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Winter School Winter School - CfA 2027

Mixed Media and Human Data Interaction

Japan Gateway Winter School 2027

University of Aizu (Japan) | March 6-14, 2027

The ability to work across disciplines and collaborate with others is essential for success in an increasingly international world. As Lichtenberg observed, “Who only knows chemistry, understands even that poorly.” We believe that truly interesting problems cannot be fully understood through the lens of a single discipline.

Whether your background is in design, engineering, media technology, or another field, this winter school invites you to step beyond the boundaries of your own discipline and discover new possibilities through hands-on, experiential learning.

This seven-day intensive programme at the University of Aizu brings together students from Germany and Japan to collaborate on an interdisciplinary project that combines computer science with human-centered disciplines. It joins the University of Aizu’s strengths in computer science and engineering with the expertise of Hochschule Düsseldorf (HSD) – University of Applied Sciences in digital transformation, exploring the human role in shaping digital futures. The curriculum covers topics such as human factors, human–machine interaction, and mixed reality (AR, VR, and beyond).

Participants will be given a 3D model of Sazaedo, a unique Buddhist temple in Aizu-Wakamatsu built around two interlocking spiral ramps. This configuration lets visitors climb and descend without ever meeting, a paradox of architecture. It will serve as the starting point for the mini-projects that student groups develop during the winter school, such as virtual tours, video games, virtual productions, distributed productions and mixed-reality experiences. By incorporating machine learning and spatial audio, they will make these projects more immersive and interactive, strengthening users’ sense of presence and engagement.

FAQ

Who can apply, and which documents do I need?

All enroled students of Hochschule Düsseldorf from all faculties can apply. You need a certificate of enrolment, a current transcript of records and proof of English proficiency at B2 level or higher (German Abitur certificate, language certificate or other supporting documents) in addition to your CV and motivation letter.

Do I need to speak Japanese or have a computer science background?

No. The working language of the Winter School is English (B2 required), and the programme is open to students from design, engineering, media technology and all other fields. Japanese skills are not required, but they are taken into account in the evaluation.

Do I need to have been to Japan before?

No, previous experience in Japan is not required. We encourage students who have not yet experienced an academic exchange in Japan to apply. If you already have experience, you may of course mention it in your motivation letter.

Application

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online application form by 11.11.2026 (23:59 CET):

Apply Here

Please log in using your HSD account. Upload these documents as PDF files:

Certificate of Enrollment
Current transcript of records
Proof of B2 English proficiency (German Abitur certificate, language certificates, or other supporting documents)
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Motivation letter in English (max. 2 pages)
Other supporting documents

Guidelines for the Motivation Letter:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the guidelines before preparing their motivation letter:

Motivation Letter Guidelines.pdf

Selection Process

10 places are available. Applications will be evaluated based on academic performance, motivation, relevant qualifications, language skills, and overall suitability for the Winter School. The assessment of the written application documents constitutes the first stage of the selection process. Applicants who successfully pass this stage will be invited to an interview, which constitutes the second stage. Candidates must successfully complete both stages to secure a place at the Winter School and become eligible for the HSD-Japan Gateway Scholarship.

Scholarship

Successful candidates will receive the HSD-Japan Gateway Scholarship, consisting of a €2,100 travel grant and a daily allowance of €70 for each day of the seven-day Winter School period, to help offset the travel costs and participation fee.

Visa requirements

German citizens and most EU nationals can enter Japan visa-free for short stays. If you hold a different passport, you may require a visa to enter Japan. Please note that it will be your responsibility to make sure that you obtain the right type of visa on time, to be able to participate.

Contact: Vincent Nakamine
E-mail: hsdjapangateway@hs-duesseldorf.de
Phone: +49 211 4351 3232
Application Deadline: 11.11.2026 (23:59 CET)

Hochschule Düsseldorf

Winter School 2027 Call for Applications

Mixed Media and Human Data Interaction

Apply Here