University of Kaiserslautern

The University of Kaiserslautern was founded in 1970 and is the sole technology and natural sciences university in the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.  The university is research based and students can select to study from more than 100 courses of studies across twelve departments.  It was initially part of the University of Trier but became independent after separation in 1975. Key areas of focus for the university are technology related areas, including: electrotechnology, electrical and computer engineering, and computer Science.  Industrial placements and opportunities for international studies guarantees academic training that is closely linked to the reality of business practice.  The university’s campus is located on the edge of the world-famous UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Palatinate Forest characterised by chestnut trees, pine forests, imposing sandstone cliffs and home to lynxes, wildcats and peregrine falcons. The forest is the largest single woodland space in Germany. The university boasts a sports hall, which includes facilities for badminton, volleyball and table tennis, while students can run, play hockey, basketball and football in the accompanying sports grounds.  The university often hosts specialist congresses, conferences, concerts, exhibitions, the university ball, and an annual summer festival drawing in thousands of students and visitors.  The university works with renowned research facilities including the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence and the Max-Planck Institute for Software Systems to benefit their students after graduation.   Many alumni go on to work within technology, including Friedemann Mattern, scientist and developer of the vector clock algorithm.