TU Dublin Welcomes Delegation from the Hochschule Darmstadt - University of Applied Sciences, Germany to Explore Research and Innovation Collaboration
A distinguished delegation of 21 visitors from the Hochschule Darmstadt – University of Applied Sciences (H-Da), Germany, arrived at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman Campus on 4th November for a two-day engagement with the university’s vibrant research and innovation community. The visit marked an important opportunity for both institutions to explore joint research initiatives, research supports, technology transfer collaborations, open research, CoARA and shared funding opportunities on an international scale.
In addition to a packed programme of collaborative discussions, the visitors attended the 2025 TU Dublin Research and Innovation Awards, held on 3rd November in the East Quad Concert Hall. The ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of TU Dublin’s research community, providing a fitting backdrop for the delegation’s visit and strengthening the growing ties between the two universities.
Day 1: Exploring Research Engagements and Collaborative Projects
On Day 1 (November 4th), the H-Da delegation was officially welcomed by Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation and TU Dublin Dean of Sciences and Health Professor John Doran who outlined the university's strategic vision for fostering international research and innovation partnerships. The opening session was followed by a series of Research Ice Breaker sessions which offered an invaluable opportunity for direct engagement between researchers from both universities.
These sessions focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, digital technologies, and industrial innovation, with discussions centred on shared research priorities and the possibility of initiating joint research projects.
Key highlights of Day 1 included:
- VPs’ Meeting: Senior academic and research leaders from TU Dublin and H-Da discussed areas for strategic collaboration, particularly in research areas with potential for international impact. Topics ranged from sustainable technology to data driven innovation.
- Research Support Services: Researchers from H-Da were introduced to TU Dublin’s Research Support Services teams, who shared insights into open research, data stewardship, grant management, funding opportunities, and best practices for research administration.
- Cross University Research Engagement: Researchers from both universities had the chance to meet in an informal setting to discuss shared projects and explore the possibilities for co-funded research, exchange programs, and shared access to specialised research facilities.
- Participants also gained insight into the university’s high-tech research labs and facilities, where cutting-edge innovation is taking place.
Day 2: Innovation, Industry Collaboration, and Funding Opportunities
Day 2 (November 5th) focused on industry partnerships, technology transfer, and funding opportunities. The day’s sessions explored how research can be translated into practical, real-world solutions, emphasising collaboration between academia and industry and the vital role of innovation in commercialising research outcomes. The ‘Working with Industry’ session showcased the TU Dublin Innovation team, who play a pivotal role in supporting researchers, funders, and industry partners to collaborate on impactful projects. The team also supports the development of start-ups and spinouts, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology from the laboratory to the marketplace. The session sparked valuable discussions between researchers from TU Dublin and H-Da on potential joint technology transfer initiatives, particularly in engineering, digital technologies, and sustainability.
Another highlight was the presentation from the TU Dublin ARISE Programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27. The ARISE team outlined how the programme helps to facilitate collaborations with local enterprises, turning innovative research into tangible solutions that benefit both businesses and society.
Key presentations included:
- Industry and Spinouts: Leaders from TU Dublin Innovation, the ARISE Programme, and industry partners shared insights into fostering academic–industry partnerships.
- AI Literacy for Researchers: Róisín Guilfoyle from TU Dublin Library Services delivered an engaging session on AI literacy, equipping researchers with the tools to apply artificial intelligence in their work.
- Knowledge Security and Export Control: Experts from both TU Dublin and Hochschule Darmstadt discussed the importance of knowledge security and export controls in international research collaboration, particularly when dealing with sensitive intellectual property and proprietary data.
- Participants also examined collaborative funding opportunities, exploring ways to apply for national and international research funding to advance joint projects.
At the close of the visit, researchers from both institutions took part in a wrap-up session, reflecting on the outcomes of the two-day exchange. The discussions identified how TU Dublin expertise in post-award project support and data stewardship can be leveraged in collaborations, identified key projects for further development, agreed on timelines for continued collaboration, and strengthened mutual commitment to advancing research that contributes to global progress in sustainability, digital transformation, and technology innovation.