NRW’s “Universities of Applied Sciences” get the right to award Ph.D
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In the future, the PhD will not only come from the university
The Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences is already practicing: the 21 state or state-funded “Universities of Applied Sciences” in NRW have the right to award Ph.D.
Photo: Eric Lichtenscheidt, H-BRS
Essen / Sankt Augustin After twelve years of negotiations: NRW’s 21 State and Government-funded “University of Applied Sciences” (vulgo: technical colleges) have obtained the right to award doctorates from the state. Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences is also happy.
A long march through institutions, lasting more than a decade, has reached its goal: the NRW Doctoral College, a network of 21 state-funded state universities or “universities of applied sciences” in the state (HAWs, formerly Universities of Applied Sciences), In the future, she will be able to independently carry out doctoral procedures and award doctoral degrees.
Collaboration with universities, which was previously mandatory for HAW students who wish to obtain a PhD, is no longer necessary. This was announced by Science Minister Ina Brandes today at a ceremony in Essen. “Finally! We are thrilled,” says Professor Rainer Herbers, founding director of the college. “We have been working towards this for twelve years.”
“Universities of applied sciences are an important cornerstone of the excellent science landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia,” explained Brandes. “It combines a practical range of courses, innovative research, and close collaboration with the regional economy.” This makes it “particularly attractive to young people who want to combine theory and practice”.
“A very important step in terms of science policy,” agrees Professor Hartmut Ihne, Rector of the Bonn Rhine-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) and member of the Board of Directors of the Doctoral School. Having your right to award a PhD “will give applied research a huge boost and further strengthen NRW in general as a case science.”
This would make HAWs “more attractive to students and scholars” and they could “better develop their great potential by being able to open up new research pots that were previously closed to them.” The prize is valid for an unlimited period; A scientific evaluation is planned after eight to ten years.
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