Nuremberg Campus of Technology (NCT) at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
The Nuremberg Campus of Technology (NCT) is a prominent technological and scientific research center jointly operated by the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and the Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm (THN). Established to tackle the pressing technological challenges and opportunities facing future cities, the NCT focuses primarily on the transformation triggered by new energy systems, the imperative for sustainability, and emerging security threats.
Focus on "Engineering for Smart Cities"
At the core of the NCT’s mission is the thematic focus "Engineering for Smart Cities." This concept addresses the evolving needs and innovations essential to urban development in the 21st century. With over half of the world’s population now living in cities, urban technologies and sustainable development are central challenges — and opportunities — for both scientific research and industry.
Building on the expertise of FAU’s Technical Faculty alongside THN’s existing competencies, the NCT seeks to harness regional synergies by collaborating with other research institutions. The goal is to expand technological research fields and develop innovative educational programs that respond to the needs of the metropolitan region of Nuremberg, a significant industrial and economic hub.
Research and Working Areas
The research portfolio of the NCT is divided into six interdisciplinary fields, reflecting the key elements of smart city engineering:
- Automation Technology (Resource-Efficient Production): Focuses on designing automated processes and production systems to optimize resource use. This area involves staff such as Prof. Dr. Nico Hanenkamp, Prof. Dr. Sebastian Müller, and Prof. Dr. Ronald Schmidt-Vollus.
- Energy and Storage Technologies: Exploring advanced energy generation, storage solutions, and their integration into urban settings, led by experts including Prof. Dr. Frank Opferkuch.
- Intelligent Traffic Planning (Urban Technologies): Developing smart and sustainable transportation frameworks and urban mobility systems under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Harald Kipke.
- Construction and Environment (Environment, Raw Materials, Recycling): Services include sustainable construction practices, recycling innovations, and natural resource management, with Prof. Dr. Dirk Carstensen playing a key role.
- Technology, Economy, and Society: This interdisciplinary field analyzes the interaction between technology, economic frameworks, and societal impacts, with contributions from Prof. Dr. Peter Bican, Prof. Dr. Frank Ebinger, Prof. Dr. Timo Götzelmann, and Prof. Dr. Sabine Pfeiffer.
- Security Technology: Dedicated to enhancing urban safety and security through technological measures, research led by Prof. Dr. Norman Franchi and Prof. Dr. Dominique Schröder.
Regional Integration and Future Prospects
The NCT’s "Engineering for Smart Cities" initiative is aligned with the industrial development strategies of Nuremberg and its surrounding region. It closely connects with the competencies identified by the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region and addresses the research priorities of local companies. By focusing on urban technologies and green development, the NCT aims to make significant contributions to scientific discovery and to open new markets for innovative technological solutions.
Contact and Further Information
Dr. Maria Hammer leads the NCT. Interested parties can reach her via email at maria.hammer@fau.de or call +49 911 5302 -99122. For additional details, including access to phase-specific resources at the Technische Hochschule Nürnberg or media inquiries, the NCT maintains an active presence through various channels and social media platforms.
The Nuremberg Campus of Technology stands as a model of collaborative research and education, seeking to address the evolving complexities of urban life through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates technology, economy, society, and environment. It reflects FAU’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development within one of Germany’s key metropolitan regions.
