The President of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, Prof. Dr Eva Schmitt-Rodermund, emphasised the importance of the cooperation at the signing ceremony: "By pooling our expertise, we are creating new synergies that will enrich both research and practice-oriented education at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences and promote the transfer of knowledge to the economy," said Schmitt-Rodermund.
Dr.-Ing.Mathias Reuschel, Chairman of the S&P Group, emphasised: "We are looking forward to an even more closely coordinated development with the FH Potsdam, primarily through our colleagues at S&P Potsdam. However, as a company cluster, we also want to inspire and promote applied science across the borders between Berlin Brandenburg and Saxony."
The cooperation was initiated by Prof. Dr J?rg R?der, Professor of Structural Conservation, Building in Existing Contexts and Timber Construction at the Department of Civil Engineering.
The S&P company cluster, which includes leading engineering, architecture, research and IT companies from the new federal states, contributes its practical expertise. This includes, in particular, the fields of structural and civil engineering, building technology, materials testing and the development of digital solutions for the construction industry.
Potsdam University of Applied Sciences complements this practice-orientated focus with its scientific and interdisciplinary profile in the three strategic profile lines "Education, Participation, Community", "Data, Interaction, Knowledge" and "Design, Construction, Conservation". Among other things, innovative approaches to teaching are to be developed, such as guest lectures, excursions and practical final theses.

Key areas of cooperation
The central topics of cooperation include

• the development of joint research projects in the fields of architecture, civil engineering and digitalisation,
• the integration of practical elements into the degree programme through internships, seminars and other formats,
• the joint promotion of the engineering profession and measures to attract young professionals,
• the development of cooperative models such as tandem programmes, joint professorships and innovative approaches to personnel development.

A joint advisory board will oversee the content of the cooperation and set the objectives for the following year on an annual basis. Both contractual partners have also agreed to support the cooperation through targeted public relations work and to further raise the profile of Potsdam as a centre of innovation.
By signing the cooperation agreement, the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences and the S&P company cluster are sending a strong signal for the linking of science and practice as well as the sustainable development of the region.

Contact
Prof. Dr J?rg R?der
Professor of Building Conservation, Construction in Existing Contexts and Timber Construction
Potsdam University of Applied Sciences
joerg.roeder@fh-potsdam.de

Dr.-Ing. Timo Jacob
Managing Partner
S&P Sahlmann Planungsgesellschaft f¨¹r Bauwesen mbH Potsdam
t.jacob@sup-sahlmann.com