Rebuilding and support for Ukraine is the focus of the GeoRek project. The Modern Online Teaching Formats for Geodetic Methods for Reconstruction in Ukraine (GeoRek) project will develop and implement courses which will teach students and professionals the necessary knowledge and techniques to rebuild and preserve buildings which have been damaged. GeoRek is specifically creating courses (micro-credentials) in the field of modern geodetic measurement and documentation methods.
Partners:
- Jade University of Applied Sciences in Oldenburg
- Kyiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
- Dnipro National Technical University Polytechnic (DniproTech)
- Chair of Digital Heritage Technologies at the University of Bamberg
The project is funded through the DAAD and is headed by Prof. Dr. Till Sieberth and Prof. Dr. Thomas Luhmann from the Institute of Applied Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics at Jade University. Together with staff members from all partner institutions, the GeoRek on January 22, 2026, kickoff began with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Mykola Trehub from DniproTech highlighting the struggles facing Ukrainian universities, including the destruction of buildings amid energy and infrastructure limitations. This was followed by an introduction by Nataliya Butych, Managing Director of the German-Ukrainian Academic Society, who emphasized the importance of scientific collaboration and the potential of further international cooperation.
The project aims to reduce the educational barriers students face when learning the skills necessary for rebuilding. This includes digital classes, the simulation tool VRscan3D, the use of mobile laser scanners, and planned in person project weeks. Educational projects such as GeoRek serve to strengthen the partnership between Germany and Ukraine and provide support while moving forward towards reconstruction.
Featured Photo: Participants from various universities and institutions came together for the official launch of GeoRek, including the President of Jade University Prof. Dr. Manfred Weisensee (right), the project managers Prof. Dr. Till Sieberth (5th from left) and Prof. Dr. Thomas Luhmann (5th from right), Prof. Dr. Mykola Trehub from Dnipro University of Technology (4th from right), Moritz Dütemeyer from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture (2nd from right) and Nataliya Butych from the German-Ukrainian Academic Society (4th from left) (Photo: Jade HS/Markus Hibbeler)