Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) is expanding its cooperation with Japanese partner universities. From October 20 to 23, 2026, a delegation led by TUHH President Prof. Andreas Timm-Giel visited Keio University in Yokohama, Kobe University and the University of Yamanashi in Kofu. The focus was on joint research projects, strengthening existing partnerships and exploring new opportunities for academic and student exchange. The visit concluded with a meeting at the United Nations University in Tokyo.
In addition to the President, the delegation included Prof. Moritz Göldner (Institute of Data-Driven Innovation), Prof. Timo Heinrich (Institute of Digital Economics), Prof. Maximilian Kiener (Institute of Ethics in Technology), Prof. Qiang Li (Institute of Integrated Circuits and Systems) and Prof. Michael Schlüter, spokesperson for the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1615 "SMART Reactors". The delegation was accompanied by Dr. Wang Yi and Berit Illmann from International Affairs.
Expanding the Established Partnership with Keio University
TUHH and Keio University have maintained a partnership based on a Memorandum of Understanding since 2018. This has led to an active student exchange in chemical and bioprocess engineering. During the discussions in Yokohama and the presentation of the Collaborative Research Centre "SMART Reactors", further areas of shared research interest were identified. Both institutions aim to expand their cooperation and exchange activities to additional disciplines.
Membrane Technologies as a Bridge Between Hamburg and Kobe
TUHH has also had a cooperation agreement with Kobe University since 2018, facilitating active academic exchange. During a visit to the internationally leading research centre for membrane technologies, the delegation gained insights into the latest developments in the field. These offer opportunities for collaboration with both the Cluster of Excellence "BlueMat – Water-Driven Materials" and the Collaborative Research Centre "SMART Reactors".
In subsequent workshops, Japanese and German researchers discussed specific project ideas and agreed to intensify their cooperation. All participants identified promising opportunities for collaboration in their respective fields. The next steps include a return visit by representatives of Kobe University to Hamburg and a joint scientific colloquium in 2027.
Hydrogen and Artificial Photosynthesis in Yamanashi
The delegation then travelled to the University of Yamanashi in Kofu, which is currently being developed into a world-leading research centre for green hydrogen with government funding. During tours of state-of-the-art laboratories, the delegation gained insights into current developments and discussed opportunities for future collaboration.
Of particular interest are photocatalytic processes designed to convert carbon dioxide into basic chemicals, inspired by natural photosynthesis. Combining these processes with innovative materials from the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence opens up promising prospects for sustainable production processes – fully in line with TUHH's guiding principle, "Engineering to Face Climate Change".
Exchange with the United Nations University
At the end of the trip, the delegation was welcomed to the United Nations University in Tokyo by its Rector, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala. The visit added an international perspective to the discussions with the Japanese partner universities, focusing on the role of science and higher education institutions in sustainable development.
The delegation visit strengthened existing partnerships and provided concrete impetus for new collaborations. Joint research projects, reciprocal visits and expanded exchange opportunities are expected to further deepen academic ties between Hamburg and Japan in the coming years.
