The districts of Dithmarschen and Steinburg have long been established as locations for scientific and academic excellence. In addition to the West Coast University of Applied Sciences in Heide, the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology in Itzehoe as well as the West Coast Research and Technology Centre and the Gesellschaft für Marine Aquakultur in Büsum particularly stand out. These institutions draw highly qualified personnel to our region and promote the establishment of small but highly innovative companies. The projects are supported by the technology and start-up centres CAT (Centre for Applied Technologies) Meldorf, mariCUBE Büsum and IZET Itzehoe. Applied research and economics are therefore closely intertwined in our region.
Fraunhofer Institute, Itzehoe
The Fraunhofer ISIT in Itzehoe is one of the most modern research facilities for microelectronics and microsystems technology in Europe. At the heart of the institute is the 3,000 m² cleanroom – not only large enough for the necessary research but also for producing the developed microchips on an industrial scale. At the ISIT, 150 scientists develop power electronic components and microsystems with fine moveable structures for sensor systems (pressure, movement, biochemical analysis, etc.) and actuators (valves, scanners, micromirrors, etc.) including the necessary electronics in close collaboration with industrial partners.
Gesellschaft Marine Aquakultur, Büsum
The GMA operates its own research and development facility (circulation systems) for aquaculture at its site in Büsum. The GMA supports the realisation of internal and external projects for applied research and development in the field of fish breeding and farming. Another focal point is the transfer of knowledge and technology for the breeding and farming of organisms in both seawater and brackish water.
West Coast Research and Technology Centre, Büsum
The West Coast Research and Technology Centre in Büsum is an interdisciplinary, central institution of the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel with a particular focus on regional marine, coastal and ecosystem research. Application-oriented projects and technological developments are conducted in addition to basic research.
University of Veterinay Medicine Hanover Foundation, Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, Büsum
The institute’s main focus is on basic research, applied research and monitoring. Its objective is to research the biology and ecology of wildlife and the influence of anthropogenic activities on animals as well as to assess their health and population.
West Coast University of Applied Sciences, Heide
At the beginning of the winter semester 2014/2015, more than 1,500 students were enrolled in the following degree programmes at the West Coast University of Applied Sciences in Heide, which was founded in 1993:
- Business Administration
- International Tourism Management (ITM)
- Law and Economics
- Business Psychology
- Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
- Management and Technology
- Substainable Building Technology
WKK Bildungszentrum, Heide
The training centre for healthcare professions at the Westküstenklinikum (West Coast Clinic) is the second largest training facility for non-medical professions in Schleswig-Holstein and therefore, one of the largest of its kind in Northern Germany.
Bildungs- und Technologiezentrum, Heide
The training and technology centre is the technical training facility for the trade. Activities include the basic and further training of young persons and adults in the special fields of automobiles/HVAC and electrical engineering as well as preparing them for the examination for the master craftsman’s certificate. The range of services includes organising and carrying out training courses.
