New master plan for university construction in North Rhine-Westphalia
First step towards the campus of the future
- von Astrid Bergmeister
- 29.08.2025
A new stage in campus development is planned for 2026 at the Duisburg campus of the University of Duisburg-Essen. With new buildings and renovations, a ‘campus of the future’ is gradually emerging – a place where innovative teaching, internationally competitive cutting-edge research and modern working conditions come together in ideal conditions. At the same time, the university is focusing on participation: in autumn, it is inviting employees and students to a town hall meeting with the North Rhine-Westphalia Building and Real Estate Management Authority (BLB) to present the project.
The goal is clear: an interdisciplinary, networked campus of the future that creates synergies and offers the best conditions for cutting-edge international research at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Construction work will be deliberately concentrated in one area so that teaching, research and campus life can continue as smoothly as possible during the construction period. ‘The Duisburg campus is developing into a forward-looking location that promotes interdisciplinary exchange and enables new forms of teaching, learning, research and working,’ says Ulf Richter, Chancellor of the University of Duisburg-Essen.
Forward-looking structure
What exactly is planned? Chancellor Ulf Richter explains: "In the coming years, a new structure will be created on the Duisburg campus: computer science and engineering will be concentrated in the south; physics, social sciences and business administration will be located in the centre. The north will become the cultural heart of the campus with a library, central facilities, services and administration. The entire university will benefit noticeably from the new buildings and renovations – and despite unavoidable challenges, the university will remain an attractive place to study, research and work." The first phase of this multi-stage development project is expected to begin in the first half of 2026 with the temporary relocation of the central university administration.
Transparent communication and participation
The focus will always be on the UDE taking the interests of all stakeholders into account and providing comprehensive information to university members, local residents and politicians. Richter adds: ‘As a first step, we are inviting all members of the university to a town hall meeting in the autumn to provide information about the further course of the project.’
Further information:
An initial overview of the campus development can be found at: www.uni-due.de/de/campusentwicklung. The site will be expanded step by step and regularly updated with the latest information.
Please send any questions or comments to: campusentwicklung@uni-due.de
Editor: Astrid Bergmeister, Press Officer and Head of the Press Department, Rectorate's University Management and Communication Unit