International Cooperation Between Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and the University of Sfax Strengthens Research, Exchange, and Intercultural Learning

What initially began as a research collaboration has now developed into a lively exchange featuring scientific publications, multiple DAAD and Erasmus+ projects, and a Humboldt Fellowship. To date, more than 30 students, doctoral candidates, and staff members from both institutions have benefited from this exchange. In addition to six Tunisian exchange students, Prof. Dr. Khaled Elleuch, Director of ENIS, has also visited HSBI’s Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics.

Well-Equipped: The Materials Testing Laboratory at HSBI

A key element of the exchange is the opportunity for Tunisian students to complete part of their diploma thesis work in the excellently equipped laboratory at HSBI. The Materials Testing Laboratory offers a wide selection of modern analytical methods for material characterization and testing, such as high-resolution scanning electron microscopy with EDX, bend testing for examining surface structures at the nanoscale, and light microscopy with high-resolution digital imaging. This equipment provides students from Sfax with new analytical possibilities that are only available to a limited extent at ENIS—where research is often conducted under more difficult conditions using older devices. Nevertheless, researchers in Sfax achieve remarkable results through improvisation, expertise, and high technical competence. Additionally, many other scientifically successful labs and motivated research groups at Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics participate in the Erasmus+ exchange by supervising thesis projects. The collaboration thrives on mutual complementarity: modern infrastructure on one side, methodological creativity on the other.

Thesis Projects with Practical Relevance

The exchange makes thesis projects visible whose particular strength lies in their direct practical relevance and real application possibilities. One Tunisian student is examining anodized aluminum samples produced in Sfax using the SEM at HSBI. She analyzes how and where initial damage appears in the protective layer under mechanical stress. Another student is conducting corrosion simulations on steel and copper alloys—using COMSOL software. The goal is to better understand corrosion susceptibility in saltwater groundwater—a widespread problem in Tunisia—as well as the corrosion susceptibility of components in existing desalination plants. This work is accompanied by corrosion tests to compare with the simulation results. Such simulations not only save time and resources but also provide precise predictions about material behavior under real conditions.

Intercultural Impulses — Academically and Personally Enriching

Beyond the academic work, the exchange is also beneficial for interpersonal relations. The Tunisian students impress with their high motivation, willingness to learn, and multilingualism: they master Arabic, French, and English with confidence. "While students from Bielefeld often act pragmatically and more independently, the guests from Tunisia work particularly reflectively, ask important follow-up questions, and have great scientific curiosity — which leads to a very productive collaboration in the lab," reports Thomas Kordisch, Professor of Materials Engineering and Project Management at HSBI, about his experiences.

Also striking is the high proportion of women in engineering: Over 50 percent of students at ENIS are female — and in the current exchange year, four of the six participants from Tunisia were women. The background is the performance-based admission system: Only the best school graduates receive a university place. And in many cases, it's young women who achieve particularly good grades. One student reports that her studies have even changed her personal daily life: "I now know how technical systems work — I repair things myself, install lights or faucets. I don't need to call a man for that anymore." In engineering in Tunisia, there's no classic gender division. Women are naturally active in labs, internships, and workshops, whether grinding, assembling, or working with machines and materials. Everyone pitches in equally, and technical tasks aren't a male privilege. Equality is lived everyday reality. Professionally, practically, and in interpersonal relations, the group reports.

During the International Week, the Tunisians offered a culinary journey through their homeland in the HSBI main building. Visitors to the International Week could try Kafteji (fried vegetable salad) and Mechouia salad (grilled salad), along with Omek Houriya (carrot salad). Hearty dishes like Batbout (stuffed flatbread), Brik (stuffed pastry), and Tajine (an egg-based dish) rounded out the offering, naturally accompanied by traditional couscous. The typically Tunisian black tea with peanuts provided a surprising finale. A successful opportunity to experience culture through taste.

The cooperation between HSBI and ENIS impressively demonstrates how international collaboration builds bridges — between labs, countries, and life worlds. Access to modern technology on one side and strong initiative on the other enables high-level research — and opens new perspectives for all participants. (jrf)