The Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, the Bauhaus University Weimar (BUW) and the Institute for Applied Building Research (IAB) in Weimar are involved in the research work of the innovation centre. The funding, from the ERDF fund and the TMWWDG, will be provided until 2028 and will be used to purchase new research equipment and cover personnel costs.

Minister Tiefensee emphasised the importance of the project: "The topic of material recycling has long been neglected. I am therefore particularly pleased about the progress we have made in this area. The concept of the circular economy encompasses much more than just recycling. It also refers to resource-conserving construction and the creation of a circular economy. In Thuringia, we have become an important hotspot in this area. This would not have been possible without the appropriate infrastructure, scientific expertise and, in particular, financial support from the state of Thuringia. Our commitment makes a decisive contribution to further development in the field of sustainability. My thanks go to all of you who have laid the foundations for this important project and are now ensuring that it continues successfully."

In the completed funding phase 2018 to the end of 2023 ThIWert 1.0, the main focus was on the technical, organisational and structural implementation of the start-up phase of the innovation centre. The original task was to found and build a new innovation centre for Thuringia, equip it with research-related infrastructure and establish it in the field of recycling research. This centre has now been established on Helmestrasse and expands the original campus of Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences with a large research campus.

In the coming years, ThIWert will continue to concentrate on the development of strategies for the utilisation of secondary raw materials, sustainable construction, geotechnics and bioresource management. The focus will be on implementing the R4 approach (Rethink, Reuse, Remanufacture, Recycling) within the circular economy. Technical, logistical and social aspects play a central role here.

Prof. Ariane Ruff, previously head of ThIWert, commented on the new funding phase and the centre's objectives as follows: "With the start of the second phase of the ThIWert project, we are setting ourselves the goal of taking an in-depth look at all facets of the circular economy. Our focus is not only on researching the various building blocks of this comprehensive concept, but also on applying them in practice."

"The second phase of ThIWert marks a turning point - it is the phase of rethinking and further development. While the first phase was mainly dedicated to building up our technical infrastructure and machinery, the focus is now on optimising the use of these resources. A central concern is the internationalisation of our activities in order to increase our reach and influence. At the same time, we are keeping our focus firmly on a solid scientific approach. An important aspect of our work is the transfer of knowledge into practice. We want to ensure that our students receive the latest research findings. This approach will enable us to best prepare the next generation of professionals in the fields of circular economy and sustainable development," comments Professor Robert Wudtke, the new head of ThIWert, on the direction and objectives of the second phase.

Following the official handover of the funding decision, University President Prof Dr Jörg Wagner signed the new cooperation agreements with the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (BUW) and the Institute for Applied Building Research (IAB) in Weimar.

Professor Eckhard Kraft from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar concluded by expressing his gratitude and the importance of the ongoing funding for the project: "I would like to thank the Minister for his continued support. The continuation over two funding periods cannot be taken for granted, but it is essential in order to initiate sustainable developments."

The innovative work of ThIWert will contribute significantly to the development of sustainable and practice-orientated recycling management concepts in Thuringia and beyond and is a decisive step towards a more environmentally conscious future.