Ina Brandes, Minister of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, visited the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology at Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR) today to see the innovative research being carried out there. The Minister visited the Digital Textile Print Shop and the Innovatorium.

Students presented to the Minister how reuse in combination with augmented reality can turn a durable and robust denim jacket into eye-catching and sustainable fashion. All it takes is a click on the cell phone and the simple jacket blossoms without the need for water or heat energy. Students also showed how digital 3D printing on textiles can be used to create new functions and styles: Particular highlights include a chair with an individualized support function, fashionable shoe elements or futuristic clothing. These items underline the positive benefits of a dynamic combination of humans and artificial intelligence (AI).

The range of textile research was extended even further in a small exhibition. Chemical recycling of dyed polyester textiles is demonstrated using textiles and the recovered raw materials. Bog plants, which form the raw material for new textile fibers, inspire the young talents to create new materials. Technical knitted fabrics for vehicle interiors demonstrate the diversity of textile applications.

Prof. Dr. Vossebein (Dean of the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology) and Prof. Dr. Rabe (Head of the Research Institute for Textiles and Clothing): "The future of this industry is closely linked to digitalization, augmented reality and AI, but without people and their intelligence, all of this is nothing, because only where creativity flourishes does science thrive. We are making this visible again today."

"By teaching with a practical focus, we are training the specialists of tomorrow in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Hochschule Niederrhein combines the forward-looking topics of artificial intelligence and sustainability. In doing so, we are strengthening North Rhine-Westphalia as a location for science and business and making people's lives better," said Minister Brandes during the visit.

The Hochschule Niederrhein's Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology is one of the largest study locations for young textile engineers in Europe and stands for many years of sound teaching education, but also for innovation, sustainability and thus for a modern form of the textile and clothing industry. It offers excellent conditions for a wide range of studies leading to Bachelor and Master of Science degrees, taught in both German and English.