IN-PERSON MADRID FOCUS ON PEDAGOGY. SECTION A
Abstract
The skills needed for engineers pressing ahead the sustainable transformation differ from those taught in traditional engineering degree programs. To overcome the new challenges imposed, the comprehensive study course “Engineering for Sustainability” is focussing on sustainability competences in an entirely project-based learning environment. Due to the high internationality of the programme, enculturation plays a decisive role. In combination with the innovative project based structure, the need for a custom onboarding semester arises. Instead of classical timetables, the new modules are implemented in blocks to enable smooth transitions to the subsequent projects: 1. Exploring engineering working fields and rating sustainability on the basis of the United Nations sustainability goals. 2. Performing practical work in laboratories and technical centres 3. Developing personal and social competences in a special module, preparing for lifelong personal development. 4. Introduction to critical thinking and logical reasoning for modelling and solving technical problems. 5. Group project for preparing students to enter professional project teams. The outcomes are monitored through a structured evaluation process. Starting in Winter semester 2025/26, the initial feedback has been promising. Students express appreciation for the ongoing discussions and connection to real-world challenges and industry partners, fostering motivation for sustainable engineering. Furthermore, the regular solicitation of student opinions and feedback has been positively received. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be continuously tracked to assess the effectiveness of the study program, with the intention of adapting this approach to other academic offerings within the university.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dirk Nissing is a Professor of Control Engineering at the Faculty of Technology and Bionics at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve. He is currently leading the study program Engineering for Sustainability. He earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Gerhard-Mercator-University (now the University of Duisburg-Essen) and obtained his Ph.D. in the field of Measurement and Controls. Later he worked at TRW Automotive GmbH in the Tech Centre Düsseldorf, where he held various positions, culminating as Global Chief Engineer/Department Head for Steering Function.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kai Masuch is a professor of Thermodynamics and Process Engineering at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, leading the study programme Engineering for Sustainability. Before joining the university, he taught mechanical engineering, mathematics, and applied sciences at Max-Born-Berufskolleg, where he also trained trainee teachers and led the technical product design programme. In industry, he served as Technical Division Manager in a medium sized company, directing projects in biomass processing and process development for biogenic residues. Earlier academic positions include Deputy Director and Senior Engineer at the University of Stuttgart’s Institute for Technical Thermodynamics and Research Associate at RWTH Aachen, where he worked on modelling thermophysical properties of biopolymers.
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Wednesday 24th June, 2026