Starting signal for a new era of excellent research

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. (Source: Sascha Hüttenhain / Copyright: University of Siegen / Sascha Hüttenhain)

Opening of the high-tech research center INCYTE (from left): Prof. Dr. Benjamin Butz, Prof. Dr. Peter Haring Bolívar, Anke Richter, Ina Brandes, Prof. Dr. Stefanie Reese, Iris Litty and Prof. Dr. Patrick Scheele. © University of Siegen / Sascha Hüttenhain

In the presence of Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Research Center INCYTE was officially opened at the University of Siegen. The new high-tech center strengthens top-level research in Siegen and throughout North Rhine-Westphalia.

New standards for research in the profile area "New Materials, Sensor Technology, and Artificial Intelligence" at the University of Siegen: With a ceremonial act, the INCYTE research center was now opened on the Adolf Reichwein campus – an interdisciplinary high-tech center for nanoanalytics, nanochemistry, and cyber-physical sensor technologies. Covering around 5,200 square meters of usable space, INCYTE combines state-of-the-art laboratories, cleanrooms, and biochemical research areas. About 150 guests from science, politics, and industry attended the opening. The keynote speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Patrick Scheele, Scientific Managing Director of the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz Institute for High-Frequency Technology. The topic: "Future of Microelectronics in Europe with the Pilot Line for Heterogeneous Integrated Electronic Systems APECS."

"A Magnificent Beacon for the University of Siegen"

Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia: "Excellent science requires excellent equipment. With INCYTE, we are creating optimal working conditions for scientists in a uniquely designed laboratory building in Germany. Various disciplines will work together here to develop intelligent micro-sensors and innovative materials, addressing key future challenges in industry, mobility, and medicine. This strengthens the science and economic location of North Rhine-Westphalia." The state is funding the construction with around 95 million euros.

"INCYTE is a research center with immense national and international impact, a magnificent beacon for the University of Siegen and for microelectronics in North Rhine-Westphalia. Our thanks go to the state, which enables our scientists to conduct research at world-class levels," explained University Rector Prof. Dr. Stefanie Reese and Chancellor Iris Litty. "We also sincerely thank all colleagues who have dedicated themselves with great commitment to this project over the past years."

Shared Use by Researchers

With the new research center, the University of Siegen has access to a uniquely comprehensive infrastructure 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 to industrial applications to mobility. At the same time, INCYTE exemplifies a new generation of cooperative research infrastructures: interdisciplinary researchers share the laboratories and facilities to develop solutions for central future issues.

"The infrastructure at INCYTE is also open to external partners to jointly implement research and development effectively – including other universities, research institutions, startups, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises from the region and beyond," emphasized Prof. Dr. Peter Haring Bolívar, who co-designed and drove the project forward with colleagues.

Moving 35,000 Cubic Meters of Earth

The INCYTE was built on an area of nearly 11,000 square meters by the Building and Real Estate Management (BLB NRW). The highest construction standards were met: the laboratories for highly sensitive electron microscopes were built up to seven meters deep into the rock. For vibration-free operation, the devices rest 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 INCYTE is not only a technical masterpiece: the four-story atrium with its light-filled domes forms a lively center that promotes exchange and encounters – because research does not only happen in the laboratory," said Anke Richter, head of the Dortmund branch of BLB NRW.

In addition to highly specialized laboratories, INCYTE also houses rooms for teaching, around 200 workstations, and areas for visiting scientists. About 130 solar modules were installed on the roof for sustainable energy supply. Extensive roof greening contributes to natural temperature regulation and improves the microclimate at the site.

As a symbolic act during the opening ceremony, a time capsule was embedded into a wall of the INCYTE building. The capsule was created during 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 questions in the field of nano- and sensor technologies.

INCYTE in Numbers:

INCYTE houses a total of 50 laboratories. The particle-free cleanroom, equipped with a special ventilation system, covers 600 square meters. 1,100 square meters are dedicated to material analysis, and 400 square meters are for biological safety laboratories, enabling broad thematic research. Approximately 10,000 cubic meters of concrete were used in INCYTE – equivalent to about 1,500 truckloads of concrete. Additionally, 120 kilometers of cables were laid and 2,000 tons of steel processed – comparable to the weight of about 1,200 cars.