Professor in dual role brings energy technology into the lecture hall

The University of Siegen is expanding its range of courses in the field of energy technology and sustainability in the winter semester 2025/26: In the new lecture "Energy System Analysis" under the direction of Prof. Dr. Heidi U. Heinrichs, students will now be optimally prepared for the challenges of the energy transition. The module complements the existing offerings in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in this important area and is aimed at students of the School of Science and Technology (Schools IV) in the Bachelor's degree programs Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Digital Engineering. This is made possible by a joint appointment of Prof. Heinrichs to Forschungszentrum Jülich and the University of Siegen.

Lasting bridge between research and teaching

Thanks to Jülich's joint appointment model, which is unique in Germany, Prof. Heinrichs will remain head of the Resource Strategies department at Forschungszentrum Jülich and will also take on the newly created professorship in the School of Science and Technology at the University of Siegen. This dual role will enable her to combine cutting-edge international research directly with university teaching. "The permanent bridge between research and teaching creates special opportunities for our students: In future, we will be able to cooperate closely in suitable subject areas, learn from each other and grow together. It is often through networking that the best ideas and new approaches emerge - not least through the fresh perspectives of the students," says Prof. Dr. Heidi U. Heinrichs.

Energy supply faces challenges

The energy supply of the future is in an exciting, challenging phase due to current global politics - from energy independence from Russia to material dependencies on China. "At the same time, multiple crises are shaping the debate - which is precisely why it is so important to keep a cool head and make fact-based arguments," says Prof. Heinrichs. At Forschungszentrum Jülich, she has already conducted extensive research into how the energy transition can be realized not only technically, but also in terms of materials - with a view to raw materials, supply chains and global dependencies. Prof. Heinrichs is now passing on this knowledge in her lecture at the University of Siegen. Students learn how to create and correctly interpret energy scenarios, make connections visible and assess complex issues from different perspectives in order to bring public discussions to an objective level - a skill that is later in demand in consulting, politics or companies. "Those who can classify scenarios can recognize important trends at an early stage, identify unsound statements and find the right arguments to steer decisions in a sustainable direction," says Prof. Heinrichs.