Artificial intelligence came into play at the start of the ceremony. Prof. Christian Bohn, who welcomed the 28 students and 18 sponsors as Vice President for Studies and Teaching at Clausthal University of Technology, had prepared an experiment. First, he read out a greeting that he had created with the help of ChatGPT. The computer program based on artificial intelligence is currently a hot topic. The greeting was flawless, but somewhat empty and not formulated in a gender-equitable way. Prof. Bohn then went on to say what he actually wanted to say - it became more concrete, entertaining and personal.

It was precisely the personal aspect that ran like a red thread through the event. The aim of the handover ceremony was for the scholarship holders and their sponsors to get to know each other personally, make initial contacts and possibly develop this relationship further. "With this face-to-face event, we are giving the Deutschlandstipendium at Clausthal University of Technology a face," emphasized Prof. Gunther Brenner, who has been the project's representative at the university in the Harz region for four years. Around 100 Deutschlandstipendium scholarships have been awarded since then. Andrea Langhorst (Alumni Management), who also organized the ceremony together with students, is also involved in the funding programme.

Germany Scholarship provides students with 300 euros per month

The Deutschlandstipendium is a merit-based scholarship and supports committed students so that they can devote themselves intensively to their studies or social tasks. It runs for one year at a time. Scholarship holders receive 300 euros per month. The special feature of this scholarship is the mixed funding. One half - 1,800 euros per year - is paid by the federal government, while TU Clausthal has to raise the other half from companies or private individuals, associations, societies and foundations. The private sector can also contribute smaller individual amounts starting at 150 euros. In addition to talent and particularly good performance, selection criteria include social aspects, for example social commitment or special personal circumstances, such as caring for family members.

One person who received the Deutschlandstipendium at Clausthal University of Technology several years ago is Anton Koshelev. At the ceremony, the polymer chemist, who is now employed by Volkswagen AG in the field of e-mobility, reported on his positive experiences with the program. Afterwards, all new scholarship holders and their sponsors were asked to come forward individually in the Audimax to receive their certificates and say a few words. The event concluded with a tour of the university's impressive geo-collection under the guidance of Dr. Wilfried Ließmann and a reception.

TU Clausthal is once again asking for financial support for the next funding period 2023/24. Donors will receive a corresponding certificate and will be listed on the university's homepage with their consent. Contact persons for sponsors are Prof. Bohn, Prof. Brenner and Ms. Langhorst (05323-72-2160).

Numerous sponsors get involved

The Hans-Joachim Tessner Foundation from Goslar, the Association of Friends of Clausthal University of Technology, Volksbank im Harz, Sparkasse Hildesheim Goslar Peine, the Philipp Jakob Wieland Vocational Training Center, Exxon Mobil Deutschland, Fest GmbH from Goslar, Ottobock, Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann, Siemens Mobility, Taniobis from Goslar and TU alumni such as Dipl.-Ing. Karl-Heinz Sauermann, Dipl.-Ing. Frank Stoffregen, Dipl.-Ing. Yine Zhang with N&H Technology GmbH, Hermann Block with Nanosil GmbH as well as emeriti and professors of Clausthal University of Technology, such as Prof. Hans-Peter Beck.

Further information on the Deutschlandstipendium

Contact:
TU Clausthal
Press spokesperson
Christian Ernst
Phone: +49 5323 72-3904
Email: christian.ernst@tu-clausthal.de