Exchange on Research, Transfer and International Collaboration
A high-ranking delegation from Mersin University visited the Innovation Campus Lemgo on 27 July 2026. The meeting focused on potential joint research activities, exchange between the participating institutions and opportunities for long-term collaboration in research and teaching.
The delegation included Prof. Dr. Erol Yasar, Rector of Mersin University, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hakan Öztürk, Vice Rector and member of the Faculty of Medicine, and Prof. Dr. Caner Özdemir, Dean of Research and Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
The guests were welcomed by representatives of Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts (TH OWL), Fraunhofer IOSB-INA, Centrum Industrial IT (CIIT) and the City of Lemgo. Markus Baier, Mayor of the Old Hanseatic City of Lemgo, also took part in the exchange. The inIT was represented by its Director, Prof. Dr. Henning Trsek.
Universities and Research Location at a Glance
At the start of the visit, Mersin University and TH OWL presented their respective structures, academic focus areas and development perspectives. Prof. Dr. Yvonne-Christin Knepper-Bartel, Vice President for Education and Sustainability, introduced TH OWL and provided an overview of teaching, research and transfer activities across its three campuses.
Founded in 1992, Mersin University has more than 40,000 students, 19 faculties and 40 research centres, according to the university. Its broad academic profile offers numerous opportunities for collaboration in research and teaching.
Learn more about Mersin University: https://www.mersin.edu.tr
Anja Moldehn, Managing Director of Centrum Industrial IT, then introduced the CIIT and its role as an interface between science and industry at the Innovation Campus Lemgo. She highlighted in particular the collaboration between the research and transfer partners based at the site. Hans Joachim Gödeke from DIRKS Solutions GmbH, which is located at the CIIT, complemented the discussion by providing an industry perspective.
Insights into Application-Oriented Research
As the visit continued, Florian Pethig introduced Fraunhofer IOSB-INA and its research focus areas. Nissrin Heymann then guided the delegation through SmartFactoryOWL, providing insights into current research and application scenarios in intelligent automation.
At the Future Food Factory OWL, Laura Meissner demonstrated how new technologies for food production are researched, tested and further developed under practical conditions.
The tours highlighted the close connection between research and application at the Innovation Campus Lemgo. Its various demonstration and research environments provide opportunities to evaluate new technologies under real-world conditions together with partners from academia and industry.
Potential Areas for Joint Research
Prof. Dr. Henning Trsek presented the research activities of inIT and outlined potential areas of academic overlap with Mersin University. In the subsequent discussion, the participants explored possible starting points for joint research and development projects.
The exchange also covered potential formats for international cooperation. These include joint teaching and research activities, reciprocal research stays and opportunities for student exchange.
Memorandum of Understanding Lays the Foundation for Further Collaboration
By signing a Memorandum of Understanding, the participating institutions reaffirmed their interest in further developing their collaboration. The agreement is intended to provide a framework for continued professional exchange and for exploring concrete joint initiatives.
At the end of the visit, the participants agreed to build on the contacts established and further define potential areas of cooperation. The focus will be on both joint research topics and international exchange in teaching, studies and academia.