Herne with its approx. 156,000 inhabitants is the geographical center of the Ruhr area and has a lot to offer: In addition to the second largest folk festival in Germany – the Cranger Kirmes – there are also many cultural and sporting attractions, such as the LWL Museum of Archaeology, the Flottmannhallen and the Gysenbergpark.

Education and research

Herne is also increasingly coming into focus in the field of education and research. With the SolarBioproducts Ruhr (Sbp) project office, which has been located in Herne since 2015, the city is taking another step toward becoming a science location. Sbp links research with industry, translates new knowledge into innovations and pursues the long-term goal of establishing a scientific center of excellence for algae biotechnology in Herne.

© WFG

SolarBioproducts Ruhr

The project was initiated by the Herne Business Development Corporation (Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft Herne mbH) and the head of the Photobiotechnology Unit at the Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), Prof. Dr. Thomas Happe. The office, located in Herne-Baukau at the IGZ Innovation Center, contributes to deepening research, developing innovative ideas and uniting specialist areas. In the long term, a scientific institute is to be established in Herne.

Herne is an ideal location for an institute because of the good transport links to the RUB via the U35 campus line. Research institutes make an important contribution to the Metropole Ruhr’s profile as a science region. And Herne is to become a part of this. Research, development and the training of young scientists are to be brought to the Ruhr city. The project is supported by the PRO|transfer e.V. association, which promotes the transfer between science and industry.