Wiesbaden and HSRM unite to transform social work education and practice
Rhine-Main University of Applied Sciences (HSRM) and Wiesbaden's Social Affairs Department have launched a new five-year partnership. The agreement aims to make social work more visible, better connected, and more appealing to students and professionals. Both sides will work together to tackle real-world challenges in the field.
The collaboration focuses on applied research, practical experience, and knowledge sharing. Students will develop projects, write theses based on real cases, and gain hands-on insights into social work. Meanwhile, research findings will help refine and expand existing services.
President of HSRM, Prof. Dr. Eva Waller, stressed the importance of testing academic research against local government realities. She believes this partnership will bridge the gap between theory and practice. Dr. Patricia Becher, Head of Wiesbaden's Social Affairs Department, described the move as strategic, addressing rising demands and increasingly complex social issues.
The agreement encourages exchange between professionals from different systems. It pools expertise, opens new opportunities, and strengthens professional development in social work. Both institutions hope to improve service quality while preparing the next generation of social workers for future challenges.
The five-year partnership will foster closer ties between education and practice. Students will gain practical experience, while research will directly inform social services in Wiesbaden. The initiative sets out to enhance the field's relevance and impact in the years ahead.