University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen)

University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen)
Name	University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen)
Native name	HAWK Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen
Established	1971
Type	Public
President	Josef von Helden
Students	~6,000
City	Hildesheim, Holzminden, Göttingen
State	Lower Saxony
Country	Germany
Website	https://www.hawk.de

University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen) is a public university of applied sciences located across three historic cities in the state of Lower Saxony. Formed through the merger of several predecessor institutions, it combines a strong tradition in engineering, resource management, and design with modern applied sciences. The university is renowned for its practice-oriented education and maintains close ties with regional industries like the Volkswagen Group and the German forestry sector.

History

The institution's origins trace back to several independent schools, including the *Baugewerkschule* founded in Hildesheim in 1900 and the *Holzminden State Building Trade School* established in 1831. A pivotal moment came in 1971 with the formation of the *Fachhochschule Hildesheim* under the Fachhochschule laws of West Germany, consolidating various academies. Subsequent expansions integrated the *University of Applied Sciences and Arts* in Holzminden and the faculty in Göttingen, leading to its current tri-city structure. This evolution was significantly shaped by the Bologna Process, which prompted the introduction of Bachelor's degree and Master's degree programs across its faculties.

Campuses and locations

The university operates across three distinct campuses, each with a specialized focus. The **Hildesheim** campus, centered around the historic *Renatastraße* and *Bismarckplatz* areas, hosts faculties for social work, health, and design. The **Holzminden** campus, deeply connected to the Solling forest and the Weser Uplands, is the heart of the faculty for management, technology, and timber industry. The **Göttingen** campus, situated near the renowned University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Society institutes, specializes in building conservation, architecture, and engineering, utilizing facilities like the *Baunatal* workshop center.

Academic profile and faculties

The university is organized into five faculties offering a wide range of accredited programs. The **Faculty of Engineering and Health** in Hildesheim covers biomedical engineering, precision engineering, and nursing science. The **Faculty of Social Work and Health** focuses on social pedagogy and childhood education. The **Faculty of Management, Social Work, Building** in Holzminden is unique for its programs in wood technology and international business. The **Faculty of Architecture, Engineering and Conservation** in Göttingen is known for architectural conservation and structural engineering. The **Faculty of Design** in Hildesheim offers studies in interior design, communication design, and photography.

Research and development

Research is strongly application-oriented, conducted in close collaboration with industry partners like the Fraunhofer Society and regional small and medium-sized enterprises. Key research areas include sustainable building materials at the *Holzminden* campus, innovative healthcare technologies in Hildesheim, and heritage conservation methodologies in Göttingen. The university participates in funded projects from the German Research Foundation and the European Union's Horizon Europe framework, often involving interdisciplinary teams from its various locations.

Student life and culture

Student life is enriched by the distinct character of each host city, from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hildesheim Cathedral to the scientific atmosphere of Göttingen. The *Studentenwerk OstNiedersachsen* provides housing and dining services. A vibrant network of student initiatives includes the *AStA* (student union), departmental groups, and regular exhibitions at the *Hildesheim Dome* and events like the *Holzminden Campus Days*. The university's sports program and proximity to the Harz mountains offer extensive recreational opportunities.

Notable people

Notable alumni include designer Constanze Klotz, engineer and entrepreneur Friedrich Schwerdt, and social scientist Petra Schmack. Distinguished faculty have included conservation architect Johannes Cramer, former president of the German Association of Engineers Walter H. Hirschberg, and wood technology pioneer Ernst Kürsten. The university's rectorate has been led by figures such as former president Christian M. Th. K. W. and current president Josef von Helden.

Category:Universities in Lower Saxony Category:Universities of applied sciences in Germany Category:Educational institutions established in 1971