Project Overview
The project “Lehre-HOCH-Forschung” (teaching meets high-level research) is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and aims to establish research-oriented teaching much earlier than traditional university formats. Within this project, the TECO group and the Chair for Pervasive Computing Systems at KIT implement sub-projects such as “Praxis der Software-Entwicklung (PSE)” and “Praxis der Forschung (PdF)”. Start: 2012 – present.
Our Goal
Develop and integrate new course structures that give students early exposure to research (not just lectures). In “Praxis der Forschung”, students go through the phases of a real research project: planning, proposal writing, executing, publishing results. Encourage students into research careers (some undergraduate students are going on to PhD positions at TECO).
Highlights
Students involved in all phases of real research, including writing short proposals and publishing outcomes. One student project even won a “Best Paper Award”. Encourages transition from undergraduate student → PhD researcher at the same institute. Partnership across various computer science chairs at KIT for joint implementation of teaching-research crossover.
Impact
Elevates the level of undergraduate education by blurring the line between teaching and research — making learning more active, project-based and publication-oriented. Helps to build a pipeline of research-minded students and future researchers, strengthening the academic environment. Provides proof that student projects can result in publishable research and aid in recruitment of talent for doctoral studies. Acts as a model for integrating research into teaching in other institutions and disciplines.
