Research

This profile area includes research and development work in communication technology and applied signal processing, computer science, medical and mechanical engineering informatics, microsensor technology, microsystems technology, microelectronics and vehicle electronics. The thematic focus is on information systems and management (healthcare, business intelligence). This includes embedded systems, mobile applications such as robotics, communication technology applications and computer science for the field of medical technology, including human-machine interfaces. Around 40% of the university's third-party funding is acquired in this area.

The most important research work in this profile focus is in the areas of production/manufacturing, vehicle technology and energy-efficient buildings. Projects are generally pursued with external partners and mostly on an interdisciplinary basis. With numerous externally funded projects on resource-efficient, emission-free production processes, materials (metal and plastic, e.g. for lightweight structures), efficient vehicle and transport technology (combustion engines and electromobility) and energy efficiency in construction, research in this profile area contributes to sustainable developments. The annual volume of third-party funding accounts for around 33% of the total third-party funding acquired by Fachhochschule Dortmund.

The work on social and economic changes is in the areas of demographic change, health, migration, social integration and interculturality. One focus here is on political options for action, fiscal framework conditions and civic intervention. Many research projects deal with the topics of social sustainability and demographic change. Three sociological issues are considered in a differentiated manner: sustainable models of prosperity, participation of socially relevant groups of actors and the definition of a concept of justice based on the goal of sustainability. Economic issues include demographics, governance, risk and finance. The third-party funding acquired annually in this profile area accounts for around 11% of the Fachhochschule Dortmund's total third-party funding.