New research institute at the University of Halle to solve structural change in the lignite mining area

A new research institute at the University of Halle is to look for solutions to the problems of structural change in the Central German lignite mining region. Saxony-Anhalt's Science Minister Armin Willingmann (SPD) handed over a funding decision worth 21.5 million euros for the establishment of the "European Center for Just Transition Research and Impact-Driven Transfer" (JTC) on Wednesday, as announced by the university. The funding will run until 2027.

17 innovation teams are to be set up at the institute, which will either focus on social science topics of change, conduct materials and technology research or work on legal issues. Transfer pilots will also maintain contacts with industry in the districts of Mansfeld-Südharz, Anhalt-Bitterfeld, Burgenlandkreis and Saalekreis so that the JTC can work on specific problems.