Our research projects focus on planning and decision models for improving resource and energy efficiency in individual companies and in value chains. We use quantitative models and mathematical methods to solve complex decision problems. In particular, we apply operations research methods for the techno-economic optimization of operational and inter-operational production systems. In the context of Industry 4.0, this gives rise to many current research questions. We work interdisciplinary and with national and international partners from science and industry.

Our research areas

Modeling and optimization of production and logistics systems

We develop material and energy flow models to map production processes along selected value chains. They can contribute to the improvement of resource and energy efficiency at company and inter-company level and analyze the effects of innovative production processes in the preparation of investment decisions.

Sustainable use of renewable raw materials

The industrial use of renewable raw materials entails various advantages and disadvantages, each of which can be evaluated differently from the perspective of the three sustainability dimensions of ecology, economy and social issues. Life cycle assessment methods and multi-objective decision support enable transparent and comprehensible comparisons of different utilization paths.

Industrial Risk Management

Industrial emergencies can occur suddenly and require coherent and effective risk management. Complex decision-making situations arise that require consideration of technical, economic, ecological, socio-psychological and political aspects. Industrial risk management comprises risk analysis, risk management and risk monitoring.

Current research Projects

Development of a digital teaching offer "Operations Research for Sustainability: Energy, Mobility, Industry".

Funding: Funding line "OERContent.nrw" of the Ministry for Culture and Science NRW
Project Duration: 2022 - 2024

SALAM 2: Transboundary Strategies for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to Address the Water Deficit Problem in the Middle East.

Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Project Duration: 2020 - 2021

EMSARZEM: Use of MV slag as raw material for cement production

Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research - BMBF
Project Duration: 2021 -2024

Study on the preparation of a corporate carbon footprint for Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann GmbH

Funding: Industry project
Project Duration: 2021 

Life cycle assessment of drinking and hot water supply by Grohe faucet systems

Funding: Industry project
Projektlaufzeit: 2021 

progres.nrw: Strategic Placement of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Based on Geographically Resolved Driving Patterns and Energy System-Related Factors.

Funding: Ministry for Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy
Projekt Duration: 2021 

NEDS - Sustainable Energy Supply Lower Saxony
Funding: Volkswagen Foundation, Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture (funding program "Science for Sustainable Development")
Project Duration: 2015-2019

SustEnergyPort - Simulation-based Assessment of Measures to Increase Energy Sustainability in Port Operations
Funding: Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure as part of the Innovative Port Technologies (IHATEC) funding program
Project Duration: 2017-2019

Completed research projects