==Project #1 - Mind Matters==
Women represent only 35% [[File:Mind Matters.png|thumb|link=Special:FilePath/Mind Matters.png]]At TUHH, student well-being is increasingly being recognized as a vital part of the global STEM workforce academic and just 28% of STEM students at personal success. The TUHHalready offers valuable counseling support and targeted workshops for different student groups, helping them manage challenges such as stress, cultural adjustment, and academic pressure.
In STEM fields Yet, women even with these resources, many students hesitate to seek help. The reasons are often face societal stereotypesnot about access but about comfort; it can be the fear of being judged, isolationmisunderstood, lack of mentorship, and gender bias in education or seen as “struggling.” This hesitation leaves a gap between the support available and the workforcesupport actually received.
This project aims '''''Mind Matters''''' seeks to close the gender bridge that gap in STEM . It is an initiative to create a culture of open and stigma-free conversations around mental health at TUHH by creating a platform that fosters a digital and physical community for female students and faculty in STEM. The platform will centralize resources and offer peer-aim is not only to-peer supportthose facing visible mental health challenges but also to provide a space for any student who wants to talk, mentorship opportunitiesreflect, and collaboration to enhance the educational experience for women at TUHHor simply connect.
The initiative will include offerings such as study groupsvision is to build a safe, chatroomswelcoming space, networking eventsboth physical and digital, where students can share experiences, coaching workshopsfind peer support, and inspirational talkslearn new ways to care for their wellbeing. By connecting female students The concept extends beyond traditional counselling by including peer-to existing tools -peer reflection circles, creative expression sessions (like journaling or open mics), and initiatives, the platform will empower them to pursue leadership roles in what is currently community events that strengthen a male-dominated environmentsense of belonging.
Other universities in GermanyMind Matters will also collaborate closely with student bodies and faculty members to complement existing support systems while encouraging more informal, like RWTH Aachen and TU Dortmundeveryday engagement with wellbeing. Ultimately, have already developed innovative tools Mind Matters aims to empower women, such as shift the CHEFIN projectconversation around mental health, which supports female students on their path from something personal and private to leadership rolessomething collective, open, and empowering for the entire TUHH community.
===Strategic Priorities===
'''[1] Creating Establish a supportive network central point of access for all mental health and community for female students at TUHHwellbeing resources.''' '''[2] Encourage peer-led and informal support systems (e.g., reflection cafés, art or journaling spaces).'''
'''[23] Expanding mentorship Strengthen community belonging by bridging cultural and leadership training opportunitiesacademic gaps, especially for international students.'''
'''[34] Facilitating community engagement Integrate preventive wellbeing education into campus life through events, workshops, and collaborationdigital campaigns.'''
===Next Steps===
'''[1] Develop the platform structure with a pilot group of female studentsResearch existing mental health and wellbeing programs already offered at TUHH and nearby universities.'''
'''[2] Organize the first series of networking Design a prototype template for ''Mind Matters'' that encourages students to engage and mentorship events for early 2025participate.'''
'''[3] Partner with TUHH Career Center and other local organizations Collect student feedback to expand refine the initiativeconcept into something both useful and approachable.'''
=Cohort Fall 2023='''[[Fellow:Jeremy Strätling|Jeremy Strätling]4]Begin testing with small-scale pilot activities like informal wellbeing sessions or peer cafés.'''
==Project #2 - EcoTUHH==[[FellowFile:Simran Pal KishanEcoTUHH.png|Simran Pal Kishanthumb|link=Special:FilePath/EcoTUHH.png]]Sustainability has become one of the most defining topics of our timeand TUHH, as a university of technology, is uniquely positioned to lead by example. Across campus, several initiatives already contribute to a greener TUHH: the Mensa’s vegetarian and vegan days, discounts on leftover food, and carbon footprint labels on meals are meaningful steps in encouraging responsible choices. Some previous projects, such as bicycle stand programs and Blue Engineering student initiatives, have also shown how much students care about sustainable living.
[[Fellow:Sophia Schmid|Sophia Schmid]]Yet, many of these efforts remain isolated, and students often struggle to see how their individual actions connect to the bigger sustainability picture on campus. This is where EcoTUHH steps in.
[[Fellow:Vedant Satyakam Lal|Vedant Satyakam Lal]]==Project #1 - Innovation Week==[[File:Uiweek flyer front&back.png|thumb|link=Special:FilePath/Uiweek_flyer_front&back.png]]This project seeks to organize a multi-day EcoTUHH envisions the TUHH campus event that encompasses as a diverse range of activities. Over the course of these daysliving laboratory for sustainability, students and alumni can look forward to engaging with future lecturesa place where ideas are not just discussed but experienced, hands-on workshopstested, and opportunities shared. It aims to connect with the institutes around campus. Additionally, numerous networking events will be available, facilitating connections between empower students, alumnistaff, and faculty membersto collaboratively turn sustainability into visible, everyday practice.
The primary objective of this initiative is will bring together existing resources and new student-led projects under one umbrella, from waste-sorting workshops and digital carbon awareness campaigns to expand students' horizons and foster stronger connections among studentseco-challenges, alumnicampus gardening, and facultyenergy-saving experiments. Furthermore, this event provides a unique platform It encourages learning by doing and creates opportunities for interdisciplinary interactions, encouraging collaboration hands-on engagement with real sustainability problems and knowledge exchange across different academic disciplinessolutions.
===Strategic priorities==='''[1] Strengthening bonds among studentsPartnerships with TUHH’s Sustainability Office, alumniFacilities Management, student AGs like Blue Engineering, and city or industry partners will play a central role in making this initiative both practical and faculty'''scalable.
'''[2] Promoting interdisciplinary encounters'''Ultimately, EcoTUHH aims to cultivate a mindset where sustainability is not a side project or a once-a-year event, but a shared daily habit that defines how the TUHH community learns, works, and lives together. It is a step toward transforming the university into a truly sustainable ecosystem, by the students, for the students, and with the planet in mind.
===Next StepsStrategic priorities==='''[1] Get feedback from AlumniPromote hands-Officeon, student-led sustainability projects (e.g., waste sorting workshops, tree planting, energy audits).'''
'''[2] Get feedback from the deaneries''' ==Project #2 - Sustainability in Practice==[[File:Screenshot 2023-09-24 231238.jpg|thumb|202x202px|link=Special:FilePath/Screenshot_2023-09-24_231238.jpg]]Sustainability in Practice is a dynamic Enhance digital and interdisciplinary course designed to empower students from diverse academic backgrounds to apply operational sustainability principles in real-world scenariosthrough automation and paperless systems. In today's globalized world, the concept of sustainability goes far beyond environmental concerns and touches every facet of society, including business, engineering, marketing, law, and more. This course brings together 100 students from various disciplines to work collaboratively in groups of ten, fostering cross-disciplinary understanding, teamwork, and innovation. At least 2 students in each group will be fluent in German to address safety and legal aspects.The main idea is to prepare students to learn to work with people of diverse backgrounds. By involving startups and small companies , the students would get to work in positions of responsibility which would prepare them for being future drivers of innovation and sustainability ''
===Strategic priorities==='''[13] Better bonding between institutes , students Create awareness and companies in engagement using gamified and around TUHHsocial formats like Eco-Challenges or sustainability hackathons.'''
'''[24] Preparing students Build partnerships with the Sustainability Office, city networks, and local industries for future work situationsreal-world collaboration.'''[[File:Screenshot 2023-09-24 231413.jpg|thumb|163x163px|link=Special:FilePath/Screenshot_2023-09-24_231413.jpg]]
===Next Steps===
'''[1] Get feedback from facultyResearch what sustainability initiatives and partnerships already exist at TUHH.'''
'''[2] Get feedback from start ups Develop a motivating project template to help students propose and administrationlead their own eco-projects.'''
==Project #'''[3 ] Identify quick- Ideathon==win pilot activities to make the project visible early (e.g., automatic lights or digital dashboards).'''
The Ideathon is not just an Innovation Contest; it's a semester-long journey that fosters creativity and sustainability at our university. At the start of the semester, students are presented ''[4] Engage key institutional stakeholders to align EcoTUHH with a challenge: to conceive innovative ideas that can enhance TUHH’s sustainability within our academic communitygoals.'''==Project #3 - Tech-Detox Lock-In==[[File:Screenshot 2023-09Tech-23 225201Detox In.png|thumb|link=Special:FilePath/Screenshot_2023-09Tech-23_225201Detox In.png]]Students form groups and embark on a collective mission to tackle this challenge head-on. They brainstorm, research, and prototype solutions, guided by their passion for creating positive change.
As the semester comes to a close, we celebrate their dedication and ingenuity with a grand finale '''''The Tech-Detox Lock- the Ideathon Fest. This event In''''' project is designed to give TUHH students a convergence of excellence, where CEOs valuable opportunity to disconnect from various industries, esteemed Professors specializing in Innovation digital devices and Entrepreneurship, members of the University Board, refocus on personal wellbeing and other influential stakeholders come together to witness the fruits of our students' labormeaningful social engagement for an entire day. Attendees can participate By participating in engaging gamesorganized weekly or bi-weekly Tech Detox events, listen students are encouraged to inspirational stories shared by accomplished CEOslock away their phones and gadgets, participate stepping away from social media and random internet browsing to fully immerse themselves in enlightening panel discussionscollaborative hands-on activities, brainstorming sessions, and explore an expo featuring innovative startupscreative projects with their peers.
The highlight of This intentional break from digital distractions promotes concentration, supports mental health, and allows for shared reflection where participants can showcase what they have learned or created during the event is when student groups take detox—helping students rediscover the stage power of offline experiences and enabling them to pitch their prototypes. The winning prototype is not just recognized; it's actually implemented create positive impact within our the universitycommunity.To keep engagement high, leaving a lasting impact on our sustainability efforts. Moreovercampus-wide reminders and community messaging via posters, the winning student WhatsApp groups are honored , and awarded for their outstanding contributionssocial media will highlight the benefits of digital detoxing, while small rewards like coffee vouchers or snacks will be offered to students who complete full sessions.
===Strategic priorities===
'''[1] Fostering innovation Creating a device-free environment to foster genuine focus and sustainability in studentssocial connection'''
'''[2] Offering interested students practical exposure to UIF Ensuring sustained student participation through engaging activities and I&Epositive reinforcement along with rewarding offline activities.'''
'''[3] Networking Promote mindful technology use as a campus-wide movement to strengthen student wellbeing and Industry engagementin-person community.'''
===Next Steps===
'''[1] Get feedback from Start up dock''' '''[2] Get feedback from the University board/deaneriesTest engagement strategies like language cafes and advertise in student hotspots (e.g., departments, mensa, newsletters) '''
<br />==Project #4 - One discipline vs'''[2] Position detox as a flexible tool for digital balance—helping, not restricting, student life. many – what works better for you and your project?=='''
This month'''[3] Collaborate with student bodies and wellbeing offices to scale Tech Lock-long program allows students to experience the benefits and challenges of working in In as a team with friends from their own field versus working in a multidisciplinary team with strangers. This enables them to find out for themselves what works better and what should be considered in advancerecurring, widely embraced initiative. '''
Students apply for the program with three or four friends from their field of study==Project #4 - TUHH Business Games==[[File:TUHH Business Games Render. In png|alt=|thumb]]At TUHH, students often learn about innovation in theory but do not always get the first week (work phase 1), these teams work on chance to try it out in a task set by a company or an institute at the university on the topic of sustainability. To give the participants some orientation, three workshops will be held on design thinking, prototyping fun and storytellingrelaxed way. In addition, a person from the company/institute providing the challenge will help Many students with any questions feel that ariseevents about entrepreneurship or business are too formal or only meant for certain programs. At the end of work phase 1The TUHH Business Games aims to change that by making innovation learning something anyone can join, the teams will present their solutions to the challenges in front of a jury consisting of professorsenjoy, company staff and studentslearn from.
The second week TUHH Business Games is all about reflecting a playful, hands-on event where students from different backgrounds come together to solve real challenges from companies and the community. In small teams, they brainstorm ideas, build quick concepts, and pitch their solutions at the previous end of the session. It is about exploring creativity, learning to work phasewith new people, and seeing how ideas can take shape when everyone contributes. What has proven successful? Where are missed potentials? What could be done differently next time?
In Instead of focusing only on competition, the third weekBusiness Games focus on collaboration, curiosity, the second work phase beginsand real experience. This time the students are mixedStudents learn by doing, so they form a team with strangers from other disciplinesnot by sitting through presentations. The rest is similar to the first work phase. They are given event also gives them a task and have to develop a solution under guidance. The workshops taste of how creative problem-solving works in industry while keeping the third week focus on the benefits and challenges of interdisciplinarity and other concepts of innovation atmosphere light and entrepreneurship. At the end of the week, again, the group members present their resultswelcoming.
In week fourThe goal is to build a space where students can experiment, students are expected to reflect on their work in the interdisciplinary teammake mistakes, and learn together. At closing of Over time, the program, there will be Business Games can grow into a final regular event where the institute that brings together students, tutors, and industry company partners will come together with the students around innovation and have interesting inspiring talks/discussionsteamwork. Finally, the jury will announce the winning group of the competition, which will receive a fabulous prize.
In general, students should be able to dedicate 4-6 hours of work per day during the two work phases. During the reflection weeks, the effort should be 2 hours per week.
[[File:Prototype 4-2.pdf|thumb|link=Special:FilePath/Prototype_4-2.pdf]]
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===Strategic priorities===
'''[1] Have Make innovation learning approachable through fun, hands-on challenges.''' '''[2] Create collaboration between students experience the benefits of working within from different programs and outside their own field of studybackgrounds.'''
'''[23] Strengthening interdisciplinarity on campusConnect student creativity with real industry challenges.'''
'''[34] Increase awareness/knowledge of innovation and entrepreneurship Build continuity by turning the Business Games into a recurring, student-driven event.'''
===Next Steps===
'''[1] Obtain feedback from university staffDevelop simple, engaging game modules that encourage creativity and teamwork.'''
'''[2] Contact Startup Port Get feedback from the University and Fishing for Experience startup port stakeholders''' '''[3] Partner with companies to bring real problem statements and mentors to learn how the event.''' '''[4] Pilot the event on campus and collect feedback to build a programmake improvements for the next iteration.''' <br />
=Cohort Fall 2024=