Summerschool

25 foreign scientists from 14 countries are currently visiting the Department of Organic Agricultural Sciences at the University of Kassel in Witzenhausen. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Oliver Hensel from the Department of Agricultural Engineering and in close cooperation with the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Göttingen (Department of Quality of Plant Products - Prof. Dr. Elke Pawelzik and Agricultural Engineering - Dr. Dieter von Hörsten), the ALUMNI are taking part in further training on agricultural engineering issues in tropical countries and, in addition to lectures and seminars, are also visiting companies in the upstream and downstream sectors (Kali&Salz AG, bioenergy companies and experimental stations). The participants were welcomed to the town hall by the mayor of Witzenhausen, Angela Fischer, herself an agricultural engineer, and were given an overview of the town's long-standing links with the agricultural sector (photo). In addition to professional exchange, the 12-day program focuses on promoting international cooperation and initiating innovative research projects.

A particular focus is on the highly topical issue of avoiding post-harvest losses, an area that requires both technical and food technology solutions. Important synergy effects can be achieved here through the joint program design by the two universities and current scientific issues can be dealt with in a well-founded manner. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has therefore awarded this summerschool jointly to the two universities for the first time, enabling them to further expand their ALUMNI work and advance their internationalization. At the end of their stay, the guests will also visit Agritechnica, the world's largest trade fair for agricultural technology in Hanover, where they will also be able to make industry contacts on guided tours.