INCYTE launches in 2026
In 2026, a new chapter will begin for research at the University of Siegen - the high-tech research building INCYTE will be launched on Haardter Berg. INCYTE is an interdisciplinary high-tech center for nanoanalytics, nanochemistry and cyber-physical sensor technologies, with state-of-the-art clean rooms, highly sensitive microscopes and shared laboratories. "With INCYTE, we are creating an infrastructure that enables research, innovation and collaboration at the highest international level," explain Rector Prof. Dr. Stefanie Reese and Chancellor Iris Litty.
The construction of such a building requires complex technical solutions at the highest level in order to operate the highly specialized equipment required for research. The next step on the way to full commissioning was taken at the end of 2025, and the university is already using the building. For a high-tech building of this kind, there are still aspects that need to be optimized both structurally and technically. This is because the technology installed in INCYTE and the interaction of the systems in particular is the "Champions League" on three levels: state-of-the-art materials research for sustainable systems, intelligent semiconductors for autonomous digital systems, biotechnology for individualized medicine. Therefore, the last deficiencies still need to be rectified before full commissioning. The university and the Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb (BLB) as the client are working hand in hand here. The official opening with the North Rhine-Westphalian Science Minister Ina Brandes is planned for spring.
Immediately after the partial handover, two working groups have become active in the building and the first events have taken place. The first large-scale equipment from Prof. Dr. Benjamin Butz's Micro- and Nanoanalytics research area and Prof. Dr. Peter Haring Bolívar's Semiconductor Technology area of the High Frequency Technology and Quantum Electronics research area have already moved in and are being used. Laboratory rooms for the highly sensitive electron microscopy systems were built seven meters deep into the mountain. To ensure that the microscopes are vibration-free, they have been mounted on a 100-ton concrete foundation. The first devices have also been installed and put into operation in the clean rooms for semiconductor technology. The ultra-modern coating systems are already operational - they are important for the development of new types of sensors, in battery technology and also in medical technology. The further installation of the clean room is in progress. In January, Prof. Sybille Krauß's Human and Neurobiology research area will move into the INCYTE, so that all research areas of the research center will then be operational.
"I have just returned from Silicon Valley and top US universities such as Carnegie Mellon this week - many people envy us for this unique interdisciplinary research infrastructure, which sets new standards in many areas," says Prof. Dr. Peter Haring Bolívar, who conceived and drove the INCYTE project forward together with numerous colleagues at the university.
Background
The INCYTE research building has a total floor space of around 5,200 square meters, of which almost 1,000 square meters are underground. In addition to clean rooms, microscopy laboratories and biochemical research areas, the building houses rooms for teaching events, around 200 workstations and areas for visiting scientists.
From the left: Prof. Dr. Benjamin Butz, Iris Litty, Prof. Dr. Holger Schönherr, Prof. Dr. Stefanie Reese and Prof. Dr. Peter Haring Bolívar.
