Center for Interdisciplinary Health Research
With the new Center for Interdisciplinary Health Research (ZiGS), the University of Siegen is specifically strengthening the area of health in research, teaching and transfer. The ZiGS creates a common framework for interdisciplinary cooperation in order to develop innovative and practical solutions for healthcare - particularly in rural areas.
Future Field of Health
Strategic development and sharpening of the interdisciplinary profile
With the ZiGS, we are pooling the existing expertise in the field of health research at the University of Siegen and strengthening cooperation with clinics, medical practices and other players in the region.
Rector of the University of Siegen
Scientists from all Schools are actively involved in ZiGS. We are currently working in four thematic clusters to establish innovative methods, technologies and care concepts and put them into regional practice.
Prorectors for Studies, Teaching and Quality Management and Founding Coordinator of ZiGS
Goals and Vision
With the founding of the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Research (ZiGS), the University of Siegen is responding to key social challenges such as demographic change, the increase in chronic diseases and regional differences in medical care. The ZiGS aims to promote interdisciplinary health research and strengthen the University's national and international visibility in this field. The aim is to research, develop and implement innovative solutions for regional healthcare - with a particular focus on the sociology of the healthcare system, healthcare research, digital transformation and innovative (bio)medical and (bio)informatics technologies and their practical applicability in everyday healthcare.
The focus is on new care models that cover all stages of the healthcare system: from prevention, diagnostics and therapy to aftercare and the predictive analysis of individual disease progression. A central concern here is the promotion of health literacy and self-management, participation and involvement of citizens and patients as well as overcoming large spatial distances in rural areas. In future, citizens and patients should be more involved in the provision of care in order to benefit from the development of their health-related self-, material and social skills. The research results are to be incorporated into healthcare, health education and political advice.
In addition, the ZiGS promotes interdisciplinary teaching, new courses of study and further education as well as structured programs for the qualification of young scientists. By combining research, teaching and transfer , the center contributes to making healthcare sustainable, networked and viable for the future.
The ZiGS is initially divided into four topic-specific research clusters, which are presented below. The scientific focus within the clusters results from the ongoing research and the research projects developed.
Become a member
Participation in the research clusters is open to all scientists at the University of Siegen with a research profile in the field of health.
Research Clusters
Cluster 1
Bio-, information and medical technology for health
This cluster develops new biomedical and technical solutions for modern healthcare. These include innovative diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, digital assistance systems and the use of artificial intelligence to support medical decisions.
Cluster spokespersons
Cluster 2
Digital health services research and public health
The focus here is on digital health applications and their impact in everyday life. It examines how digital technologies can be integrated into prevention, care, rehabilitation and medical care in a meaningful, fair and effective way.
Cluster spokespersons
Cluster 3
Health in the region
This cluster is dedicated to regional healthcare. Together with practice partners, new care models are developed, tested and scientifically evaluated. The aim is to establish the region as a learning model region.
Cluster spokespersons
Cluster 4
Health education, skills and communication
The focus is on health education across the entire lifespan. Research and further development of health literacy, comprehensible health communication and new qualification offers should enable people to make informed decisions for their health.
Cluster spokespersons
Digital Model Region Healthcare Tripoint (DMGD)
Innovative concepts for digitally supported healthcare have already been developed as part of the DMGD and tested with cooperation partners in the region. The DMGD will be integrated into the ZiGS and its established network will be made available for further research.