News & Events
News from the Institute
Read the latest updates on the topic of sustainable water systems.
Hofer Water Symposium
Make a note of the date for the 5th Hof Water Symposium now! It will take place on 29 September 2026 (with a get-together from 5.00 pm) and on 30 September 2026 (9.00 am to 4.30 pm: Water Symposium) at Hof University of Applied Sciences. You can already look forward to a programme centred on the theme ‘Climate adaptation in rural areas – are sponge landscapes the answer?’ Further information on the schedule, programme and registration will follow.
From the Pond to the Field: How Surplus Nutrients Are Turned Into Valuable Fertilizer
What is currently considered a problem in ponds could become a valuable raw material for agriculture in the future: In the cross-border research project “Teichkreis,” Dr. Harvey Harbach and his team from the Resource-Efficient Food Production Research Group at Hof University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with a Czech partner, are investigating whether excess nutrients […]
Turning Waste into Fertilizer: Dr. Harvey Harbach and his research team are developing new nutrient cycles for sustainable agriculture
How can valuable nutrients from agriculture be put to better use? The ReKorD research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences is addressing this question. The goal is to convert waste products from animal husbandry into high-quality fertilizers, thereby closing regional nutrient cycles. The project aims to make agriculture less dependent on mineral fertilizers while also conserving resources.
From Research to Startup: OnSpectra Develops Smart Sensors for Environmental Monitoring
The 2026 Southwest Thuringia Startup Idea Competition demonstrated just how diverse and innovative the region’s startup scene is. This year, 32 business ideas were presented—ranging from creative and social concepts to technological solutions in the fields of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and innovative applications. In the category for technical startup ideas, the team from OnSpectra, […]
Concrete That Floats: Students Develop Plantable Islands for Their Vision of the Future
“Studying Means 2027: Making Concrete Float!” Does that sound like a major challenge? It’s meant to be—and it’s designed to give students the opportunity to apply their personal skills. An interdisciplinary team of students from Hof University of Applied Sciences tackled this problem. In just 10 weeks, nine students with diverse expertise developed floating prototypes […]
A Successful Discussion on the Use of ChatGPT and Similar Tools in Engineering and Architecture Firms
In early July, Hof University successfully hosted the event “The Use of ChatGPT & Co. in Engineering and Architecture Firms—Lessons Learned from a Student Project” at Einstein1—the Digital Startup Center on the Hof campus. Representatives from companies, engineering and architecture firms, as well as interested individuals, accepted the invitation to participate in a practical discussion […]
