THU offers excellent conditions for pursuing a PhD in applied research. Research staff can pursue their PhDs through collaborative programmes with universities or via the Baden-Württemberg University of Applied Sciences PhD Centre in forward-looking fields.
There are currently 55 academic staff members at THU who are pursuing a doctorate in cooperation with various universities or via the HAW Doctoral Center, which will be founded in 2022. A scientific doctorate is the highest academic degree that can be achieved in many countries. It is obtained by writing and defending a dissertation or doctoral thesis and is of great importance for science and research.
The Doctoral Association of Universities of Applied Sciences Baden-Württemberg, in which 24 universities of applied sciences have joined forces, offers the opportunity to conduct innovative and application-oriented research and to obtain a doctorate in the fields of behavioral sciences, social sciences, economics and law, life sciences, biotechnology, medical technology, computer science, electrical engineering and engineering.
In addition, cooperative doctorates with a university entitled to award doctorates are also possible, in which the initial supervision is usually carried out by a member of this university, or doctorates by association, in which a professor is associated with a faculty of a university entitled to award doctorates for the purpose of doing a doctorate.
Admission to the doctoral center is organized via the doctoral association. All information and documents can be found on the website of the doctoral association.
1. conclude a supervision agreement
Have you decided to do a doctorate? The first step is to find an initial supervisor who suits you and your topic and can supervise your doctoral project. The professors who are members of the Doctoral Center are suitable for this (see "Which professors at THU can supervise doctoral candidates?"). Contact them, clarify any questions and conclude the supervision agreement with the Doctoral Center.
2. apply for admission to the doctoral association (NEW via the PROMAS BW portal)
Have you found a suitable first supervisor among the THU professors, concluded the supervision agreement and would now like to register as a doctoral candidate? To do this, first register in the PROMAS BW portal. After successful registration, log in to the PROMAS BW portal with your access data and select the button "Apply for acceptance as a doctoral candidate". To complete the application for acceptance, please follow the instructions in the portal.
Please note that a certified copy of your doctoral degree certificate (usually a Master's degree certificate) must be submitted by post to the Promotionsverband der Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften Baden-Württemberg, Hospitalstr. 8, 70174 Stuttgart in order for your application to be processed in full!
After successful submission, the application will be checked and then forwarded to the responsible doctoral committee. The committee will then decide on your application. You can view the current status of your application at any time in the PROMAS BW portal. You will receive an e-mail notification if we still need anything from you or if you have been notified. If the doctoral committee has approved your application, you can download your letter of acceptance directly from the PROMAS BW portal.
3. enrolment at the university of first supervision
If the doctoral committee approves your application, you will receive a letter of acceptance. You must present this when enrolling at the university of your first supervisor. You are obliged to enrol in accordance with Section 38 Paragraph 5 Sentence 1 of the State Higher Education Act [LHG]. Doctoral candidates who work full-time at the university of their first supervisor, i.e. who have an employment contract covering at least half of their regular working hours, can be exempted from the obligation to enrol in accordance with Section 38 (5) sentence 1, second half-sentence LHG.
The quality assurance of doctoral procedures in the association is guaranteed by binding processes, legal and university standards. The core element is a quality-guided selection process for professors involved in doctoral studies, which is based on proof of research. By providing proof of research strength and sufficient research activities, they can be accepted into the association's doctoral center for a limited period of time. This also means that proof must be provided and reviewed on a regular basis.
| Research Unit | Professors with the right to award doctorates |
|---|---|
| Social, behavioral and economic sciences | Prof. Dr. Dietmar Graeber |
| Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Medical Technology | Prof. Dr. Felix Capanni, Prof. Dr. Martin Heßling |
| Computer Science and Electrical Engineering - Engineering Sciences 2 | Prof. Gerd Heilscher, Prof. Dr. Michael Munz, Prof. Dr. Marc-Oliver Otto, Prof. Dr. Christian Schlegel, Prof. Dr. Marianne von Schwerin, Prof. Dr. Reinhold von Schwerin |
| Engineering Sciences | Prof. Dr. Peter Renze, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Walter |
| Law and Administrative Sciences | Prof. Dr. Dr. Hans Steege |
At THU, cooperative doctorates are also possible with a university (usually a university) that is authorized to award doctorates, in which the initial supervision is usually carried out by a member of this university, or a doctorate via association, in which a professor is associated with a faculty of a university authorized to award doctorates for the purpose of doctoral studies.
If you have been accepted for a doctorate at a university, a supervision agreement must be concluded at THU. Further information on doctoral studies at THU can also be found on the intranet.
The following doctorates were carried out under the scientific supervision of THU professors in cooperation with a university:
2025
Arendt, Bernd
University of Ulm
Reducing the False Alarm Rate in Landmine Detection with a Ground Penetrating Radar
Donderer, Matthias
Hamburg University of Technology
Reducing Engine-Induced Ship Noise at Source
Gierke, Anna-Maria
University of Ulm
Investigations into the photoinactivation of Candida auris and other microorganisms in the spectral range from 222 to 450 nm with regard to the possible application and investigation of potential photosensitizers
Hönig, Philipp
Technical University of Munich
smartIflow - A Model Based Approach for Safety Analysis in the Early Product Life Cycle Stages
Peschmann, Christian
University of Ulm
Studies on the feasibility and tolerability of repetitive photodynamic and photochemical therapy using a fully implantable system in a large animal model for the future treatment of glioblastoma
Rippl, Patrick
University of Ulm
Radar Target Simulation and Analysis for Highly Dynamic Traffic Scenarios
Schaudt, Daniel
Ulm University
Improving Deep Learning Performance under Scarce Data Conditions in Medical Imaging
2024
Fehler, Nicole
University of Ulm
Investigation on Potential Retinal Risk of Visible Light in Terms of Photochemical and Thermal Hazards according to National and International Guidelines Using Ex-Vivo Porcine Eyes during Intraocular Illumination with Ophthalmic Fibers for Diaphanoscopy and Endoillumination with Respect to Iris Color
Kügele, Simon
University of Ulm
Numerical simulation of the heat transfer of turbulent flow in pipes with
microstructuredsurface
Pabst, Valerie
University of Ulm
Thermal Energy Storage with Zonal Fixed Beds of Phase Change Material - A Simulative and Experimental Investigation
Stark, Philipp
University of Ulm
Automated detection of gaseous embolism inside the superior vena cava using a central venous
catheter equipped with a Doppler probe
2023
Akermann, Kevin
RWTH Aachen
Large-Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Heat Transfer and Particle Deposition in Helically Ribbed Pipes
Blender, Timo
Ulm University, Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology
Variability management in a robotics software ecosystem based on dependency variability graphs for modeling, composing and resolving multi-dimensional variability spaces
Mittmann, Benjamin Johannes
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Medizinische Fakultät
Development of computer-assisted assistance methods for thrombectomy
Werner, Denis
Ilmenau University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Validation of sound conduction calculation in passenger car transmissions
2022
Hoenes, Katharina
University of Ulm, Faculty of Medicine
The antimicrobial effect of visible radiation based on naturally occurring endogenous photosensitizers
Iberle, Johannes
University of Ulm
Radar target simulator for generating micro-Doppler signatures of vulnerable road users
Lutz, Matthias
Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology
Composable Coordination for Service Robots:A Model-Driven Approach
Maurer, Christian
Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design
Characterization and Modeling of Lithium-Sulfur Cells
2021
Breckle, Theresa
University of Siegen
Digital interval-based planning and evaluation of manual assembly systems in the concept planning phase
Dötzel, Eugen
University of Ulm
A clinical study to investigate the biomechanics of forefoot amputees wearing a customized carbon prosthesis and a (standard) silicone prosthesis
Narayanan, Muthalagappan
Budapest University of technology and Economics
Investigation of model predictive controllers for maximum renewable energy utilization in single-family houses
Vidal Lorbada, Ricardo
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Characterization and simulation of CIGS thin-film solar cells and interconnects
2020
Lavrenko, Tetiana
Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
Electrical characterization, modelling and simulation of Cu (In, Ga), (Se, S)2 Solar Cells
Lissek, Fabian
Ilmenau University of Technology
Contribution to the understanding of the machining of compliant structures made of carbon fiber reinforced plastics: Characterization, Modelling and Evaluation of Transient Drilling Processes
2019
Hepner, Christopher
University of Nuremberg-Erlangen
An IEEE 802.11 Based Wireless Mesh Disaster Recovery System with Lifetime Enhancement
Kölbl, Philipp
University of Ulm
Novel LED based intra- and extraocular illumination concepts under photonic, biomechanical and surgical aspects
Ott, Thomas
University of Ulm
Long-term stability of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cells
2018
Stampfer, Dennis
TU Munich
Contributions to System Composition using a System Design Process driven by Service Definitions for Service Robotics
Falkenberger, Stefan
University of Ilmenau
Optimization of the calculation of sound radiation from transmission housings: experimental and analytical investigations into the noise development of vehicle manual transmissions
Kalkbrenner, Christoph
University of Ulm
Novel Sleep Screening Based on Tracheal Body Sound and Actigraphy
Lotz, Alex
TU Munich
Managing Non-Functional Communication Aspects in the Entire Life-Cycle of a Component-Based Robotic Software System
2017
Piro, Neltje Emma
University of Ulm
Design, Development and Evaluation of an Interoperable Telemonitoring System for Patients with Parkinson's Disease
2016
Haide, Manuel
University of Kiel
Throughflow Measurement with Ultrasonic Phased Array Sensors
Pflugrad, Andreas
University of Ulm
Developing an Automated Bibliometric Analysis System for Finding Rare Disease Experts
Predeschly, Michael
University of Ulm
Development of an infrastructure for self-monitoring using social networks for the management of diseases
Ruf, Holger PhD
Agder, Norway
Computation of the Load Flow at the Transformer in Distribution Grids with a Significant Number of Photovoltaic Systems using Satellite-derived Solar Irradiance Data
2015
Lutz,Steffen
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
MIMO radarsystem architecture and parameter estimation for complex multi-objective scenarios
2013
Krammer, Sandra
University of Ulm
Design, realization and evaluation of a game-based approach for e-learning in medicine
The use of data science methods (especially artificial intelligence and machine learning) is now standard in many areas of science, business, medicine and society. Data science methods and the associated analysis processes (analytics) are increasingly being used for decision-making processes. Systems and algorithms are taking over decisions previously made by humans, including those that have far-reaching consequences or are even irreversible.
This shows the urgent need to put data science methods, processes and algorithms on a solid foundation. Terms such as explainability, traceability, transparency and non-discrimination are being discussed intensively in the field of artificial intelligence, among others. The Cooperative Doctoral Program (KPK) between THU and Ulm University addresses this issue.
Trust in data science methods requires explainability and comprehensibility. These terms are primarily aimed at the period after the application of data science methods. However, trusting a method usually requires guarantees about the expected behavior of the method before and during its application. This requires a quantitative analysis of the methods, the specification of key influencing factors, sensitivities and dependencies. This also allows the control of methods and algorithms and, depending on the application, their monitoring and control, if necessary again by methods and algorithms.
The combination of basic and application-oriented research is represented by the methods to be used on the one hand and the applications under consideration on the other. The KPK uses methods from the fields of (business) informatics, mathematics and statistics, all of which are represented by experts at Ulm University and THU. These are algorithms, optimization methods as well as machine and statistical learning. These methods are universal in the sense that they are not application-specific. The KPK focuses on the domains of automation, business analytics, medicine and life sciences represented by the participating professors.
In the cooperative doctoral program "Data Science and Analytics: Trust in and Control of Algorithms" at THU and Ulm University, doctoral scholarships were awarded for doctoral projects in the field of data science and AI.
Contact at the THU: Prof. Dr. Kathrin Stucke-Straub
