Main research areas
Discover the diversity and strength of the research priorities, which focus on key areas such as energy, digitalization and health.

Application-oriented research is one of the strengths of the HRW
“One of my most important goals is to develop, expand and publicize our key research areas. This is the only way we can make it clear to the outside world who we are and in which research areas we are strong,” explains Vice President Prof. Dr. Oliver Koch. “Because just as our degree courses are products that are in demand by prospective students, our research focus areas should also be perceived as an offer by companies to cooperate with us in this area,” Koch continues.
Seven key research areas have been developed so far. These research focuses address the HRW's key topics:
- Energy and resources
- Digitalization and networking
- Health and care
Main areas of research | Energy and resources | Digitalization and networking | Health and care |
Non-contact or minimally invasive methods | x | x | x |
Intelligent mobility | x | x | |
Positive computing | x | x | |
Water economics and water management | x | x | x |
Climate protection | x | x | |
Artificial intelligence from an economic perspective | x | ||
MARTA | x | x | x |
Two recognized research focuses of the Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (with locations in Bottrop and Mülheim an der Ruhr) are placed on the research map of the German Rectors' Conference:
- Non-contact or minimally invasive methods
- Positive computing
The HRK's research map presents outstanding research priorities at German universities in a colloquial and standardized way. The HRK research priorities are regularly evaluated. Criteria include 1.2 million euros in third-party funding per year, number of scientists, scientific publications and patent applications as well as cooperative doctoral procedures.
We are happy to support you in arranging contacts and initiating research and development work, scientific services and laboratory tests. Services and laboratory tests. We also establish contacts with companies and research partners. You can find more information about our full range of services on the Research and Transfer page.