Joint research for the climate-neutral aviation of the future

International experts from science and practice will provide insights into the work of the scientists at the Rolls-Royce research centre at BTU at a celebratory event on 6 November from 4 p.m. at the Information, Communication and Media Centre (IKMZ) on the Cottbus main campus. Dr Friederike Haase, State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection (MWAEK), will speak about the collaboration as a model for success. She will welcome the participants together with BTU President Prof. Dr Gesine Grande. Dr Jörg Au, Manager of Rolls-Royce Germany, spoke about the joint work on aircraft engines in the digital age.

State Secretary Dr Friederike Haase: "The UTC is not only an outstanding example of close cooperation and successful knowledge transfer between industry and science, it also strengthens the innovation potential in the region. Companies from the aviation, Mechanical Engineering and energy sectors in Lusatia can benefit directly from the results of the research work."

BTU President Prof. Dr Gesine Grande: "20 years of Rolls-Royce UTC at BTU - that's more than just an anniversary. It is proof that excellent research and courageous cooperation can also be created in a place that is not London, Munich or Berlin - but Cottbus."

Dr Jörg Au, Director - Engineering Technology & Safety, Rolls-Royce, said: "Since its foundation in 2005, the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg has stood for excellent research and a lively exchange between science and industry. In these 20 years, we have jointly developed innovative technologies that are now in use worldwide and make aviation more efficient and environmentally friendly. Many of our employees started their careers in Cottbus. The UTC Cottbus is another successful example of sustainable investment in Brandenburg and our company's commitment to this region."

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is part of a global research network of around 30 Rolls-Royce University Technology Centres spread across three continents. These centres combine scientific excellence with industrial practice and thus make a decisive contribution to the development of efficient, quiet and sustainable aircraft engines.

"The UTC is a flagship project for the combination of research, teaching and industrial application," emphasises Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Höschler, Director of the UTC Cottbus. "What began in 2005 with virtual engine models now encompasses topics such as artificial intelligence and sustainable manufacturing processes - always with the aim of making air transport more environmentally friendly and efficient."

The partnership between Rolls-Royce and BTU is an outstanding example of the combination of academic research and industrial application. In Cottbus, work is being carried out on projects and technologies that will help Rolls-Royce to make its engines even more efficient and sustainable - while at the same time training outstanding young engineers. Through close collaboration and the involvement of other relevant research institutes, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg has succeeded in establishing itself in the fields of digital manufacturing and the More Electric Engine concept in addition to pure multidisciplinary optimisation with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

The success of the scientific collaboration is reflected in a total of eight Rolls-Royce Innovation Awards and, most recently, the receipt of the Rolls-Royce PhD Bursary Award 2025.

Background

In 2005, BTU was the first university in Germany to become a member of the exclusive, worldwide network of University Technology Centres (UTCs) of the engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce.

Since the UTC was founded, scientists in Cottbus have written over 300 publications, 45 dissertations, two habilitations and students over 300 theses. Since then, 30 scientists with doctorates have moved to Rolls-Royce. Over 38.5 million euros in third-party funding has been invested in research.

From digital design to intelligent engine development

One example of the successful collaboration over the last 20 years is the unique VIT (Virtual Engine) programme developed by Rolls-Royce together with BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. The aim of the research is to optimise design processes and significantly shorten development times. Since the first VIT project, research has consistently developed further - from the automation of individual tool and process chains to holistic, digitally networked engine development. A "digital twin" is being developed that integrates real geometries, assembly conditions and operating data. This data is analysed using artificial intelligence and machine learning in order to improve simulations, accelerate development cycles and optimise service and production processes in a targeted manner.

The establishment of the Centre for Hybrid-Electric Systems Cottbus (chesco) in Cottbus will create a research infrastructure that is unique in Europe - a platform for accelerated concept and product development of the next generation of drive systems.

BTU is further expanding its range of courses with the new English-language Master's degree programme "Hybrid Electric Propulsion Technology (HEPT)", which started in October 2024. Over 1,200 applicants from all over the world applied for the study programme, which trains future specialists in the field of hybrid drive technologies.