The HSRW-DataSustain-Lab at the Faculty of Communication and Environment in Kamp-Lintfort is a new addition to the HSRW’s laboratory landscape. Here, the exchange of data can suddenly give rise to something new.
The special feature of the HSRW-DataSustain-Lab lies in its conception as a collaborative space that brings together scientific expertise with data science methods. While environmental researchers know what nitrate levels mean and how they arise, for example, data science is able to identify patterns and correlations from thousands of measurement points. Conversely, those who work with data must not only be able to analyse it, but also understand where it comes from, what it means and what purposes it can be used for. This is precisely the bridge that the laboratory aims to build. ‘When different disciplines exchange their perspectives on data, something completely new suddenly emerges,’ says Prof. Dr. Ute Hansen (Biology and Environmental Monitoring), who initiated the laboratory together with Prof. Dr. Tobias Siebenlist (Administrative Informatics).
Real-world solutions
The idea for the HSRW DataSustain Lab first came up in autumn 2023 as part of the Seed Fund. The Seed Fund, with its research and transfer programme lines, is intended to stimulate further research activities, as set out in the HSRW’s university development plan. The focus of the research is on practical problem solving. Regular planning meetings for the HSRW DataSustain Lab have been held since November 2024. Jennifer Gnyp, scientific employee at the lab, is currently developing initial application examples to illustrate the lab’s concept: ‘Sometimes a fresh look at existing data sets is enough to reveal a completely new connection.’ This gives rise to new questions, sustainable insights and, in the best case, solutions to real-world challenges.
Interdisciplinary cooperation
The HSRW-DataSustain-Lab is responding to a growing challenge in research and society: more and more data is being generated and made available – but often there is not enough space to interpret it meaningfully together. Many disciplines work with their own methods and terminology. The lab aims to overcome this separation – and, through interdisciplinary cooperation, enable new ways of thinking and bring together the expertise of different disciplines.
It presents itself as an open hub – for students, researchers and partners in practice who are interested in collaborative thinking and data-driven innovation with relevance for sustainability. The goal: a place for the entire university where data is understood in its context – and thus makes a real contribution to socially relevant issues. So if you are curious about what can be gleaned from data – or what data is needed to gain new insights – the HSRW-DataSustain-Lab is the right place for you.