Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences Visits Nanjing Forestry University 

to Strengthen Collaboration

On the morning of March 26th, a delegation from Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences (TH Rosenheim), Germany, led by President Heinrich Koester, visited Nanjing Forestry University (NJFU). The delegation was received by NJFU President Qiang Yong and Vice President Tongming Yin.

In his welcoming remarks, President Qiang Yong extended a warm welcome to the visitors. He noted that the two universities share complementary strengths in wood science and engineering, and have built a solid foundation for cooperation. In 2018, TH Rosenheim sent a group of faculty members and students to NJFU for in-depth exchanges on topics such as intelligent wood processing and industrial robotics, laying important groundwork for further cooperation. Against the backdrop of growing global resource and environmental challenges, Qiang Yong emphasized the growing importance of innovation in wood science — particularly in areas such as sustainable forest management, green processing technologies, and high-performance wood-based materials. He expressed his expectation that both sides would deepen their partnership by jointly establishing research platforms, promoting student exchanges, and developing joint training and dual-degree programs, with the goal of cultivating high-caliber talents equipped with a global perspective and innovation capabilities. Such efforts, he added, would contribute to the green transformation and sustainable development of the wood industry.

President Heinrich Koester expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and noted that the two universities have complementary strengths in wood science and technology. He expressed hope that the visit would open new avenues for practical cooperation in joint research, faculty exchanges, and collaborative student training, further strengthening the ties between the two institutions.

During the meeting, Professor Andreas Heinzmann of TH Rosenheim introduced the university’s distinctive programs and achievements in wood technology. Representatives from NJFU’s Office of International Cooperation and the Department of Wood Science and Engineering provided an overview of the university’s international initiatives and the global perspective of its wood science programs. Both sides held focused discussions on potential collaboration in wood science and technology, forest chemical engineering and furniture design and engineering, including the feasibility of a joint master's degree program. They also reached a preliminarily agreement on a student exchange arrangement. Both parties agreed to actively promote faculty research cooperation and the sharing of academic resources, aiming to strengthen their capacity for discipline development and talent cultivation. As a next step, the two sides will engage in further discussions toward signing a letter of intent, with a view to translating their shared vision into concrete action.

TH Rosenheim, a leading University of Applied Sciences in southeastern Bavaria, Germany, is renowned for its strengths in engineering, technology, and economics. Its programs in wood engineering and automotive engineering are ranked among the best internationally.