smart sustainable transformation, business models, circular economy, mycology, food biotechnology
Transform value chains, businesses and policies to facilitate the transition to agroecology
Machine Tool Laboratory WZL of RWTH Aachen University - Chair of Information, Quality and Sensor Systems in Production (WZL-IQS) | Prof. Robert Schmitt
Information management deals with the analysis of interactions between technical, economic and social factors to optimize the human-organization-technology triad. Research focuses on areas such as profitability analysis, sustainability modeling and evaluation as well as digital and sustainable transformation processes. The Smart Sustainable Transformation research group focuses on researching the interaction of technical, economic and (socio-) cultural factors in science, industry, urban administration and society. Research projects focus on sustainable transformation. The research topics relate to sustainability transformation processes, such as circular economy, business model development, sustainability assessments, and collaboration processes among various stakeholders within the context of these transformations. In interdisciplinary research projects, the WZL-IQS deals with these areas in an interdisciplinary manner in the interplay of engineering, social sciences and economics.
The Competence Center for Applied Mycology and Environmental Studies (KAMU) at Hochschule Niederrhein focuses on researching edible and and medicinal mushrooms, including their cultivation and health benefits, the biotechnological cultivation of edible mushroom mycelia and its applications in food, feed and pharmaceuticals and the ecological significance of fungi in circular economy and organic residue recycling. The KAMU collaborates with mushroom producers, food companies focusing on health-oriented products, biotechnology firms, and industries involved in organic residue recycling.
RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe’s leading technical universities and a member of Germany’s Universities of Excellence. With over 47,000 students from around the world and a broad network of industry and research partners, RWTH Aachen drives innovation and practical solutions, particularly in the fields of digitalization, sustainable technologies, and artificial intelligence. Its strong ties between academia and industry foster interdisciplinary collaboration and provide opportunities for shaping societal advancements.
The WZL-IQS, with a total of 110 employees and over 100 students, works together as a team in the key areas of Data Intelligence, Assembly Automation, Intelligent Metrology, Sustainable Organizations, Quality Intelligence, and Socio-Technical Systems. The volume of third-party funding of around 8 million euros, over 100 publications per year and a laboratory area of 1600 m² including a measuring room reflect the innovative strength and the internationally outstanding conditions for the technological implementation of research results.
With around 13,000 students, 225 professors, 10 faculties and 70 degree programmes, the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest and best performing universities of applied sciences in Germany located in Krefeld and Monchengladbach.
The Faculty of Food and Nutrition Sciences is dedicated to the advancement of a healthy, innovative, sustainable and environmentally friendly food industry. The faculty engages in collaborative efforts with regional companies and contributes to a multitude of applied research projects.
The KAMU, which is located at the Faculty of Food and Nutrition Sciences, was founded in 2016. Since then it has published several scientific papers and posters and has participated in many research projects. The KAMU is closely linked to the regional economy.