Call for Application
(» download pdf)
On behalf of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) the University of Kassel and the German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL) in Witzenhausen are organizing the
International DAAD Alumni Seminar – “Applied Engineering for Smart Integration of Renewable Energy in Value Chains in Developing Countries”
24–31 March 2019 in Witzenhausen, Germany
followed by a visit to the world's leading trade fair for the industry Hannover Messe 2019,
1–6 April 2019 in Hanover, Germany
Overview of the seminar
The seminar and trade fair visit is offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in the framework of the program Alumni Special Projects (www.daad.de/alumni-special-projects). The international DAAD Alumni Seminar is organized and hosted by the Department of Agricultural Engineering in the Tropics and Subtropics of the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences of the University of Kassel (www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/en/sections/agrartechnik/home.html), Prof. Dr. Oliver Hensel and DITSL Witzenhausen (www.ditsl.org). The costs will be mainly covered by funds from the DAAD provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The seminar targets Germany Alumni from developing countries (DAC country nationals) who studied, carried out research or worked in Germany for at least 3 months and are presently living and working in their home countries. The Alumni should be professionally involved in the sector of renewable energy / energy technology / mechanical and plant engineering in the framework of rural or urban, public or private sector development, and/or are working for academic, educational or development organizations, NGO's, donor agencies or private enterprises. The prospective participants should be potential multipliers in a position to spread the acquired knowledge and experience and/or take decisions on implementation.
The main objective of the seminar is to promote exchange between the participants in the field of intelligent use of sustainable energy sources, facilitate international scientific cooperation and qualify the participants in the field of intelligent renewable energy supply, development and equipment. The seminar will foster exchange of experiences, establishment of international networks between the participants, scientific discourse on technology development and design of equipment, and international academic cooperation in this field. It will stimulate and promote ideas for joint research, strategy development and knowledge transfer.
The seminar is scheduled in the run-up to the Hannover Messe 2019 in Hanover (www.hannovermesse.de), the world largest industrial trade fair. Over 5,000 exhibitors and 200,000 trade visitors are expected for the 2019 trade fair. The Hannover Messe trade fair brings together five trade shows on one platform and the full range of technical innovations throughout the whole value chain. At the Integrated Energy trade show, industry players meet solution providers and decision makers in politics and economics. Together, they discuss how to lead a successful energy transition and how industrial companies can significantly cut costs by using energy more efficiently.
The Topics
The main topics covered during the DAAD Alumni Seminar are:
- Renewable energy use efficiency along agri-value chains adapted to local conditions in the participants' home countries
- Workshops and seminars on topics such as application possibilities of energy sources in agricultural production, post-harvest technology and loss prevention
- Decentralised rural energy supply on various scales
- Aspects of energy management along agricultural value chains
- Efficient use of energy during production and processing
- Sustainable management with resources
Participants’ Profile
Eligible for participation are Alumni who meet the following requirements:
- Germany Alumni from developing countries (DAC country nationals) who have stayed in Germany for at least three months for study or research purposes.
- A proven working background in the field of renewable energy / agriculture or similar disciplines.
- To act as potential multipliers, e.g. people who are in a position to spread the acquired knowledge and experience.
- Adequate language proficiency which is essential to actively participate in the workshops and discussions as the seminar will be held in English.
- Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
Tentative Program
The seminar in Witzenhausen will include:
- Papers and case studies presented by the participants (Alumni) and invited experts
- Group work and group discussions
- Lectures, seminars and practical workshops
- Excursion to the university’s extension farm Frankenhausen, Bio-.Energy-Village Jühnde and SMA Solar Technology
- Demonstrations and field trials at the Department of Agricultural Engineering in Witzenhausen
It is necessary to participate in the whole program: seminar, trade fair visit and social program.
Cost Coverage
The project covers the following costs:
- International return ticket (economy) to Frankfurt and from Frankfurt/Hanover
- Transport from Frankfurt airport to Witzenhausen (by train, 2nd class)
- Transport from Witzenhausen to Hannover Messe 2019 in Hanover (by bus)
- Transport from the Hotel in Hanover to Frankfurt Airport/ Hanover Airport
- Entrance fees and transport to the visited projects during the excursions
- Entrance fees at the Trade Fair in Hanover
- Accommodation and partial living expenses during the stay in Witzenhausen and Hanover
- Travel health insurance and visa costs for the stay in Germany
Please note: All other costs, such as transport costs from participants’ home town to their home airport or travel costs for visa application in the home country have to be borne by the participants.
Please keep in mind that living expenses are only covered partly during your stay in Witzenhausen as well as in Hanover.
Application Requirements and Process
If you are interested, please send your application latest by 29th of November 2018 via email to: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
The application (in English language) must include the following documents in one single pdf file:
- A letter of application, stating your motivation for participation and your special interest in the topic.
- A short CV with passport size photograph » Download the application form (docx)
- An abstract based on the participant’s own involvement in the field of renewable energy and agricultural value chains with reference to his/her home country on the subject of “Applied Engineering for Smart Integration of Renewable Energy in Value Chains in Developing Countries” (the main topics are listed above; abstracts must not exceed one page; please use font type “Arial”, font size 11, 1.5 line spacing).
- A short description of your present duties/ position and your personal professional goals, indicating your envisaged field of activities and duty level.
- An overview on seminars, workshops or conferences visited in Germany after finishing your studies in Germany.
The PDF-document has to be named ‘Last-name_First-name_country’ (e.g. Maier_Tobias_Germany).
Please note: Completeness of personal data mentioned in the application form will affect your eligibility as a participant.
With your application you agree that your data (name, organization, email) is given to selected company representatives and that you might appear on pictures which will be published on the DAAD website after the event.
With your application you commit yourself to participate in the whole program (expert seminar, trade fair visit and social program).
The program of the visit of the trade fair Hannover Messe 2019 is prepared by the DAAD.
All applicants will be informed about the results of the selection process in December 2018.
Travel Dates
The date of arrival in Germany will be 24 March 2019
(arrival at Frankfurt International Airport, FRA).
The date of departure from Germany will be 6 April 2019
(departure from Hanover / Frankfurt).
Detail information for applicants
Coordination office
For any further questions please contact the organizational team:
Mrs. Franziska Böhm
DITSL Witzenhausen
Steinstrasse 19
37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 5542 607 35
E-mail: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Further links:
» Department of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Kassel
