Especially in the context of urban and rural communities, engineering solutions can only be effective and sustainable if they reflect the needs of a diverse society. The course analyses the interrelationships between engineering sciences, social practices and their culture in the context of gender and diversity. The course discusses to what extent cultural aspects of gender and diversity have a significant impact on who becomes an engineer, which problems are addressed and how the execution and quality of problem solutions, designs, technologies and products are affected.

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The seminar teaches the theoretical concepts of social responsibility, sustainability and resilience. The concept of resilience especially is discussed by the example of "resilient cities". Students will also learn to apply and reflect on the concepts conveyed to practical, highly topical case studies of socio-technical developments, for example in the field of urban mobility (car sharing, e-scooters, etc.).

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Resilience is closely linked to the guiding principle of sustainable development and is explicitly addressed in various SDGs. 

Particularly in view of increasing natural and environmental disasters, dealing with complexity and uncertainty is becoming more relevant. This requires the design and planning of adaptive infrastructures.

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The activities within the RRI Hub promote a socially responsible and sustainable orientation of research, innovation and teaching. In the spirit of an open innovation ecosystem, a cooperation between science and civil society is facilitated, e.g. by providing the local urban society and students with living lab spaces to meet and experiment.

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Diversity and a non-discriminatory, inclusive working environment offer a multitude of opportunities and social as well as economic advantages in innovation processes. In this context, the implementation of diversity management in engineering-based research networks is examined.

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The interdisciplinary project integrates various aspects regarding the design of future mobility systems and forms. In addition to technical and infrastructural possibilities, individual mobility needs in terms of inclusion and equality as well as environmental compatibility on a local, regional and global scale are considered in order to shape sustainable mobility.

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The mobility turnaround towards a more sustainable and livable design of the public space
requires, among other things, the redesign of urban traffic spaces and a departure from the car-oriented city. The increased desire of citizens for a sustainable transformation of urban space towards a city of the future requires the uncovering of public space, so that urban space can be created for their own concepts and citizens can once again move more freely and safely in traffic. The Reallabor Templergraben represents such a measure for a more sustainable and livable design of public space in Aachen.

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In the context of the transformation towards more sustainable and socially acceptable forms of mobility, cycling represents a socially, environmentally and economically attractive alternative to motorized means of transport. However, many factors must be taken into account to encourage cycling. In addition to structurally separated cycle paths, which should guarantee safety and efficiency, health effects such as pollution in urban areas to which cyclists are exposed must also be taken into account.

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