Purdue delegation develops future in aerospace at TU Braunschweig

Purdue delegation develops future in aerospace at TU Braunschweig

A high-level delegation from Purdue University from Indiana visited the Technical University of Braunschweig on June 12, 2025. The aim of the visit was to exchange information about a new joint dual degree program in the field of aerospace. The six-person delegation was led by Tamara Kinzer-Ursem and Marisol Koslowski and was received by Professor Georg Garnweitner, dean of studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

As part of the visit, the delegation explored various facilities at TU Braunschweig, including the Braunschweig Center for Systems Biology (BRICS), the Laboratory for Emerging Nanometrology (LENA), as well as the Institute of Microbiology and the Institute of Space Systems. The discussions focused on existing and planned research collaborations. A special highlight of the day was the visit to the International House and a lunch with Professor Knut Baumann, the Vice President for Studies and Teaching at TU Braunschweig.

Potential of the dual degree program

The afternoon was characterized by a hybrid meeting, which was also attended by other participants from the USA. There was intensive discussion about the possibilities of a joint dual degree program in aerospace. People from Braunschweig involved included Professor Simona Silvestri, Professor Markus Böl, Professor Sabine Langer, Francesco Ducatelli and Ute Kopka. They outlined initial ideas for implementation and showed great interest in a possible double master's degree.

Purdue University and TU Braunschweig have maintained a successful cooperation for over 20 years, which began with a regular student exchange. Many years ago, TU Braunschweig joined Purdue University's GEARE program, which resulted in regular acceptance of Purdue students for semesters abroad. From 2009 to 2013 there was also close cooperation as part of a summer school program. Every year, TU Braunschweig welcomes students from Purdue for three-month research projects, while master's students from TU Braunschweig complete stays abroad at Purdue.

Expansion of international studies

In the context of the international study offerings at the Technical University of Braunschweig, there are already existing double master's programs in various disciplines. These include general mechanical engineering, energy and process engineering, materials science, mechatronics and production and systems engineering. Students can obtain a French and German Master of Science. The prerequisites for participation are a completed bachelor's degree and a French language certificate at B2 level.

The planned dual degree program in aerospace engineering will bring numerous advantages for the students. They can acquire up to 60 credit points at the partner university, integrate internships during their stay abroad and complete their final thesis either in Germany or at the host university, whereby it will be recognized at both universities. Financing is provided, among other things, by a scholarship from the German-French University (DFH) and other programs such as Erasmus+ or DAAD.

For those interested, Prof. Dr. Andreas Dietzel from the Institute of Microtechnology is available as specialist coordinator. Registrations are open until January 31st for the following academic year, although late applications will also be considered based on availability.