Scientific Area Networks (SANs)

With the SANs, DRESDEN-concept creates research-orientated, interdisciplinary, and thematically focused networking activities for all partner institutions. The aim is to strengthen joint science and research in fields that have been deliberately selected on a large scale, and to make the corresponding research competencies visible at the location. The SANs are open to scientists and early-career researchers from all DRESDEN-concept partner institutions.

Scientists present their research questions and approaches on alternating, overarching research topics in short lectures (5 minutes, 5 slides), which are followed by thought-provoking discussions with interested scientists from other fields.

During the subsequent follow-ups, work groups are formed that pursue different goals, such as the establishment of a lecture series or the preparation of joint project proposals.

Future of Urban and Rural Areas

SAN I was dedicated to the future trends of life in cities and communities as well as in rural areas. The range of research topics was deliberately large and includes social and cultural change as well as the technological and medical innovations of our time.

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Innovations in Medical Technology

The SAN II focused on the interaction between medical and technical knowledge, in particular new (minimally invasive) surgical procedures and therapies and the use of new materials in (intelligent) implants and instruments, as well as engineering contributions to medical research.

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Change Through Digitalisation

The SAN III considered the effects of digitisation on a large number of areas of work, life and research, as well as the tension between society, culture and technology. Digital transformations play a decisive role in the future development of our way of living, learning, working and researching intelligently and networked.

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Perspectives on Materiality in Art & Design

The SAN IV has been looking at the interplay between state-of-the-art technologies with art and design. Researchers are investigating how modern analytical
methods can help with the digitisation of art objects, the significance of materials in the current discourse of restoration and conservation as well as design and art,
and how artistically creative approaches can be used in the natural and engineering sciences.

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Dynamics of Complex Networks

The SAN V brought together scientists who are working on natural, technical and social networks in a scientific and comparative way. In particular, the focus is on scientific perspectives on complex networks (system of systems) in the research fields of biology and neurology, the social sciences and humanities, and supply infrastructure (energy, water and transport).

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Processes of Ageing

Ageing has always concerned people. It includes not only biological, but also social and cultural processes of the life span from birth to death. In addition to biomedical basic research, aspects of lifestyle and nutrition that can influence aging processes are considered. Rising life expectancy also requires new considerations of the living environment and the participation of the elderly in our society.

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Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence

The SAN provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the methodological and technological dimensions of artificial intelligence (AI) as a new key technology. For several years, AI has been experiencing a strong increase in attention in research, business, culture, and the media. At the same time, AI is also assuming an increasingly important role in government action.

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