Research programme:
The research programme targets substantial progress on spatial data science, spatial intelligence, geospatial technologies, and situated computing. Consequently, the graduate school currently hosts doctoral researchers from various backgrounds, such as geoinformatics, computer science, geography, ecology, mathematics, and information systems.

Qualification concept:
The education and training programme is structured into six phases, each of them containing a small set of specific milestones. An integral part of the education and training programme is the modular course programme (equivalent to 30 ECTS credit points), which includes an optional one-month training module and a six-month mobility measure with an external partner. The education and training programme represents a joint and harmonised education effort, combining existing and specially developed courses and other qualification measures into a synergistic and flexible structure. Innovative aspects of the programme are an annual international symposium organised by the students themselves, a monthly virtual joint seminar using teleconferencing between the sites, a vibrant visiting researcher programme, and career development measures targeted to the job market.

The Graduate School for Geoinformatics produces a critical mass of excellent graduates with doctoral degrees in a field in which experts are needed economically and socially. Education will be at the highest level (level eight) of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) with the respective learning outcomes:

• knowledge at the most advanced frontier of geographic information science and at the interface between fields such as computer science, information systems, geosciences, and others
• the most advanced and specialised skills and techniques for acquiring, managing, integrating and using GI, required to solve the critical problems in research and society mentioned above
• demonstrated GI competence in terms of substantial authority, innovation, autonomy, scholarly and professional integrity, and sustained commitment to the development of new ideas or processes at the forefront of work in industry, government, and research, with strong leadership skills

Graduates of the Graduate School for Geoinformatics will apply and develop methods for computer-supported solutions to spatially referenced problems (global, regional, local). They receive specialised knowledge in geospatial technologies and geographic information science as well as in informatics and mathematics. The following core competencies are taught within the regular courses or in additional courses: English language, research methods, creative and critical thinking for problem-solving, decision-making and responsibility, individual initiative, teamwork, presentation of results (oral, written), practical experience, multicultural competencies.

• International guest lecturers
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
• Integrated study abroad unit(s)

Research visit at an international research institution