Potential areas
The areas of potential at the University of Siegen combine dynamic fields of research with promising future prospects. They are in a phase of development or reorientation and offer ideal opportunities to develop into high-performance research clusters and to further raise the profile of the University of Siegen as an excellent research location.
Digital health sciences
Health and nursing care is facing major challenges, especially in rural regions: A shortage of specialists, long commutes and an ageing population require new approaches to maintaining health and detecting and treating illnesses at an early stage. Digital solutions are crucial to making future healthcare sustainable and efficient.
In the field of "Digital Health Sciences", we develop innovative technologies and concepts that improve health promotion and healthcare in the long term. Through the collaboration of medical research in the fields of biology and chemistry, business informatics, digital public health and social sciences, we create solutions for personalized care models, digital assistance systems and population-based health promotion - with a special focus on rural regions. A user-centered design of technological applications and an interdisciplinary approach to our research ensure that people's needs are at the heart of everything we do. This is how we shape the digital transformation in the healthcare sector in a fair, effective and sustainable way.
New architecture for sustainable construction in existing buildings
The growing housing shortage and increasing demand for affordable housing pose major challenges. At the same time, the future of construction requires solutions that combine energy efficiency, resource conservation and climate friendliness.
In the "Sustainable architecture in existing buildings" area of potential, we are developing innovative concepts to meet these challenges.
The construction sector accounts for around 40% ofCO2 emissions in Germany; 14.5% of land is used for settlements and transport. Limiting the use of land is a key objective of the German sustainability strategy. The resource- and energy-efficient conversion of existing buildings instead of new buildings is particularly important in this respect. We develop flexible and modular architectural concepts that allow existing buildings to be adapted without extensive structural changes and work on innovative solutions for the reuse of components and building structures. New joining techniques and reusable components conserve resources and improve the ecological balance of construction projects. In this way, we are making an important contribution to the sustainable transformation of construction.
Sustainable management
How can companies be economically successful and at the same time take responsibility for the environment and society? In the "Sustainable Business" area of potential, we develop innovative approaches that answer these questions.
Our focus is on shaping an economy that is ecologically and socially sustainable, where growth does not force increased resource consumption and has a long-term positive impact on development. We consider both global and local perspectives - from fairer cooperation with the Global South and the development of post-growth economies to microeconomic approaches such as the circular economy and food sharing initiatives.
The aim is to rethink economic processes and create sustainable solutions that support SMEs and family businesses in particular. We develop holistic sustainability strategies, sustainable innovation management and the further development of sustainability law. In addition, digital technologies play a central role in promoting a more sustainable economy.