10 Years of Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg

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“In 2010, I decided to create, through my Kühne Foundation, an higher education institution with the goal to increase the attractiveness of global logistics as both an academic discipline and field of research, and to contribute to strengthening Hamburg’s international standing as a research location,” says Professor Dr. h.c. Klaus-Michael Kühne, Founder of Kühne Logistics University.  

Forging Leaders for Logistics, Supply Chains, and Management

Based on his decision, the university was established within less than a year. Since opening its doors in September, 2010 with about 30 students, KLU has continued to grow steadily to now 400 students and more than 700 graduates. With English as the language of instruction, KLU educates young people from all over the world on its campus in Hamburg’s HafenCity in the immediate vicinity of the port, an international logistics hotspot.

KLU President Professor Dr. Thomas Strothotte expresses, “the demands on specialists and managers are constantly growing. With our educational expertise in logistics, supply chain management, and leadership, we provide students with a starting point for an outstanding career in the logistics industry and other sectors, but also as entrepreneurs or in non-profit organizations. Companies will find managers with us who are not only trained to the latest scientific standards, but who are also able to convince others with their intercultural competence.”

Strengthening the Partnerships with Practice

KLU’s close contact with practice has been particularly noteworthy. KLU has founded two independent research centers in cooperation with business partners, and a number of doctoral theses have been written in cooperation with partners in the industry. In addition, KLU’s Executive Education program offers training opportunities for professionals both on- and offline.

Regarding the coronavirus crisis, KLU was able to adapt quickly by moving to online teaching and has more recently adopted a hybrid format. Furthermore, KLU researchers have been sharing their latest findings on best practices in confronting the crisis in online formats with interested members of the business community.

Award-Winning University

A number of external awards have illustrated the recognition of KLU’s work conducted by students and researchers. In the CHE university ranking, KLU repeatedly achieved very good ratings in all important areas and was voted Most Popular University in Germany by students. In addition, KLU has ranked 2nd among all private universities in the Wirtschaftswoche ranking for research performance per professor.

More information

• Pictures of KLU president Prof. Dr. Thomas Strothotte and KLU’s university building. Copyright: „KLU“.