25 Years of Excellence, Innovation, and Internationalization
2025 is a very special year for us - 25 years of commitment, passion and success. What began as a vision in 1999, driven by a dedicated team, has grown over the years into something truly remarkable. The International Department of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology gGmbH (ID) was established as part of KIT's internationalization strategy, with the goal of attracting international students to Germany to become skilled professionals by offering English-language study programs combined with a customized supporting structure. Inspired by the American college system, the ID introduced a structured Mechanical Engineering College that combined academic excellence with practical relevance.
Pioneers of International Education
The establishment of the ID was made possible by key figures such as Professor Hartmut Weule, the founding director, who played a decisive role in bringing a new concept of international education to life. The former head of the Institute for Machine Tools and Industrial Technology (WBK) at the University of Karlsruhe was responsible for ‘Research and Technology’ on the board of Daimler-Benz AG for several years. It was in this role that Professor Weule developed the idea of the International Department as an essential element in the internationalization of the University of Karlsruhe and of Baden-Württemberg as an industrial location. Also Jürgen Hubbert, who was leading executive at Daimler-Benz, played an essential role in the initiative due to the early awareness of the importance of international academic education. While the ID builds on the expertise of KIT´s mechanical engineering professors, it originated outside the KIT structure.
Leading Institutions & Unique Programs
Over the past two decades, the International Department has continuously developed innovative educational programs and interdisciplinary research projects at the highest level.
The Carl Benz School of Engineering
The Carl Benz School of Engineering, the first “School” of the International Department, introduced KIT’s first fully English-taught Bachelor's program in Mechanical Engineering in 2000. Combining a renowned curriculum with practical training and industry exposure, CBS prepares graduates for global careers in engineering. In addition, CBS offers a unique college structure with on-campus housing, personalized study guidance, and career coaching to ensure students receive comprehensive support throughout their studies. Building on this success, the International Department has expanded its portfolio to meet the evolving needs of professionals and industries, including specialized Summer Schools and other short-term programs that provide global perspectives and advanced skills.
HECTOR School of Engineering & Management
In 2005, the HECTOR School of Engineering & Management was founded as KIT’s Technology Business School. Offering six executive master’s programs, it enables professionals to develop management skills while staying at the forefront of technological advancements in engineering fields. Its modular study structure allows participants to integrate their studies seamlessly into their careers, fostering strong professional networks across industries. Additionally, the Hector School Academy offers short-term Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS) of Advanced Studies (CAS),e.g., in Systems and Software Engineering, providing professionals with specialized knowledge transformation topics like KI or alternative powertrain technologies.By closely integrating theory and practice—especially through the master’s thesis within the company—both participants and businesses benefit directly. The HECTOR School specifically prepares professionals for responsible specialist and leadership roles while supporting their career development with tailored coaching and hands-on learning formats.
Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP)
Expanding into high-tech fields, the Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP) was launched in 2006 as KIT’s first international Graduate School. As part of Germany’s Excellence Initiative, KSOP integrates physics, biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, materials science, and computational modeling, offering students a Master program as well as cutting-edge research opportunities in fields such as laser technology and quantum optics in a comprehensive PhD Program. To ensure a well-rounded experience, KSOP provides individual mentoring, professional development workshops, and tailored industry connections, allowing students and doctoral researchers to pursue careers in both academia and industry.
HECTOR Fellow Academy
Beyond education, the International Department has been instrumental in fostering research and interdisciplinary collaboration at KIT. Since its foundation in 2013, the HECTOR Fellow Academy fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting distinguished scientists and promoting cutting-edge research across a broad spectrum of fields. Its core mission is to support high-level research through networking opportunities among Hector Fellows, while also providing mentorship and career development for emerging scientists. The Academy funds innovative projects, facilitates the exchange of ideas between disciplines, and enhances public engagement through events like the annual science evenings, highlighting the societal relevance of research.
3D Matter Made to Order (3DMM2O)
As part of Germany’s Excellence Strategy, KIT and Heidelberg University are being funded with a Cluster of Excellence “3D Matter Made to Order” (3DMM2O), since 2019 to revolutionize 3D Additive Manufacturing. 33DMM2O follows an interdisciplinary approach, combining natural and engineering sciences while advancing molecular materials and improving resolution, speed, and multi-material capabilities. Applications include 3D hybrid optical and electronic systems, metamaterials, and 3D scaffolds for organotypic cell cultures. The Cluster Office coordinated by the International Department is responsible for all operational tasks in the Graduate School, in Science Communication, in the Diversity Offers, regarding reporting and controlling of all acquired funds as well as the management of all meetings.
United for the Future
In 2025, we invite you to join us on a journey through our history, which would not have been possible without you. Together with our friends and companions, we would like to celebrate our successes, reflect on the challenges we have overcome, and recognize the countless contributions that have brought us to this point. Together, let us look forward to an even brighter future, inspired by the same spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence that has guided us for the past 25 years.
Highlights
Invited Speakers:
- Winfried Kretschmann (Minister President of the State of Baden-Württemberg)
- Dr. Albert Käuflein (Mayor of Karlsruhe)
- Prof. Dr. Jan S. Hesthaven (President KIT)
- Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Kaschke (Chairman of the KIT Supervisory Board)
- Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius (German marine biologist)
Graduation Ceremony:
for graduates of the Carl Benz of Engineering, HECTOR School of Engineering & Management,
Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics and the Cluster of Excellence 3D Matter Made to Order
Moderation: Kristina zur Mühlen
Date & Location
October 9, 2025, at 5 pm at Audimax Karlsruhe, Germany
Jorinne Sturm
