Sub-Saharan project launched

Scientists from Tanzania, Mozambique and Ghana are guests at the university. The reason: a DAAD project dealing with the introduction of degree programmes on corporate environmental information systems in these countries has started today.

Oldenburg business informatics specialist Prof. Dr Jorge Marx Gómez is leading the project entitled "Export of the Training and Master Programmes Sustainable and Environmental Informatics in the Sub-Sahara". The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding it with around 300,000 euros for the next two years. The Oldenburg business informatics experts will then work with their partners in the target countries to develop subject and target group-specific curricula, study modules and training units and look for ways to anchor the degree programmes and training programmes on corporate environmental information systems at the university.

"Sustainability and internationalisation are goals that are particularly close to the university's heart," explained Prof. Dr. Bernd Siebenhüner, Vice President for Young Academics and Quality Management, at the launch event. Prof Dr Jorge Marx Gómez and his team bring both together in an ideal way with their project. "They are utilising their many years of experience in other continents to support change in one of the poorest and most dynamic regions in the world," says Siebenhüner.

"The project works in two directions. On the one hand, it strengthens our international relationships and networks, which I fundamentally recognise as very valuable. Secondly, it symbolises our global responsibility. We have considerable expertise that is in demand in other areas of the world. I am delighted that we are sharing it with the sub-Saharan region in this way," comments Lord Mayor Prof. Dr Gerd Schwandner on the project.

Over the next two days of the kick-off event, the project partners will discuss what the curricula should look like and how the degree programmes should be set up at the universities. They are also preparing a survey of graduates from African universities and local companies on corporate environmental information systems.