Global crises, fragile healthcare systems, and increasing social tensions underscore the urgent need for education grounded in values. Akkon Hochschule für Humanwissenschaften in Berlin embraces this mission. Sponsored by Johanniter-Unfall- Hilfe e.V., the university combines academic excellence with a strong sense of social responsibility. Its aim is to educate highly qualified professionals who act with both competence and integrity – in Germany and around the world.
Founded in 2009 by Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V., Akkon Hochschule was established with a clear mandate: to strengthen social cohesion and prepare future leaders for the global challenges of our time. As part of the Johanniter network, the university upholds humanitarian values – offering support irrespective of origin, religion, or political affiliation. These values permeate all aspects of teaching, research, and knowledge transfer. Whether in civil protection, international cooperation, or healthcare, Akkon Hochschule equips students to take responsibility and lead with purpose.
Nursing, Social Work, Population Protection
The university’s academic portfolio reflects its clear focus on health, humanitarian assistance, and social development. In addition to comprehensive bachelor's and master's programs in Nursing, Social Work, Education, and Population Protection, Akkon Hochschule offers internationally relevant programs such as the Bachelor in Internationale Not- & Katastrophenhilfe (International Emergency and Disaster Relief) and the Master of Global Health (M.Sc.). These programs attract students from around the globe and prepare them for careers in international aid, health governance, and humanitarian coordination.
Real-world scenarios
All study programs are practice-oriented, closely networked with partner institutions, and based on modern pedagogical methods. Virtual reality technologies and AI-supported learning environments simulate complex real-world scenarios, Photo © Akkon / IRIA Photos © Thomas Kierok giving graduates robust analytical and operational skills. Courses are modular, internationally compatible, and often designed for working professionals – making them especially attractive to interdisciplinary and international learners.
International focus
Akkon Hochschule maintains a strong international orientation. Through strategic partnerships with universities and organizations in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia, it promotes academic exchange and cross-border educational collaboration. Of particular importance are joint research initiatives and comprehensive support for the mobility of students and academic staff. Delegation visits and continuous dialogue with policymakers and civil society actors further reinforce the university’s global engagement.
Johanniter International Assistance
Education at Akkon Hochschule is seen as a driver for resilience, health, and sustainable development. The university is particularly active in fragile contexts, where it collaborates with local partners to develop tailored, sustainable education programs. In close coordination with Johanniter International Assistance, the university offers practical, cross-cultural learning formats in areas such as Global Health, Humanitarian Action, and Capacity Building.
International Office
The university’s International Office is an important service point for the international activities. It advises students and staff on study-abroad options, manages global partnerships, and supports students throughout their academic journey. This dedicated infrastructure ensures that Akkon Hochschule remains highly responsive to the demands of internationalization and fosters intercultural competence across all areas of university life.
IRIA
A vital part of Akkon Hochschule’s international profile is the Institute for Research in International Assistance (IRIA), established in 2018. IRIA conducts applied research in global health, humanitarian aid, and development cooperation. Its work addresses critical issues such as civil-military cooperation, epidemic response, and the mitigation of re-emerging infectious diseases. Funded by institutions such as the German Federal Ministry of Health and the German Research Foundation, IRIA generates evidence-based recommendations that support decision-makers in policy and practice.
Emergency contexts
IRIA’s current projects underscore the breadth and urgency of its mission. One flagship initiative, Global Health Preparedness and Response, focuses on building resilient health systems and pandemic preparedness in vulnerable regions. Another research area, Civil-Military Cooperation in Humanitarian Crises, examines how civilian and military actors can better coordinate in emergency contexts, aiming to enhance mutual understanding and operational effectiveness.
Climate change, population health
Additionally, IRIA leads long-term research into the health impacts of climate change in the Global South – exploring how extreme weather events, migration, and food insecurity affect population health and strain response systems. Through its commitment to participatory research and effective knowledge transfer, IRIA ensures that its insights are practical and adaptable to real-world conditions.
Cooperations
Akkon/IRIA attaches great importance to supporting talented, committed young academics. The university and institute support enthusiastic, curious, open-minded personalities during their studies and doctoral studies. The scholarship holders actively advocate liberal values and an open society and take responsibility for themselves and others. This involves close cooperation with the DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service, Humboldt Foundation, ifa – Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations, ISA – International Sustainable Academy and Unified for Health (UFH).
Solutions to global problems
Conferences, in particular serial symposia such as the World Tuberculosis Day Symposium or the International Young Researchers* Symposium – a Satellite Symposium of the World Health Summit in Berlin contribute to expanding global knowledge, promoting cultural exchange and finding solutions to global problems. Our work is published in the volumes of the Akkon publication series (Akkon Schriftenreihe). Diplomatic missions interested in exploring partnerships or dialogue opportunities are warmly invited to contact Akkon Hochschule – and to join in shaping a more just, resilient, and collaborative future.
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CONTACT:
Akkon Hochschule für
Humanwissenschaften
Colditzstr. 34-36
12099 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: + 49 (0)30 – 8092332 - 0
Web: www.akkon-hochschule.de