Practical training in the field of monument conservation
The cooperation includes specific measures such as the supervision of project and final theses, joint events and research projects. The close link between theory and practice, which allows students to work on real restoration projects, is particularly noteworthy. This practical training not only promotes the scientific quality of the work, but also optimally prepares students for the challenges of monument conservation.
Prof. Dr Eva Schmitt-Rodermund, President of the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, emphasises the importance of this cooperation: "The combination of science, research and regional practice is particularly important to us. With this agreement, we are sending a clear signal about the relevance of cultural heritage in Brandenburg. By contributing our expertise and at the same time learning from the practical challenges on the ground, we are creating valuable synergies between the university and the region."

Research and cooperation potential in Prignitz
The Prignitz region is characterised by a large number of important heritage sites that offer great potential for research and practice. Prof. Dr Angelika Rauch, Professor of Conservation and Restoration with a focus on wood, emphasises: "There are many art treasures in the Prignitz district that are of great interest both from a conservation and scientific point of view. The interdisciplinary cooperation between students, science and regional partners enables us to develop innovative concepts and promote application-oriented solutions for the protection of historical monuments."
The cooperation not only includes practical work on historical objects, but also systematic research into their conservation and utilisation possibilities. The district of Prignitz actively supports this cooperation by providing access to valuable objects, suggesting topics and providing practical support on site.
Christian M¨¹ller, District Administrator of the district of Prignitz, adds: "This cooperation shows that we can bring scientific expertise to Prignitz even without a local university. We are contributing to an exciting and practice-orientated education. At the same time, we are arousing students' curiosity about our Prignitz and making it an attractive place to live and work."

Sustainability and future prospects
The cooperation agreement between the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences and the district of Prignitz was concluded for an indefinite period and is to be continuously developed. A particular focus is on creating sustainable structures that will benefit both the university and the region in the long term.
"With this cooperation, we are emphasising our commitment to closely linking science and society. Together with our partners in the region, we are creating innovative solutions for monument conservation and making a valuable contribution to preserving our shared cultural heritage," says Prof. Dr Angelika Rauch.

Excellence in restoration
The Conservation and Restoration degree programme at Potsdam University of Applied Sciences is one of the rare degree programmes in Germany and combines scientific methodology with practical application. The programme focuses on the conservation of architectural monuments, but also includes the museum sector. The proximity to architecture and civil engineering, numerous architectural monuments, works of art and museums in Brandenburg and Berlin as well as co-operation with partners such as the district of Prignitz offer optimal conditions for a strong practical orientation. By working on real restoration projects, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for complex professional challenges and contributes to the sustainable preservation of important cultural objects.

Further information on the degree programme can be found at: /en/study-further-education/degree-programs/conservation-and-restauration-ba