Research at HTW Berlin – diversity with a clear focus
Research projects conducted at HTW Berlin attract real interest. Adam Stuchlik, a researcher in the Laboratory for Thermo and Fluid Dynamics explains the „miracle“ of cavitation to Berlin‘s Mayor Klaus Wowereit. (Photograph: Adina Herde)
Innovative, high profile, relevant: research at HTW Berlin HTW Berlin has identified research as a key driver of success. An ambitious research strategy seeks to provide funding and support for both individual and team-based research by investing in university infrastructure and developing targeted incentives. The fruits of our success are clear: outstanding achievement in the procurement of third-party funding, a highly diverse range of research activities, and a steady increase in publications, collaborations and research projects. Working as a rule with partners from industry, HTW’s researchers contribute their ideas, expertise and contacts to around 150 third-party-funded projects a year covering a wide range of fields. While many projects focus specifically on driving innovation within individual companies and sectors, others aim to support the broader development of the local region. The HTW research agenda also features topics which extend beyond the boundaries of any one specialist field. Ultimately, the kind of holistic strategies required to develop climate-conscious energy supply systems, improve healthcare, respond to the challenges of an aging population or positively manage the ongoing digitalisation of society and culture can only be developed by teams which embrace an interdisciplinary approach. The findings and outcomes of research conducted at HTW are presented to specialist and non-specialist audiences at a range of trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences with the aim of informing and triggering technical innovation, proposing new concepts and facilitating progress in software and prototype development.
From Creative Computing to Game Changer, from Health to Islamic Culture: an overview of the research clusters at HTW Berlin
Environmentally FRIENDLY ENERGY SUPPLY SYsTEMS and ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS The research cluster Environmentally FRIENDLY ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEMS and ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS addresses the challenge of converting our energy supply network in response to the impact of climate change. Seeking to effect a drastic reduction in the energy-demands of existing buildings, the project also investigates ways to convert to low-emission and renewable energy sources. The significance of indoor climates for human health, well-being and performance is another important area of research.
The sky radiometer on the roof of the university measures spatially and spectrally resolved solar radiation. (Photograph: Rainer MeiĂ&#x;le)
A number of research projects in this cluster address systems for energy efficiency and environmentally-friendly construction. These projects seek to develop renewable heat supply strategies, to improve thermal insulation and the sealing of building outer shells, and to optimise systems engineering for heating, cooling and ventilation.
HEALTH Researchers in the HEALTH cluster develop products, concepts and services to improve healthcare provision. One focus of the interdisciplinary work carried out in this field is the optimisation of technological diagnosis procedures and the development of new active agents in the treatment of cancer and ageing-related illnesses. Other projects address the economic feasibility and environmental impact of new medical products and explore strategies for increasing production efficiency in the medical technology and pharmaceuticals industries.
This multi-channel arm enables automated, parallel pipetting in microlitres. (Photograph: Rainer MeiĂ&#x;le)
The challenges presented by an ageing population are another focus of activities in this cluster. Researchers working in this area are currently seeking to develop barrier-free products and services which can be operated by older people. Models for improved medical care for the elderly are currently under development with partners from industry. A further focus lies on company health management and, in particular, the requirements of modern hospital management.
GAME CHANGER The research cluster GAME CHANGER focuses on technical, aesthetic and content-based aspects in computer gaming and seeks to establish new fields of application for digital games. Digital game-based training modules have already been developed for the healthcare, traffic regulation and environmental protection sectors. A particular HTW Berlin specialism in this area is the development of virtual archaeology. HTW Berlin has provided courses for games developers since 2009.
The Game Changer research cluster explores a range of issues including the deployment of digital media in related fields of science and application such as the healthcare sector. (Photograph: Thomas Bremer)
ISLAMIC CULTURE The research cluster ISLAMIC CULTURE facilitates the protection, preservation and management of the cultural heritage of Islam by providing support for the conservation and reconstruction of cultural artefacts and heritage in the Islamic world. Social change and violent conflicts in a number of global regions are currently threatening these global cultural assets; their protection requires a concerted effort.
Measuring the architecture of the Citadel of Aleppo with a laser scanner. (Photograph: Christoph Eckelt)
The team of researchers active in this area combines a number of specialisms to enable the roll-out of a broad spectrum of measures designed to protect, preserve, manage and present cultural artefacts. The cluster uses state-of-the-art digital technologies to undertake activities ranging from emergency prevention and risk management to the conservation, restoration and logging of damaged and endangered artefacts. Projects in this area are usually initiated by institutions in the regions affected with whom HTW in many cases maintains a long record of collaboration.
CREATIVE COMPUTING The research cluster CREATIVE COMPUTING focuses on the generation, processing and analysis of graphics. The team uses computer technologies to simulate virtual worlds and to design and develop human-machine interfaces. Aimed at improving the user experience, these activities integrate the insights gained from design research with the findings of market research and serviceability research.
Prof. Kai-Uwe Barthel explains the potential of his image sorter. (Photograph: Gregor Strutz)
CULTURE and INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY The research cluster CULTURE and INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY focuses on the uses of information and communications technology in the cultural and creative industries. This team of researchers develops and tests new technical and conceptual solutions for the generation, collection, archiving, maintenance, upkeep and presentation of cultural artefacts. An important aspect of the cluster’s work involves preserving important regional industrial heritage and developing its potential for tourism.
A gesture-controlled collaborative Tetris developed by the project Creative Media. (Photograph: Christoph Eckelt)
THE DEPLOYMENT OF SOFTWARE SYSTEMS and INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (SOFTINE)
An eye-tracking scan path helps to check environmental information systems for their user-friendliness. (Photograph: Reiner Meißle)
In response to the increasingly significant role played by today’s information technologies in industrial production processes, the SOFTINE research cluster seeks to utilise these technologies to reduce the environmental impact of industry and facilitate the efficient exploitation of resources. Adopting a dual approach, researchers aim to use modern software and information technology to improve levels of sustainability in diverse fields of application (Green by IT). At the same time they focus on reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency by incorporating environmental considerations into the manufacturing and deployment of information technology (Green IT). The simulation of material flows plays an important role in both approaches.
MONEY, FINANCE, TRADE and DEVELOPMENT
Economic crises and stability are a specialism of the research cluster Money, Finance, Trade and Development.
The research cluster MONEY, FINANCE, TRADE and DEVELOPMENT seeks to analyse the causes of the recent financial crisis and outline suitable paths to restoring an international macroeconomic balance. Basing its approach in economics and the legal sciences, the cluster aims to develop instruments and methodologies with which to tackle economic crises and facilitate the stability of the global economy. Including EU member states, OECD member states and the developing and threshold countries in their analysis, the researchers hope to make a contribution to the current global discussion surrounding the structure and regulation of financial markets and the need to recast the relationship between the market and the state. The research conducted by this cluster is guided by the search for concrete measures with which to stabilise financial markets, promote steady growth and encourage sustainable development in both developed and developing economies.
(Photograph: Axel Vรถlcker and Gregor Strutz)
TECHNOLOGIES and SOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL and DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE (IDC)
The challenges posed by industrial and demographic change are the subject of repeated discussion at conferences and events hosted at HTW Berlin. (Photograph: Richard Kurc and Bjรถrn Schumann)
Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the IDC seeks to address the challenges presented by the industrial and demographic changes currently taking place throughout the world. The long-term survival of high-technology regions on the global market requires the exploitation of existing know-how, the development of a higher degree of automation and improvements in the intelligent, efficient and flexible integration of production systems, resources and facilities. An industrial society with an ageing population must seek both to transform its production and labour market structures and to develop integrated systems for the provision of services and commodities. Beginning with an analysis of regional potential, current research activities aim to develop a range of approaches to tackle these complex problems.
Providing comprehensive support services from inspiration to implementation: the team in the Co-operation Centre for Applied Sciences. (Photograph: Gregor Strutz)
Services in research and technology transfer: the Co-operation Centre for Applied Sciences Successful research requires comprehensive support services all the way from inspiration to implementation, and the best way to achieve effective collaboration is often face-to-face contact. When starting out on a joint project, the partners from academia and industry draw up a detailed plan of their aims, the steps necessary to implement them and the resources and finance required. Clarifying the tasks and rights of each partner, the planners then devise a strategy for the dissemination and deployment of the results. A successful project requires high-grade research expertise twinned with professional project management. The Co-operation Centre for Applied Sciences (KONTAKT) at HTW Berlin provides researchers and their partners with a range of ancillary services: Your contact partner: Bärbel Sulzbacher (Managerin) Kooperationszentrum Wissenschaft-Praxis (KONTAKT) HTW Berlin Treskowallee 8 10318 Berlin Telephone (030) 5019-2526 Fax (030) 5019-2545 e-mail: baerbel.sulzbacher@htw-berlin.de
· Establishing contact with experts at HTW · Measurement and testing services plus market research · Contract research and research collaboration · Information and advice regarding public funding for joint ventures · Co-operation agreements and joint venture projects · Support with preparing and implementing research and submitting project applications · Research marketing and evaluation · Consultation services regarding patents and inventions · The Competence Centre for Applied Information Technology at the Berlin Institute for Applied Research (IfaF)
www.htw-berlin.de/hochschulstruktur/ zentrale-referate/kooperationszentrum- wissenschaft-praxis „We are always pleased when an idea is developed into a project with tangible prac-
The HTW Berlin online research catalogue This catalogue offers rapid access to information and provides an overview of all researchers active at HTW Berlin, listing their personal profiles and activities:
tical benefits and provide comprehensive support in all phases of such projects. We at HTW are very fortunate to be able to combine our expertise in technical sciences, IT, economics, culture and design in
· Projects, publications, lectures, events · Research clusters at HTW Berlin · Contact partners for specific specialist disciplines, branches of industry and fields of application
constantly evolving constellations. This makes our work exciting and creative.“
Bärbel Sulzbacher
www.htw-berlin.de/forschung/online-forschungskatalog
HTW Berlin research landscape
HTW Berlin research project HTW Berlin research cluster HTW research specialism in the German Rectors’ Conference research map
Specialisms, clusters and individual projects: research at HTW Berlin HTW Berlin has identified research as a key factor in its success. As well as improving links with experts across a range of fields, research activities help embed the university of applied science in academic networks, establish close ties with industry and guarantee high quality teaching and learning. HTW Berlin has established the following research specialisms: Cultural and creative industries – the digital sector Our work in this area focuses on the creation of new applications and products for the culture, communication, design, media and information technology sectors and the development of interactive learning cultures. The healthcare sector Research conducted in this area aims to develop innovative and environmentally friendly products, services and procedures and to integrate these in the healthcare industry. Renewable energies – energy efficiency Researchers working in this area are engaged in developing sustainable and climate-conscious energy supply strategies. A number of interdisciplinary research clusters implementing specific programmes have developed out of these specialisms. The scope of these clusters ranges from creative computing to Islamic culture, money, finance, trade and development.
Imprint Editor HTW Berlin, Prof. Dr. Matthias Knaut, Vice President (Research) Graphics Cathleen Isenheim Layout and setting Dennis Meier Concept and text Kooperationszentrum Wissenschaft – Praxis, Referat Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit Translation Andrew Smith Photographs HTW archive, Friederike Coenen, Alexander Rentsch, Gregor Strutz, Axel Völcker Editorial deadline February 2014