Starting signal for a new era of excellent research
New standards for research in the "New Materials, Sensors and Artificial Intelligence" profile area at the University of Siegen: The INCYTE research center - an interdisciplinary high-tech center for nanoanalytics, nanochemistry and cyber-physical sensor technologies - has now been opened with a ceremony on the Adolf Reichwein Campus. With around 5,200 square meters of floor space, INCYTE combines state-of-the-art laboratories, clean rooms and biochemical research areas. Around 150 guests from science, politics and industry attended the opening ceremony. Prof. Dr. Patrick Scheele, Scientific Director of the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, gave the keynote speech. The topic: "The future of microelectronics in Europe with the Pilot Line for Heterogeneous Integrated Electronic Systems APECS".
"Great lighthouse for the University of Siegen"
Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia: "Excellent science needs excellent facilities. With INCYTE, we are creating optimal working conditions for scientists in a laboratory building that is unique in Germany. Various disciplines will jointly develop intelligent microsensors and innovative materials here and thus work on solving key future issues in the fields of industry, mobility and medicine. This strengthens North Rhine-Westphalia as a science and business location." The state is funding the construction with around 95 million euros.
"The INCYTE is a research center with immense national and international appeal, a great beacon for the University of Siegen and for microelectronics in North Rhine-Westphalia. We would like to thank the state for providing our scientists with optimal conditions for world-class research," said University Rector Prof. Dr. Stefanie Reese and Chancellor Iris Litty. "We would also like to thank all our colleagues who have shown great commitment to this project in recent years."
Shared use by researchers
The new research center provides the University of Siegen with an infrastructure that is unique in Germany. Various disciplines work hand in hand in the laboratories to develop and analyze intelligent micro-integrated sensors and innovative materials for a wide range of applications - from medicine and industrial applications to mobility. At the same time, INCYTE exemplifies a new generation of cooperative research infrastructures: researchers working together on an interdisciplinary basis use the laboratories and facilities jointly to develop solutions for key issues of the future.
"The infrastructure at INCYTE is also open to external partners in order to effectively implement research and development together - including other universities, research institutions, spin-offs and SMEs from the region and beyond," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Peter Haring Bolívar, who was instrumental in designing and driving the project forward together with colleagues.
35,000 cubic meters of earth moved
The INCYTE was built on an area of almost 11,000 square meters by the Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb (BLB NRW). The highest structural requirements had to be met: For example, the laboratories for the highly sensitive electron microscopes were built up to seven meters deep into the rock. To ensure vibration-free operation, the equipment rests on a concrete foundation weighing around 100 tons. "35,000 cubic meters of earth were moved so that the rock itself becomes a protective layer for the sensitive measurement technology. But the INCYTE is not just a technical masterpiece: the four-storey atrium with its light-flooded domes forms a lively hub that promotes exchange and encounters - because research is not only carried out in the laboratory," said Anke Richter, Head of the Dortmund branch of BLB NRW.
In addition to highly specialized laboratories, the INCYTE also houses rooms for teaching events, around 200 workstations and areas for visiting scientists. Around 130 solar modules have been installed on the roof to ensure a sustainable energy supply. An extensive green roof contributes to natural heat regulation and improves the microclimate at the site.
As part of the opening ceremony, a time capsule was embedded in a wall of the INCYTE building as a symbolic act. The capsule had already been created for the laying of the foundation stone in 2022 and contains information about the University of Siegen, the INCYTE construction project and current and future research issues in the field of nano and sensor technologies.
