Digital innovation: Justus Liebig University Giessen starts new project!

Digital innovation: Justus Liebig University Giessen starts new project!

On September 30, 2025, the DIGITRANSFER project was launched at the Justus Liebig University of Giessen (JLU), which aims to promote digital ideas and skills in research, teaching and transfer. With financing of around 950,000 euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), organized by the state of Hesse, the project will be carried out until the end of 2028. The target group includes members of JLU, including students, teachers, researchers and employees, as well as small and medium-sized companies in the region.

DIGITRANSFER places a particular focus on digital start-up projects and strengthening digital innovation potential. In order to achieve this, the introduction of a digitization toolbox is planned for 2026. This will include e-learning modules on various topics including artificial intelligence, no-code development, project management, data analysis, digital ethics and business model innovation. The courses are modular and combine theoretical approaches with practical applications.

Digital transfer workshop and workshops

A central element of the project is the digital transfer workshop, which is located in the ECM start-up center. The exchange and use of digital tools should be promoted here. Workshops and co-creation formats are also planned in which methods such as generative AI and digital prototyping can be tested. Planned advice and mentoring offers are intended to provide additional support for the participants.

As part of the project, a pilot project is initiated in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Ecotrophology and Environmental Management, which deals with sustainable nutrition and food entrepreneurship. The findings from this pilot project will be incorporated into the further development of the toolbox and into the further training offering.

Digital education on a larger scale

The DIGITRANSFER initiative fits into the larger context of digital education strategies. With the Digital Pact, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is promoting the digital infrastructure in schools in order to increase equal opportunities in the education system. By June 30, 2024, 29,300 schools nationwide should be reached in order to make teaching more individual and more realistic.

In addition, the OER (Open Educational Resources) strategy is promoted, which creates open educational materials for future learning. Well-trained teachers are crucial to using digitalization effectively in teaching. Competence centers for digital teaching play an important role in training teachers and strengthening digital teaching methods.

These synergies between the JLU projects and the nationwide initiatives show how important joint, sustainable action by the federal and state governments is at all levels of education. With a clear focus on basic skills as well as creativity and the ability to cooperate, digitalization aims to revolutionize the education sector.