Global Students Gathered for the 3rd International Summer School on Sustainability at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA)
The 3rd International Summer School on Sustainability, held at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) from September 9 to 13, 2024, brought together 36 students from 13 countries to explore cutting-edge sustainability topics. This year’s event, organized under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Michael Kauffeld and Dr. Mihaela Dudita Kauffeld, offered participants from across the globe—including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, France, Germany, and beyond—a unique opportunity to engage with experts and peers in the field of sustainability.
The program featured a series of engaging lectures, workshops, and excursions. Industry professionals, city representatives, and academic staff from HKA and partner institutions such as OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, shared their insights into the role of sustainability across various sectors. The week kicked off with discussions on the intersection of digitalization and sustainability, led by Robert Szilinski (esentri AG) and other notable speakers.
In addition to the in-depth presentations, students were able to explore sustainability in practice through hands-on activities, including lab work in refrigeration technology, excursions to the Vulcan geothermal power plant, and tours of local companies such as Daimler Trucks. Field trips to the Federal Institute for Hydraulic Engineering and Klima Arena in Sinsheim further enriched their understanding of global climate challenges.
The final evening provided a celebratory close to the week, with live music from the band “Unikat” at the Badisch Brauhaus, leaving participants with fond memories and a strong network for future collaboration.
The SophiA project is proud to support such initiatives that foster international cooperation and advance sustainability knowledge across disciplines.
Participant Feedback
“I am really very happy that I was part of this. The lectures, fun, and connections made it an unforgettable week,” shared one participant, echoing the sentiments of many attendees.
As the week came to an end, students expressed their appreciation for the experience, with one saying, “I had an amazing time at the summer school, and I’m so grateful for all the memories we created together!”
Learn more about the summer school on the HKA news webpage.
