The Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) is strengthening its international partnerships and continuously expanding them. To this end, a delegation consisting of Professor Jeff Wilkesmann from the Transformation Lab at the Oberschneiding Campus and Professor Andreas Gissel and Eva Nefen from the Rhine-Neckar Graduate School travelled to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam from 3 to 7 November. The trip took place as part of the project “Innovative Biocatalytic Pathways for Sustainable Bioengineering: Strengthening Vietnam–Germany Research Synergies.” The aim was to deepen research and academic cooperation, promote intercultural exchange, and gain direct insights into one of the most dynamic economic regions in Southeast Asia.

Exchange with partner universities 

During their trip, the delegation visited the University of Transport Ho Chi Minh City (UTH), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, and International University – VNU HCMC. As part of the academic exchange, DIT Professor Jeff Wilkesmann, Scientific Director of the Transformation Lab, gave a lecture on ‘Innovative Biomaterials on the German Market: A Risk Management Approach for Start-ups and SMEs’. Joint workshops and presentations by Vietnamese students facilitated productive dialogue and mutual insight into international business and research practices.

Insights into industrial processes

In addition to academic institutions, the delegation also visited important industrial partners. Clevermann EU and Siemens Energy provided valuable insights into industrial processes in Vietnam. The delegation also visited the German House in Ho Chi Minh City, headquarters of the German Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AHK Vietnam). There, further information was provided on Vietnam's dynamic economic development and on the activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam. Cultural activities rounded off the programme and provided additional opportunities for exchange and reflection.

Strong and sustainable research partnership

Prof. Wilkesmann was welcomed by Prof. Nguyen Dinh Quan at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, who was the main host during the trip. ‘The support and constructive cooperation with Prof. Nguyen Dinh Quan is a real asset. We are convinced that this joint project marks the beginning of a strong and sustainable research partnership and paves the way for feasibility studies and future initiatives to develop innovative biocatalytic processes in the field of sustainable bioengineering,’ said Prof. Wilkesmann.

About the project

The aim of the project is to establish a long-term, effective research partnership between DIT Transformation Lab and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. Prof. Quan is internationally recognised for his contributions to biomaterials, metabolic engineering and the development of scalable bioprocesses in various environmental contexts. Prof. Quan was honoured for his work on converting paper waste sludge into bacterial cellulose (BC) through acid hydrolysis and subsequent fermentation. BC is known for its biodegradability, mechanical strength, biocompatibility and non-toxicity. BC has a wide range of applications in biomedicine, water treatment, packaging and fashion. The further potential of BC was demonstrated after partial hydrolysis for the production of cellulose nanocrystals (a high-performance biomaterial with properties that are stronger than steel, lighter than wood, transparent and environmentally friendly). This is in line with the research topics of the DIT Transformation Lab. The significance of this collaboration goes beyond pure research progress in the field of bioengineering. It is in line with the overarching science policy goals of Germany, Vietnam, ASEAN and the EU. It supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, promotes technology transfer and strengthens global research networks.

From 20 to 25 October, a delegation from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), consisting of Prof. Dr. Jeff Wilkesmann and Dr. Richard Janissen, visited Santa Clara University (SCU) and Stanford University in the USA. The purpose of the visit was to promote international cooperation within the context of a scientific project.

Development of novel biocatalysts

DIT researchers are collaborating with Professor Prashanth Asuri (Santa Clara University, SCU) to develop novel biocatalysts that will facilitate the degradation of cellulose-rich agricultural biowaste. During their visit to SCU and Stanford University, the participants exchanged ideas on the project 'Next-generation enzymes and bio-scaffolds for promoting the biodegradation of cellulose waste', which is funded by the Bavarian-California University Centre. The project's main objective is to produce highly active, industrially robust enzymes suitable for large-scale industrial use.

Future joint research projects and educational initiatives

The stay in the USA also laid an excellent foundation for future joint research projects and educational initiatives in bioengineering. Furthermore, collaboration and innovation between DIT and SCU were strengthened. In March 2026, Prof. Prashanth Asuri will travel to Lower Bavaria and give a guest lecture at the Transformation Lab on the Oberschneiding campus, which will also be open to the general public. 

Studying doesn't always go perfectly, and sometimes you have to start looking for alternatives. To address this issue, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) has now launched the project ‘ReStart EDU2WORK | Turning study challenges into career opportunities’ in collaboration with the Federal Employment Agency, the Immigration Office and the Regional Management Department of the Deggendorf District Office.

Giving international students who have dropped out of university new perspectives 

The project focuses on students who are about to drop out of university, or more specifically, international students who are struggling with their studies at DIT or are even considering dropping out. In this case, the network of DIT, the Federal Employment Agency, the Immigration Office and Regional Management offers them comprehensive advice on opportunities in the region. The possibilities here are manifold. In addition to starting as a skilled worker or changing courses, dual studies or vocational training offer excellent opportunities to enter the regional labour market directly. The aim of the ReStart EDU2WORK project is to increase the integration of international students into the labour market. This gives young people an excellent alternative to studying, and the local economy benefits from motivated skilled workers, which in turn benefits the educational region of Lower Bavaria. 

Reaching your goal through advice and networking

In future, regular consultation appointments will be offered at the THD as part of the project. Through cooperation with the Federal Employment Agency, the Immigration Office and the Regional Management of the Deggendorf District Office, students will be shown the best possible opportunities and presented with the various alternatives in detail and comprehensively.