University of Siegen wants to attract international talent to the region
The University of Siegen wants to further expand its international visibility in the future-oriented fields of artificial intelligence and intelligent sensor systems. The EXCELS project aims to attract particularly high-performing Bachelor's students from South East Asia, China, India, Ghana and Kenya to a research-oriented Master's degree course in Siegen at an early stage. The aim is to retain international talent in Germany and at the University of Siegen. The aim is to attract highly qualified specialists in technology-intensive fields for research and innovation in Siegen in the long term. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is funding the project together with the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space with 750,000 euros.
Digital preparation and summer school
Digital preparation formats are planned. These include online modules on artificial intelligence and sensor systems, information on teaching, learning and examination cultures in Germany as well as digital advisory services. Exchange formats with lecturers and researchers are intended to facilitate personal contacts even before the start in Siegen. "Attracting international talent to Siegen at an early stage is a central component of our young talent strategy. Accompanying top young talent even before they start their Master's degree and giving them academic and personal prospects in our region not only strengthens our university, but also South Westphalia as a location for innovation and business in the long term," explains Prof. Dr. Petra Vogel, Prorector for Students and Junior Faculty, Diversity and International Affairs at the University of Siegen. Prof. Dr. Kristof van Laerhoven, Professor of Ubiquitous Computing and EXCELS project manager, adds: "Students who gain an insight into research, teaching and everyday academic life in Siegen before they start their studies will make a more conscious and long-term decision in favor of the location."
The concept is complemented by a research-related summer school in Siegen. There, participants work in teams, visit laboratories, get to know research demonstrators and establish contacts with working groups and lecturers. The annual ZESS Research Forum is also integrated and expands the Summer School with an additional scientific exchange space. Students are primarily approached via Siegen partner universities in South and Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Experience has shown that many talented young academics in the relevant subjects live in these regions. The University of Siegen is involved in alliance offices in China and Ghana, among others.
Focus on AI and intelligent sensor systems
The University of Siegen already has strong structures in place for training in these areas. The Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology and the Center for Sensor Systems (ZESS) form the technical basis of the project. At the ZESS, researchers work together on an interdisciplinary basis in areas such as machine learning, sensor technology, sensor fusion and computational imaging.
In terms of content, EXCELS combines two closely linked key technologies: sensor technology and artificial intelligence. This combination is regarded as the basis for autonomous and data-driven systems, for example in Industry 4.0, mobility, healthcare and energy transition applications. Edge AI is particularly important here. AI methods are integrated directly into sensor-based systems so that data can be processed in real time. This strengthens data sovereignty and reduces dependence on non-European digital infrastructures.
EXCELS stands for "Excellence in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Leadership in Siegen". The University of Siegen is one of 20 universities across Germany that will receive funding until 2029 as part of the "Academic Horizons - Attracting Global Minds" program.
