSEC2023/3AV.3.32 P. Leibiger, C. Pönisch, T. Seifert, D. Kray, “Paving the Way for Low Breakage Rates in Industrial Production of N.I.C.E.-Wire Modules,” World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (8th: September 26–30, 2022: Milan, Italy), https://doi.org/10.4229/WCPEC-82022-3DV.1.7 D. Reinwand, P. Wiechers, D. Kray, “NEW DEVICE FOR ACCURATE Measurement of Busbarless Bifacial Solar Cells Using N.I.C.E.™ Technology,” 37th EU-PVSEC 2020, online. Dirk Reinwand, Benedikt King, Joerg Schube, Frédéric Madon, Roland Einhaus, Daniel Kray, "Lab-scale Manufacturing of Medium-sized N.I.C.E.™ Modules with High-efficiency Bifacial Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells," AIP Conference Proceedings 2156, 020009 (2019); https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5125874 D. Reinwand, D. Pysch, N. Bay, J. Burschik, H.H. Kuehnlein, F. Madon, R. Einhaus, A. Brand, V. Arya, B. Smith, D. Richter, D. Kray, “All Copper NICE modules,” 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, June 10–15, 2018, Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA Other Publications D. Kray, N. Hagemann, C. Pönisch, Strategies for Biochar-Based Fertilization—Classification of Products: Agricultural Decarbonization with Biochar, November 2023, DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.14907.39201 , Conference: German Biochar Forum 2023, Berlin, Germany Harald Bier, Helmut Gerber, Marcel Huber, Hannes Junginger, Daniel Kray, Jörg Lange, Hansjörg Lerchenmüller, Pål Jahre Nilsen, “EBI White Paper—Counteracting Climate Change with Biochar-Based Carbon Sinks,” www.biochar-industry.com/why Management Biollaz, Heide Prof. Dr. sc. techn. +49 781 205-4657 heide.biollaz@hs-offenburg.de Kray, Daniel Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-4634 daniel.kray@hs-offenburg.de

HS Offenburg Research Institutes INES Hydrogen Technology Hydrogen Technology (Prof. König) Hydrogen technology is a key component in achieving the energy transition, particularly for storing renewable energy, efficiently converting it into electricity for stationary or mobile applications, and thereby decarbonizing all sectors of the economy. In Germany alone, hydrogen demand is estimated to reach 95–130 TWh by 2030 ( https://www.bmftr.bund.de/DE/Research/EnergyClimateAndSustainability/Energy/HydrogenAndSyntheticFuels/hydrogenandsyntheticfuels.html , accessed on February 18, 2026). Currently, hydrogen is primarily produced from natural gas, a process in which the carbon bound to methane is released as carbon dioxide. For 2045, Germany’s required capacity for hydrogen production is projected to be 91 GW (J. Brandes et al., “Pathways to a Climate-Neutral Energy System: Update November 2021,” Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems). Hydrogen technology is therefore a market with enormous future potential; however, it is still in an early stage of development. Hochschule Offenburg has set itself the goal of changing this: It is conducting intensive research and development on hydrogen technologies and thus aims to make its own contribution to the energy transition. In the medium term, however, this can only succeed if technically competent and dedicated professors, academic staff, and students devote themselves to this topic and pool their efforts through collaborations. Furthermore, it is a priority to give companies—especially those in the region—the opportunity to benefit from hydrogen technology. The Ortenau region, which is well on its way to establishing itself as a sustainability hub in Baden-Württemberg, offers great potential in this regard. Hydrogen is therefore one of the central areas of focus for the research groups at INES, which are addressing the various aspects of this energy source of the near future—from production and distribution to storage and application. Hydrogen Production by Electrolysis (Prof. Hochberg) Producing hydrogen through electrolysis is currently much more expensive than producing it from methane (natural gas) due to high electricity costs. Hydrogen production is therefore only feasible during periods of the lowest electricity costs, which occur for only a few thousand hours a year. Capital costs are therefore of great importance. At Hochschule Offenburg, researchers are collaborating with industrial companies to develop an alkaline electrolyzer characterized by particularly low investment costs. These cost reductions are achieved through innovations in the fields of forming technology and materials science, fluid dynamics, and process engineering. Modeling of Electrolysis and Fuel Cells (Prof. Bessler) The operating behavior of electrolysers and fuel cells is characterized by complex reactive flows: gases (hydrogen and oxygen/air) must be supplied from the outside or removed in multiphase flows, and electrochemical reactions take place at interfaces. Reaction, transport, temperature, and operational requirements are nonlinearly coupled. To understand and optimize these complex processes, Hochschule Offenburg employs modeling and simulation methods that can describe internal processes and states that are inaccessible to experimentation. Hydrogen Economy and System Integration (Prof. Hartmann, Prof. Schmidt) As part of the Paris Agreement and the long-term strategy of the European Green Deal, Germany is aiming for climate neutrality by 2045. This goal requires a massive expansion of hydrogen technologies. At Hochschule Offenburg, techno-economic expansion scenarios are being developed with a particular focus on hydrogen and negative-emission technologies. These scenarios are based on a fundamental energy market model for Germany that optimizes generation and grid capacities within the German energy system. It enables high spatial and temporal resolution (8,760 hours per year with 317 nodes representing various regions in Germany). This allows for research across various sectors, including households, industry, and transportation. In addition, we are investigating the role of hydrogen technologies in the power grid. The focus is on grid-friendly operating strategies for electrolysers, their contribution to the integration of renewable energy, and their impact on grid stability, flexibility, and resilience at the distribution and transmission grid levels. Hydrogen Applications, Fuel Cell Systems (Prof. König) The sustainable production of hydrogen enables its effective use in a variety of applications, such as on-demand, efficient power generation in stationary fuel cell systems and combined heat and power plants, or in mobile applications (trucks, passenger cars). Hochschule Offenburg is actively involved in researching electric powertrain topologies (variants of the traction power system) using batteries and fuel cells. In the university’s existing hydrogen and fuel cell laboratory, fuel cell systems can be tested and scaled for this purpose. Laboratory Equipment The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Laboratory is part of the integrated research laboratory at the University’s Regional Innovation Center and is equipped with the necessary utility connections, ventilation, gas detection system, and safety technology required for the operation of hydrogen systems. In the EMC2 research group’s lab, fuel cell systems can be tested and operated at various scales. In addition to fuel cell stacks and fuel cell systems for mobile and portable applications, the research group, in cooperation with the Powertrain Lab, investigates electric powertrain topologies (variants of the traction power system) using batteries and fuel cells. One goal of the research is to integrate these systems with power electronics and electric machines to ensure efficient overall operation. Contact König, Patrick Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4872 patrick.koenig@hs-offenburg.de Bessler, Wolfgang Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil +49 781 205-4653 wolfgang.bessler@hs-offenburg.de Hartmann, Niklas Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4645 niklas.hartmann@hs-offenburg.de Schmidt, Michael Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-4788 schmidt@hs-offenburg.de

HS Offenburg Studies Student Projects Student projects Projects You Can Join In our student projects, all departments work together toward a common goal. The teams include professors, researchers, and students who work together to share their knowledge. For the team to succeed, we need many different types of people: You can work in the lab, handle the finances, manage projects, or plan marketing. Depending on the department, your participation may count toward academic credit. So, find your team and get started: Our Projects Previous slide Icon chevron-left Next slide Icon chevron-right Schluckspecht Team Sweaty Team Magma Black Forest Formula Team Sustainability Club University Orchestra Honey Newsroom The Media Department’s “Newsroom Honey” is an online platform where students can publish articles about their studies, campus life, media projects, and personal experiences. The website mixes journalistic content with creative media formats and gives real insights into life and work at Hochschule Offenburg. The goal of the project is to have students create the content, and for it to be for students. Honey Newsroom Team Autonomous Car Offenburg As part of the Team Autonomous Car Offenburg (Taco), students majoring in Informatik, electrical engineering, or related fields develop fully automated driving functions and the necessary software architectures for model vehicles. They then use these vehicles to compete in various competitions. The RoboCup In the 1990s, the idea arose to promote science and technology in robotics through the game of soccer. To this end, the "Robot World Cup Initiative," or "RoboCup" for short, was launched. First held in 1997, this international competition aims to build and further develop intelligent robots that, by 2050, will be capable of competing against—and defeating—the reigning soccer world champion. As part of the RoboCup, humanoid and simulated robots compete against their peers on the soccer field once a year. In addition, there are competitions in which the robots act as “rescuers,” must navigate household or complex industrial environments, or serve as a kind of learning aid designed to boost children’s motivation. Learn more about the RoboCup at robocup.org The Teams from Hochschule Offenburg Hochschule Offenburg has been actively participating in the RoboCup with two teams—and has been extremely successful for many years. While Team Magma competes in the Simulation League, Team Sweaty plays in the Humanoid Robot League.

HS Offenburg About us M+V Department TRAIL TRAIL Project Goal The goal of the TRAIL project is to establish the joint trinational master’s program in “ Sustainable Business Development .” This unique program, which focuses on sustainable business development, is being jointly developed, coordinated, and implemented by the FHNW School of Business (Switzerland), Hochschule Offenburg (Germany), and the EM Strasbourg Business School, Université de Strasbourg (France). Project Description Students attend the three universities, combine expertise in the fields of sustainability, business management, and digitalization, and apply this knowledge directly in practice. Graduates will be able to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises and provide them with sustainable support as they adapt to environmental and social changes as well as the digital transformation. The first year of the project is dedicated to preparing the academic program. The pilot phase of the program will begin in September 2024 with the first cohort of students. The TRAIL project has a total budget of €2,885,870 and is funded by Interreg Upper Rhine . The subproject at Hochschule Offenburg has a budget of €1,042,856 and receives €625,713 in funding. Project Partners Hochschule Offenburg (Project Sponsor) University of Strasbourg / EM Strasbourg University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) Swiss Confederation (NRP) Canton of Basel-Stadt Canton of Basel-Landschaft Canton of Aargau Project Duration September 1, 2023, through August 30, 2027 Contact Manuel Lämmle Co-funding partners

HS Offenburg Studies Master's Programs Applied Research Applied Research In the Applied Research Master’s program, you’ll turn thought-provoking questions into tangible results. You’ll work on your own research project—from the initial idea to your own publication. In a creative environment, you’ll develop methods for independent learning and prepare yourself for a career in cutting-edge research. Academic Advising Profile Degree Master of Science (M. Sc.) Study Language German, individual courses in English possible Standard period of study 3 Semester Starts of study Summer semester Application deadline January 15 Admission requirements completed bachelor's degree ECTS 90 Credits Place of study Campus Offenburg Selection process Ja (NC & project fit) Everything You Need to Know Course Content In this master’s program, the focus is on your journey. You choose the modules that perfectly match your research interests. The heart of the program is your individual research project. Here, you’ll become an expert in your field. Free choice with priority: Right from your application, you decide what truly interests you. You select your favorites from a current list of projects and indicate your priorities. This ensures that you work on a topic that inspires you. Personal mentoring: You won’t be researching alone. A professor will guide you as your personal project advisor throughout your entire program. This direct interaction guarantees you in-depth expertise and progress. What you’ll learn: Scientific methods: You’ll master the creation of research proposals, the writing of scientific reports, and the defense of your findings. Professional communication: You’ll practice how to present complex data to different audiences—from a concise elevator pitch to poster presentations and PowerPoint presentations. Management & Reflection: You’ll apply agile project management methodologies and learn to critically evaluate and further develop your own research work. International Focus: Since research is globally interconnected, approximately 25% of instruction takes place in English. This will help you become confident in working with international academic literature. Your individual curriculum: You’ll put together a unique skills profile. In addition to the required modules on research methodology, you’ll select exactly the elective modules from a broad catalog that will advance your project. Semester 1 Modul 1: Forschungsprojekt Grundlagen Modul 1: Studium Generale Modul 2: Agiles Projektmanagement Modul 2: Data Science Modul 2: Innovations- management und Ethik Modul 3: Schwerpunkt- spezifisches Seminar 1 Modul 4: Wahlmodul 1 Semester 2 Modul 5: Forschungsprojekt Praxis Modul 6: Wissenschaftliches Programmieren / Statistik in Python Modul 6: Wissenschaftliches Schreiben 1 Modul 7: Schwerpunkt- spezifisches Seminar 2 Modul 8: Wahlmodul 2 Semester 3 Modul 9: Thesis Modul 9: Kolloquium Modul 9: Wissenschaft- liches Schreiben 2 Modul 10: Team Work Modul 10: Mentoring Key Research Areas In our four areas of focus, you will build specialized expertise and tackle real-world challenges in cutting-edge fields of research. Key Research Areas Human Motion and Emotion Here, you’ll bridge the gap between technology and people. You’ll analyze movement patterns and emotional responses to develop innovations for sports, Medizintechnik, and rehabilitation. Focus: You’ll specialize in Biomechanik, data science, and affective computing. Practical application: Using state-of-the-art sensor technology and analysis tools, you’ll develop solutions that address multidisciplinary challenges in healthcare and industry. Contact person Willwacher, Steffen Prof. Dr. der Sportwiss +49 781 205-4865 steffen.willwacher@hs-offenburg.de Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences You harness the power of biological systems to build a sustainable future. This track focuses on the efficient production of biotechnological products and industrial processes. Focus: You will engage intensively with expression organisms, enzymes, bioanalytics, and bioprocess engineering. Practical experience: You will develop innovative approaches for industrial and pharmaceutical Biotechnologie and learn how to conserve and efficiently utilize biological resources. Contact person Eisele, Thomas Prof. Dr. rer. nat. +49 781 205-4880 thomas.eisele@hs-offenburg.de Artificial Intelligence (AI) Become an expert in intelligent data management. You will further develop cutting-edge machine learning methodologies and apply them in scientific and industrial contexts. Focus: Building on Python programming and deep learning, you’ll learn the latest AI algorithms and put them into practice. Practical experience: Through direct involvement in ongoing research and industry projects, you’ll learn how software development really works in interdisciplinary teams. Contact person Keuper, Janis Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4801 janis.keuper@hs-offenburg.de Communication Technologies for the Internet of Everything Shape the connected world of tomorrow. Here, you’ll explore how devices, sensors, and people can communicate with each other securely and efficiently. Your focus: State-of-the-art communication technologies and network structures in the “Internet of Everything.” Your practical work: You’ll work at the interface of hardware and software for networked infrastructure. Contact person Sikora, Axel Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-416 axel.sikora@hs-offenburg.de Perspectives Your time in the Master of Applied Research program will serve as a springboard to a career in academia or industry. As a graduate, you will be in high demand in: Research and development departments of innovative companies. Scientific institutes and Universities. Academic careers (Ph.D.). Project List Human Motion and Emotion Effects of Systematic Body Perturbations on Joint Loading of the Lower Extremities During Running (German, PDF) Development and validation of 3D body scan-based methods for determining anthropometric characteristics in Biomechanik? (German, PDF) Development and validation of 3D-printed shoe soles (German, PDF) Exoskeleton Performance (German, PDF) Machine learning-based determination of joint loading during running in a real-world running environment (German, PDF) Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences Comparison and optimization of fermentation for the expression of industrially relevant proteins in Pichia pastoris (German, PDF) Development of multimodal analytical workflows for generating chemical fingerprints and their integration with machine learning (German, PDF) Oxidative, adsorptive, and desorptive process strategies for the removal of phosphonates and TFA from environmental matrices (German, PDF) Cell culture-based toxicity tests for detecting hormonal and cytotoxic effects in environmental matrices (German, PDF) Establishment of cell-based bone models for Medizintechnik and Biomechanik, particularly for investigating the response of cells to mechanical stress (German, PDF) Artificial Intelligence (AI) How can automated extraction and semantic analysis of diagrams from technical documentation be utilized for integration into KI agents? (German, PDF) Deep Fake Detection: What is a “real” image? (German, PDF) Model Context Protocol (MCP) in the HSO LLM Infrastructure (German, PDF) Robustness of Neural Cellular Automata (NCA) (German, PDF) Deep Reinforcement Learning: From Simulation to Real Robots (sim2real) (German, PDF) Fees and Funding Semester Tuition and Fees Die Hochschule Offenburg erhebt pro Semester einen Verwaltungskostenbeitrag in Höhe von 80,00 Euro und einen Sozialbeitrag für das Studierendenwerk Freiburg in Höhe von 65,00 Euro . Außerdem erhebt die Studierendenschaft der Hochschule zur Erfüllung ihrer Aufgaben von allen immatrikulierten Studierenden einen Studierendenschaftsbeitrag in Höhe von 25,00 Euro je Semester. Der Beitragspflicht unterliegen auch die vom Studium beurlaubten Studierenden, nicht jedoch die befristet eingeschriebenen ausländischen Studierenden nach § 60 Abs. 1 Satz 2 LHG. = 170 Euro pro Semester Zusätzliche Kosten für PLUS Pädagogik Studiengänge (Studiengänge mit Lehramtsoption) Für Studierende der Bachelor-Studiengänge Elektrotechnik/Informationstechnik PLUS Pädagogik Mechatronik PLUS Pädagogik Medientechnik/Wirtschaft PLUS Pädagogik Wirtschaftsinformatik PLUS Pädagogik kommt entsprechend der Beitragsordnung des Studierendenwerks Freiburg zusätzlich noch ein Beitrag für den Personennahverkehr (Semesterticket) von 28,00 Euro hinzu. Hinweis: Die Semestergebühr bezahlst du an der Hochschule Offenburg; eingeschrieben bist du allerdings sowohl an der Hochschule Offenburg, als auch an der Pädagogischen Hochschule Freiburg. Zusätzliche Kosten für internationale Master-Studiengänge Studierende der internationalen Master-Studiengänge müssen zudem eine pauschale Servicegebühr in Höhe von 150,00 Euro je Semester bezahlen. Tuition Fees for International Students and Students Pursuing a Second Degree Seit dem Wintersemester 2017/18 erheben die Hochschulen für das Land Baden-Württemberg Studiengebühren von internationalen Studierenden in Höhe von 1.500,00 Euro je Semester und für Studierende im Zweitstudium 650,00 Euro je Semester. Weitere informationen zu diesen Gebühren erhältst du hier: https://www.landesrecht-bw.de/bsbw/document/jlr-HSchulGebGBWrahmen https://mwk.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/hochschulen-studium/studieren-in-bw/studienfinanzierung/gebuehren-fuer-internationale-studierende-und-zweitstudium/faqs?highlight=Studiengeb%C3%BChren http://www.bw-studyguide.de/en/studying/finance-and-funding.html Ausnahmefälle der Gebührenpflicht internationaler Studierender : Laut § 3 LHGebG sind internationale Studierende gebührenpflichtig, die keine Staatsangehörigkeit eines EU/EWR-Staates besitzen und keine deutsche Hochschulzugangsberechtigung haben. Das Gesetz sieht jedoch einige wenige Ausnahmefälle vor. Zur Beurteilung der Gebührenpflicht können Sie nachfolgendes Auskunftsformular verwenden und ausgefüllt mit den notwendigen Nachweisen an studiengebuehren@hs-offenburg.de senden: Auskunftsformular Studiengebühren (PDF) Um eine Befreiung von der Gebührenpflicht zu beantragen, verwenden Sie bitte das entsprechende Antragsformular: Antrag auf Befreiung der Studiengebühr für Internationale Studierende (PDF) Antrag auf Befreiung der Studiengebühr für ein Zweitstudium (PDF) Die Hochschule Offenburg kann nach § 6 Absätze 4 und 5 LHGebG eine begrenzte Anzahl von Internationalen Studierenden von der Gebührenpflicht, vollständig oder teilweise befreien, sofern sie diese für besonders begabt erachtet. Die Voraussetzungen usw. sind in der Satzung für die Befreiung von der Studiengebühr für Internationale Studierende aufgrund besonderer Begabung geregelt. Nähere Informationen finden Studierende der Hochschule in der entsprechenden Ausschreibung im Intranet. BAföG Informationen rund ums BAföG gibt es auf der Webseite des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung . Bei allen Fragen zum Thema BAföG hilft dir außerdem auch das für die Hochschule Offenburg zuständige Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald unter dem Punkt Geld gern weiter. Anträge auf Ausbildungsförderung kannst du einreichen bei der Außenstelle des Studierendenwerks auf dem Campus in Offenburg. Außenstelle des Studierendenwerks Badstraße 24, 77652 Offenburg Telefon: 0781 205-328 Sprechzeiten: Mo und Mi von 9.00 – 12.00 und 13.30 – 15.30 Uhr sowie nach telefonischer Vereinbarung Hier findest du ein PDF, in dem wir für dich die Kriterien für die sogenannten üblichen Leistungen zusammengefasst, die du nach zwei Jahren BAföG Bezug für eine Weiterförderung nachweisen müssen. Ansprechpartner*in M+V BAföG-Beauftragte*r Fakultät M+V Gleißle, Susanne Prof. Dr.-Ing. +49 781 205-4790 susanne.gleissle@hs-offenburg.de Scholarships Ein Stipendium hält dir finanziell den Rücken frei. Finde die passende Unterstützung in unserer Übersicht der Stipendienprogramme . Application Du möchtest dich für diesen Studiengang bewerben? Eine Bewerbung ist erst wieder zum Sommersemester 2027 möglich. Du möchtest dich jetzt schon darüber informieren, welche Unterlagen du für eine Bewerbung oder eine spätere Einschreibung einreichen musst? Dann findest du die entsprechenden Informationen in dieser Checkliste: Checkliste für Master-Studiengänge (PDF) Wir freuen uns auf deine Bewerbung beziehungsweise direkte Einschreibung zum SoSe 2027! Each academic year, we award 24 spots to applicants who are passionate about their research projects. Since spots are limited, we pay special attention to how well your profile aligns with your chosen research focus. How to apply: The application process takes place online via our HISinOne portal. Please check in advance to ensure you meet all requirements and that your documents are complete. Requirements University degree: You must hold a professional degree (typically 210 ECTS credits). Academic performance: Your degree has a grade of 2.5 or better (or an ECTS grade of B or better). Project suitability: For your desired project, you need at least 30 points according to our admission regulations. What matters most here is how well your background aligns with the project. Language skills: You communicate confidently in German and English. Your Documents Please upload or send us the following documents: Degree certificate: An officially certified copy of your first university degree. Resume: Up-to-date and in German. Language certificates: Proof of your German and English language proficiency. Statement of purpose: Explain to us in 1–2 pages (in German) why this master’s program is the right fit for you. References: Relevant employment references or other proof of qualifications. Project Prioritization: Please use our template to list your preferred projects. Mailing address for documents: Hochschule Offenburg Admissions Office Badstraße 24 77652 Offenburg Deadlines & Procedures Deadline: Submit your application by January 15 to start in the summer semester. Selection: We review your application materials and create a ranking list based on the admission regulations. The better your qualifications match the selected project, the higher your chances of securing one of the 24 spots. You can find detailed information in our complete [Admission Regulations]. We look forward to reviewing your application and perhaps welcoming you to Hochschule Offenburg soon! Highlights from the study program Do you have any questions about the application or enrollment process? The team at the Zulassungsamt will be happy to assist you: Email: zulassungsamt@hs-offenburg.de Phone: 0781 205-4792 (Mon–Thu 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Tue 1:00 PM–3:00 PM) In person: Room: A 007 Contacts Dean of Studies Willwacher, Steffen Prof. Dr. der Sportwiss +49 781 205-4865 steffen.willwacher@hs-offenburg.de Student Secretariat Baaß, Claudia +49 781 205-395 claudia.baass@hs-offenburg.de Downloads Study and Examination Regulations (PDF) StuPO General Provisions (PDF) StuPO Abbreviations (PDF) Module Handbook (PDF) Learning Objectives/Competency Matrix (PDF) Admission Regulations (PDF) Links Academic Advising Getting Started