New perspectives and transfer potential revealed:
EMPOWER event on digitalization in the healthcare sector
EMPOWER provides insight into application-oriented research in the LUX Pavilion, offers professionals a platform for dialog, and networks research and practice. Yesterday’s EMPOWER transfer event, which focused on digitalization in the healthcare sector, promised new perspectives – and delivered:
In a total of seven half-hour expert presentations at the LUX Pavilion in Mainz city center, experts presented innovative research approaches and projects that EMPOWER universities are currently working on. In addition, thought-provoking ideas, developed jointly in a World Café-style format, offered the specialist audience plenty of inspiration for exchanging ideas and networking.
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Key questions of the event:
– How can digital tools and educational opportunities strengthen people’s health and well-being?
– How can data be used securely in the healthcare sector?
– What are the potential applications for augmented and virtual reality in the healthcare sector?
Under the banner of EMPOWER, Mainz University of Applied Sciences and the Catholic University of Applied Sciences Mainz invited industry representatives to the LUX Pavilion on April 23, 2025, where they discussed these and many other questions with their guests – including representatives from companies and institutions in the healthcare industry and students.
“Digitalization brings new, innovative solutions. In view of the shortage of skilled professionals and demographic trends, this is of fundamental importance, especially for the healthcare sector, as it can at least partially compensate for this,” stated Prof. Dr. Anett Mehler-Bicher, Vice President, Research and Transfer at Mainz University of Applied Sciences. She also emphasized: “Expectant mothers, especially those with a migration background, have high potential for innovation. They all have one thing in common: application-oriented research projects can open up great transfer potential for the economy and society in the healthcare sector.”
Topical overview: Current projects in the context of digitalization and health
- Analysis of oncological treatment processes
Team led by Prof. Dr. Sven Pagel and Prof. Dr. Tobias Walter (Mainz University of Applied Sciences): Process mining and machine learning for the analysis of healthcare data in Rhineland-Palatinate, with a focus on prostate cancer - Oral diagnostics using deep learning
Dr. Jean-Jacques Ponciano (Mainz University of Applied Sciences): Hyperspectral imaging for improved early detection of oral carcinomas. - Augmented reality in physiotherapy
Florian Diller (Worms University of Applied Sciences): 3D technology to support precise movement sequences and relieve the burden on specialized staff - Digital biography work in geriatric care
Prof. Dr. Sabine Corsten (Catholic University of Applied Sciences Mainz): Digital tools for memory and participation in care facilities. - Digital health literacy for mothers
Prof. Dr. Sandra Bensch (Catholic University of Applied Sciences Mainz): Multilingual homepage “Learningsnacks for Mothers” for low-threshold education. - Legal framework for handling health data
Philipp Kachel (Institute for Digital Health Data): Overview of laws and regulatory requirements at the EU and federal levels - IT security and health data
Prof. Dr. Nicolai Kuntze (Mainz University of Applied Sciences): E-prescription, ePA & Co - challenges of a networked health data ecosystem.
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World Café: Exchange of ideas and interactive inspiration
Networking was supported by a moderated World Café session. Participants had the opportunity to choose from the following modules in two 20-minute sessions:
- Data Skills in the Healthcare Sector: Opportunities and Challenges of the Digital Transformation
- New Work in Care – Utopia or Opportunity?
- Mixed Reality in the healthcare sector
- TRAIN - Digital Health Literacy in Physiotherapy
- APNs and telehealth: New Approaches in Caring for People with Parkinson's Disease
- Healthy. Safe. Self-determined. – Digital Literacy in Healthcare
Conclusion and outlook
“Germany has a level of nursing and medical care that is the envy of many countries. At the same time, the challenges posed by demographic change, globalization, and technological development are enormous. There are no patent solutions. This makes it all the more important for researchers and practitioners to meet and network with one another,” says Prof. Dr. Thomas Hermsen (Catholic University of Applied Sciences Mainz).
He also emphasized the value of the event format, which met with very positive feedback and is to be further expanded.
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About EMPOWER
EMPOWER is a collaborative project between five universities of applied sciences in Rhineland-Palatinate. Its aim: to promote the research-based transfer of ideas, knowledge, and technology with business and society in the Rhine-Main-Neckar region.
The participating universities and their topics:
– Mainz University of Applied Sciences | Connectivity
– Catholic University of Applied Sciences Mainz | Health
– Worms University of Applied Sciences | Cybersecurity
– Bingen Technical University of Applied Sciences | Sustainability
– University of Business and Society | New Work
EMPOWER is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the “Innovative University” funding line.
