Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, briefly referred to as KIT, was established by the merger of the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH and the Universität Karlsruhe (TH) on October 01, 2009. KIT combines the tasks of a university of the state of Baden-Württemberg with those of a research center of the Helmholtz Association in the areas of research, teaching, and innovation.
The KIT merger represents the consistent continuation of long-standing close cooperation of two research and education institutions rich in tradition. The University of Karlsruhe was founded in 1825 as a Polytechnical School and has developed to a current research and education location in natural sciences, engineering, economics, social sciences, and the humanities, which is organized in eleven departments. The Karlsruhe Research Center was founded in 1956 as the Nuclear Reactor Construction and Operation Company and has turned into a multidisciplinary large-scale research center of the Helmholtz Association, which researches eleven scientific and engineering programs.
In 2014/15, the KIT concentrated on an overarching strategy process to further develop its corporate strategy. As a result of a participative process, this mission statement was the first element incorporated in the strategy process.
KIT combines a renowned technical university's traditions and a major large-scale research institution in a unique way. In research and education, KIT assumes responsibility for contributing to the sustainable solution of the grand challenges that face society, industry, and the environment. For this purpose, the KIT uses its financial and human resources with maximum efficiency. The scientists of KIT communicate the contents and results of their work to society.
Engineering sciences, natural sciences, the humanities, and social sciences make up the scope of subjects covered by KIT. In high interdisciplinary interaction, scientists of these disciplines study topics extending from the fundamentals to application and the development of new technologies to reflect the relationship between man and technology. For this to be accomplished in the best possible way, KIT's research covers the complete range from fundamental research to close-to-industry, applied research, and small research partnerships to long-term, large-scale research projects. Scientific sincerity and striving for excellence are the basic principles of our activities.
The worldwide exchange of knowledge, large-scale international research projects, numerous global cooperative ventures, and cultural diversity characterize and enrich the life and work at KIT. The principle of research-oriented teaching guides academic education at KIT. Early integration into interdisciplinary research projects and international teams and the possibility of using unique research facilities open up unique development perspectives for our students.
The development of viable technologies and their use in industry and society are the cornerstones of KIT's activities. KIT supports innovativeness and entrepreneurial culture in various ways. Moreover, KIT supports a culture of creativity, in which employees and students have time and space to develop new ideas.
Cooperation of KIT employees, students, and members is characterized by mutual respect and trust. Achievements of every individual are highly appreciated. Employees and students of KIT are offered equal opportunities irrespective of the person. Family-friendliness is a significant objective of KIT as an employer. KIT supports the compatibility of job and family. As a consequence, the leadership culture of KIT is also characterized by respect and cooperation. Personal responsibility and self-motivation of KIT employees and members are fostered by transparent and participative decisions, open communication, and various life-long learning options.
The structure of KIT is tailored to its objectives in research, education, and innovation. It supports flexible, synergy-based cooperation beyond disciplines, organizations, and hierarchies. Efficient services are rendered to support KIT employees and members in their work.
Young people are our future. Reliable offers and career options excellently support KIT's young scientists and professionals in their professional and personal development.
With more than 9,000 employees and an annual budget of about EUR 785 million, KIT is one of the most significant research and education institutions worldwide and can reach a top position in selected research areas on an international level. The objective is to turn KIT into top research, excellent scientific education, a prominent academic life location, life-long learning, comprehensive, advanced training, the free exchange of know-how, and sustainable innovation culture.
We create and impart knowledge for society and the environment. From fundamental research to applications, we excel in a broad range of disciplines, i.e., in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences.
We make significant contributions to humanity's global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information.
Being a big science institution, we participate in international competitions and hold a leading position in Europe.
We offer research-based study programs to prepare our students for responsible society, industry, and science positions.
Our innovation efforts build a bridge between significant scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our biological basis of life.
Our working together and our management culture are characterized by respect, cooperation, confidence, and subsidiarity. An inspiring work environment as well as cultural diversity characterize and enrich the life and work at KIT.