The region of Lusatia is faced with many challenges: structural and demographic change, a shortage of skilled workers, the climate crisis and a scarcity of natural resources. TUD wants to offer its support to the region and help it overcome these challenges successfully. The core of these efforts is the TUD | Lusatia Campus. Research infrastructure and projects will bolster the region with innovative power and jobs.

The German Center for Astrophysics is helping Lusatia reach for the stars. Astronomical research offers an opportunity for sustainable change in many regions with its combination of research & development in data and materials science as well as sensor technology. On the ground, the CFLab is working on developing the digital construction site of the future with sensor technology, AI, robotics and networked communication.

Digitalization harbors new opportunities for adapting to changing conditions in agriculture and rescue services. Smart farming pursues the premise of cultivating land in a targeted manner to make agriculture more sustainable. RescueFly is looking into the technical and legal requirements of integrating drones into rescue services in regions with a shortage of junior staff.

"Think big" is the motto of the Smart Mobility Lab. To this end, a globally unique institute will open in Hoyerswerda in 2026 with the aim of advancing the research and testing of automated and networked road and air traffic. On a smaller scale, WALEMObase is a step ahead. A automated hydrogen-powered shuttle has been developed for use in public transportation in rural areas and is set to undergo testing in 2024.

Is it possible to run a power plant exclusively on renewable energy while also producing green hydrogen? The Reference Power Plant Lusatia at the Schwarze Pumpe industrial park seeks to find the answer. At the same time, TUD scientists from the ZellSys project are researching how to convert the energy supply in rural areas to use renewable energies.

A consistent circular economy helps to maintain the basis of our existence. At the CircEcon research center, scientists want to do more than just rethink material and process technologies. The research facility itself will be powered by solar energy. The waste-to-value lab also operates in this vein. Material recovery as well as energy from raw materials and waste form the key focus.

Societal change is accompanied by structural change. The ZukunfTAlter project and its regional partners are dedicated to exploring what is needed for healthy aging in the areas of nursing & health as well as housing & environment. The TUD-Sylber teacher education program places focus on the youth and schools, as the success of structural change ultimately depends on the involvement of young people.