German Excellence Strategy
German Excellence Initiative: everything you need to know
2019 marks the fourth round of the German Excellence Initiative (now the Excellence Strategy), a programme that aims to promote and support cutting-edge scientific research. But what exactly does the initiative fund, how does it work and why is it important for international scientists?
Published: 2019-07-09
By: Alexandra Turney
Contents
What is the German Excellence Initiative?
The German Universities Excellence Initiative (Exzellenzinitiative) was launched in 2005, following negotiations between the federal government and German states. It was designed to strengthen research at German universities and enhance their global appeal. Since its introduction, it has been one of the key factors in attracting international scientists to pursue careers at German universities.
During the first funding phase (2006-2011), €1.9bn was made available to scientists through the Excellence Initiative; during the second funding phase (2012-2017) the funds increased to €2.7bn.
The Excellence Initiative received a great deal of attention in academia and the media, both in Germany and internationally. It has been referred to as ‘the German Ivy League’.
Why is the Excellence Initiative so important for international scientists?
The Excellence Initiative has made Germany the subject of international attention, and scientists across the world are becoming increasingly interested in applying for a job at German Universities of Excellence. The developments in academia over the last decade mean that Germany can now compete on an international level, attracting top scientific talent. Scientists who may not have considered a career in Germany previously are attracted by the substantial funding for research projects and the rise in job opportunities.
With the launch of the next funding phase under the Excellence Strategy, even more international scientists are expected to pursue careers in Germany, especially as universities tend to actively seek scientists from abroad as part of their ‘brain gain’ strategy. In addition, the fact that this round of funding is open-ended means that scientists can expect to be involved in long-term projects, and so build a career and a life in Germany.
The three funding lines
There were three distinct categories that received funding under the Excellence Initiative:
- Clusters of Excellence (Exzellenzcluster)
- Universities of Excellence (Exzellenzuniversität)
- Graduate schools (Graduiertenschulen)
How are Clusters of Excellence and Universities of Excellence chosen?
Clusters of Excellence are outstanding regional research networks of scientists that are focused on a specific scientific topic of international interest. In addition, they offer excellent training and careers for young scientists.
The institute that wishes to become a Cluster of Excellence must submit an application to the German Research Foundation(Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG), outlining the high quality of their research project and the levels of support for participating scientists. Application is a two-part process; for the funding round in 2019, 195 institutions submitted initial applications, of which 88 were then invited to submit full applications. The final decision is made by the DFG, advised by a panel of 39 experts, including scientists and federal and state science ministers.
Universities of Excellence are elite universities that already hold a leading position internationally. To be awarded the title of ‘University of Excellence’ and obtain funding, the university must make an application to the German Council of Science and Humanities(Wissenschaftsrat, WR).
In order to be considered, it should have two Clusters of Excellence in the same funding period. In addition, the university has to present a detailed profile, including a financial plan and an analysis of its existing strengths and weaknesses. Universities of Excellence are chosen by the Council of Science and Humanities, with the assistance of an expert panel.
The first funding round in 2019 provides funding for up to 11 universities; from 2026, this number can increase to 15. The Excellence Commission will announce the Universities of Excellence on 19 July, with funding beginning on 1 November.
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The future of the German Excellence Initiative as the German Excellence Strategy
The Excellence Initiative will continue as the Excellence Strategy (Exzellenzstrategie) from 2019 onwards, with a focus on promoting overall strategies at the Universities of Excellence, strengthening outstanding research projects and increasing visibility in an international context.
While it was originally envisioned as a temporary measure, Germany’s federal government now plans to provide €533m on an annual basis. It will supply 75 per cent of the cost, while the remaining 25 per cent will be covered by the federal state where the university is based. A total of €385m and €148m have been earmarked for the Excellence Clusters and Excellence Universities respectively.
Clusters of Excellence will receive an average of €3m to €10m annually. Universities will also be able to apply for an additional allowance of up to €1m a year in order to strengthen the governance and strategic direction of the university’s management. Universities of Excellence will receive €10m to €15m per year.
Funding for graduate schools will be discontinued in the next phase of the Excellence Initiative. Graduate schools that previously benefitted from the Excellence Initiative will have to seek alternative forms of funding, either publicly or privately, or try to participate as Clusters of Excellence.
The proposed funding for the Excellence Strategy has attracted some criticism, with some academics observing that the funding is relatively low by international standards, as universities such as ETH Zurich, Oxford and Cambridge all have significantly higher budgets. However, the open-ended nature of the German Excellence Strategy means that there is significant long-term potential, with a greater number of universities and research projects likely to benefit.
Clusters of Excellence
Outstanding research groups were recognised as ‘Clusters of Excellence’ and awarded funding. The following tables display the winners for the first and second rounds of the German Excellence Initiative, as well as the research groups that became Clusters of Excellence in 2019, under the new Excellence Strategy.
In September 2018, 57 Clusters of Excellence were announced, as part of the new Excellence Strategy. Funding began in January 2019.
2019
| City | Cluster of Excellence |
|---|---|
|
Aachen |
Internet of Production |
|
Aachen |
The Fuel Science Center - Adaptive Conversion Systems for Renewable Energy and Carbon Sources |
|
Bayreuth |
Africa Multiple: Reconfiguring African Studies |
|
Berlin |
Unifying Systems in Catalysis, UniSysCat |
|
Berlin |
Temporal Communities: Doing Literature in a Global Perspective |
|
Berlin |
Science of Intelligence |
|
Berlin |
Matters of Activity. Image Space Material |
|
Berlin |
NeuroCure - Comprehensive approaches to neurological and psychiatric disorders - from mechanisms to interventions |
|
Berlin |
MATH+: The Berlin Mathematics Research Center |
|
Berlin |
Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS) |
|
Berlin/Münster |
Religion and Politics. Dynamics of Tradition and Innovation |
|
Bochum |
RESOLV (Ruhr Explores Solvation) Understanding and Design of Solvent-Controlled Processes |
|
Bochum |
Cyber Security in the Age of Large-Scale Adversaries |
|
Bonn |
PhenoRob - Robotics and Phenotyping for Sustainable Crop Production |
|
Bonn |
ImmunoSensation2 - the immune sensory system |
|
Bonn |
Hausdorff Center for Mathematics: Foundations, Models, Applications |
|
Bonn |
Beyond Slavery and Freedom: Asymmetrical Dependencies in Pre-Modern Societies |
|
Bonn/Cologne |
ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy |
|
Bremen |
The Ocean Floor - Earth's Uncharted Interface |
|
Braunschweig/Hannover |
PhoenixD: Photonics, Optics, and Engineering - Innovation Across Disciplines |
|
Braunschweig/Hannover |
Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Aviation – SE²A |
|
Braunschweig/Hannover |
Light and Matter at the Quantum Frontier: Foundations and Applications in Metrology (QuantumFrontiers) |
|
Cologne |
Matter and light for quantum computing (ML4Q) |
|
Cologne |
Cologne Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated diseases (CECAD) |
|
Dresden |
Physics of Life - The Dynamic Organization of Living Matter |
|
Dresden |
Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI) |
|
Dresden/Würzburg |
Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter: Fundamental Concepts, Materials Design, and Novel Technologies |
|
Düsseldorf/Cologne |
CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences - SMART Plants for Tomorrow's Needs |
|
Freiburg |
Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS) |
|
Freiburg |
CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies - Signalling across Scales: From Mechanistic Understanding to Control-of-Function |
|
Frankfurt/Giessen |
Cardio-Pulmonary Institute |
|
Garching/Munich |
ORIGINS: From the Origins of the Universe to the First Building Blocks of Life |
|
Garching/Munich |
e-conversion |
|
Garching/Munich |
Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology |
|
Göttingen |
Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells |
|
Hamburg |
Understanding Written Artefacts: Material, Interaction and Transmission in Manuscript Cultures |
|
Hamburg |
Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CliCCS) |
|
Hamburg |
Quantum Universe |
|
Hamburg |
Advanced Imaging of Matter: Structure, Dynamics and Control on the Atomic Scale |
|
Hannover |
RESIST - Resolving Infection Susceptibility |
|
Hannover/Oldenburg |
Hearing4all: Medicine, Basic Research and Engineering Solutions for Personalized Hearing Care (H4A 2.0) |
|
Heidelberg |
STRUCTURES: A unifying approach to emergent phenomena in the physical world, mathematics, and complex data |
|
Heidelberg/Karlsruhe |
3D Matter Made to Order (3DMM2O) |
|
Jena |
Balance of the Microverse |
|
Karlsruhe/Ulm |
Energy Storage beyond Lithium |
|
Kiel |
Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation |
|
Konstanz |
The Politics of Inequality: Perceptions, Participation and Policies |
|
Konstanz |
Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour |
|
Mainz |
Precision Physics, Fundamental Interactions and Structure of Matter (PRISMA+) |
|
Munich |
Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy) |
|
Münster |
Mathematics Münster: Dynamics - Geometry - Structure |
|
Stuttgart |
Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture |
|
Stuttgart |
Data-Integrated Simulation Science (SimTech) |
|
Tübingen |
Machine Learning: New Perspectives for Science |
|
Tübingen |
Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections |
|
Tübingen |
Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies (iFIT) |
Second round (2012-2017)
| University | Cluster of Excellence |
|---|---|
|
RWTH Aachen University |
Integrative Production Technology for High-Wage Countries |
|
RWTH Aachen University |
Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass |
|
Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt University of Berlin |
NeuroCure: Towards a Better Outcome of Neurological Disorders |
|
Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt University of Berlin |
Topoi - The Formation and Transformation of Space and Knowledge in Ancient Civilizations |
|
Humboldt University of Berlin |
Interdisciplinary Laboratory Image Knowledge |
|
Berlin Institute of Technology |
Unifying Concepts in Catalysis |
|
Bielefeld University |
Cognitive Interaction Technology |
|
Ruhr-University Bochum |
RESOLV (Ruhr Explores Solvation) - Understanding and Design of Solvent Dependent Processes |
|
University of Bonn |
Mathematics: basics, models, applications |
|
University of Bonn |
ImmunoSensation: The immune sensory system |
|
University of Bremen |
The Ocean in the Earth System - MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences |
|
Chemnitz University of Technology |
Technology fusion for multifunctional lightweight structures - MERGE |
|
TU Dresden |
Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD) |
|
TU Dresden |
Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfAED |
|
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf/University of Cologne |
Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences - from complex properties to synthetic modules |
|
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg |
New materials and processes - Hierarchical structure formation for functional components |
|
Goethe University Frankfurt |
Macromolecular complexes |
|
Goethe University Frankfurt |
The Formation of Normative Orders |
|
Goethe University Frankfurt/University Giessen |
Cardio-Pulmonary System |
|
University of Freiburg |
BIOSS Center for Biological Signaling Studies - from analysis to synthesis |
|
University of Freiburg |
BrainLinks - BrainTools |
|
University of Göttingen |
Nanoscale microscopy and molecular physiology of the brain |
|
University of Hamburg |
Integrated climate system analysis and prediction |
|
University of Hamburg |
Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI): Structure, Dynamics and Control of Matter at the Atomic Scale |
|
Hannover Medical School |
REBIRTH _ From Regenerative Biology to Reconstructive Energy |
|
Heidelberg University |
Cellular Networks: From Molecular Mechanisms to a Quantitative Understanding of Complex Function |
|
Heidelberg University |
Asia and Europe in a Global Context: The Dynamics of Transculturality |
|
University of Kiel |
The Future Ocean |
|
University of Kiel |
Inflammation at interfaces |
|
University of Cologne |
Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases |
|
University of Konstanz |
Cultural foundations of social integration |
|
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz |
Precision Physics, Fundamental Interactions and Structure of Matter |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM) |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Center for integrated Protein Science(CIPSM) |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Munich-Centre for Advanced Photonics (MAP) |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology |
|
Technical University of Munich |
Origin and Structure of the Universe - The Cluster of Excellence for Fundamental Physics |
|
University of Münster |
Religion and Politics. Dynamics of Tradition and Innovation |
|
University of Münster |
Cells in Motion |
|
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg |
Hearing4all |
|
Saarland University |
Multimodal Computing and Interaction |
|
University of Stuttgart |
Simulation Technology |
|
University of Tübingen |
Werner Reichardt Center for Integrative Neurosciences (CIN) |
First round (2006)
| University | Cluster of Excellence |
|---|---|
|
RWTH Aachen University |
Integrative Production Technology for High-Wage Countries |
|
RWTH Aachen University |
Ultra-High-Speed Mobile Information and Communication (UMIC) |
|
Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt University of Berlin |
Topoi. The Formation ands Transformation of Space and Knowledge in Ancient Civilizations |
|
University of Bonn |
Mathematics: Foundations, Models, Applications |
|
Dresden University of Technology |
From Cells to Tissues to Therapies: Engineering the Cellular Basis of Regeneration |
|
Dresden University of Technology |
Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed) |
|
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main |
Macromolecular Complexes |
|
University of Giessen |
Cardio-Pulmonary System |
|
University of Göttingen |
Microscopy at the Nanometer Range |
|
Hannover Medical School |
From Regenerative Biology to Reconstructive Therapy |
|
Heidelberg University |
Cellular Networks: From Analysis of Molecular Mechanisms to a Quantitative Understanding of Complex Functions |
|
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
Center for Functional Nanostructures |
|
University of Kiel |
The Future Ocean |
|
University of Konstanz |
Cultural Foundations of Social Integration |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Munich Center for Advanced Photonics |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Nanosystems Initiative Munich |
|
Technical University of Munich |
Cognition for Technical Systems |
|
Technical University of Munich |
Origin and Structure of the Universe - The Cluster of Excellence for Fundamental Physics |
First round (2007)
| University | Cluster of Excellence |
|---|---|
|
RWTH Aachen University |
Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass |
|
Freie Universität Berlin |
Languages of Emotion |
|
Humboldt-Universität Berlin |
NeuroCure: Towards a Better Outcome of Neurological Disorders |
|
Technical University of Berlin |
Unifying Concepts in Catalysis |
|
University of Bielefeld |
Cognitive Interaction Technology |
|
University of Bremen |
The Ocean in the Earth System |
|
Darmstadt University of Technology |
Smart Interfaces: Understanding and Designing Fluid Boundaries |
|
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg |
Engineering of Advanced Materials - Hierarchical Structure Formation for Functional Devices |
|
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main |
Formation of Normative Orders |
|
University of Freiburg |
Centre for Biological Signalling Studies - From Analysis to Synthesis |
|
University of Hamburg |
Integrated Climate System Analysis and Prediction (CliSAP) |
|
University of Hannover |
Centre for Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research (QUEST) |
|
Heidelberg University |
Asia and Europe in a Global Context: Shifting Asymmetries in Cultural Flows (EXC270) |
|
University of Kiel |
Inflammation at Interfaces |
|
University of Cologne |
Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases |
|
University of Münster |
Religion and Politics in Pre-Modern and Modern Cultures |
|
Saarland University |
Multimodal Computing and Interaction |
|
University of Stuttgart |
Simulation Technology |
|
University of Tübingen |
CIN - Centre for Integrative Neuroscience |
Universities of Excellence
Universities are recognised as ‘Universities of Excellence’ due to their strategies to promote outstanding research and their ability to compete on an international level.
On 19 July 2019, the Excellence Commission announced the first Universities of Excellence that will be funded under the new Excellence Strategy. Out of 19 applications, ten universities and one university Consortium of Excellence were selected to receive permanent institutional funding as well as the sought-after title as Universities of Excellence.
2019
| University |
|---|
|
RWTH Aachen University |
|
Berlin University Alliance |
|
University of Bonn |
|
Technical University of Dresden |
|
University of Hamburg |
|
Heidelberg University |
|
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) |
|
University of Konstanz |
|
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München |
|
Technical University of Munich |
|
University of Tübingen |
Second round (2012-2017)
| University |
|---|
|
RWTH Aachen University |
|
Freie Universität Berlin |
|
Humboldt-Universität Berlin |
|
University of Bremen |
|
TU Dresden |
|
Heidelberg University |
|
University of Cologne |
|
University of Konstanz |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
|
Technical University of Munich |
|
University of Tübingen |
First round (2006-2011)
| University |
|---|
|
RWTH Aachen University |
|
Freie Universität Berlin |
|
University of Freiburg |
|
University of Göttingen |
|
Heidelberg University |
|
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
|
University of Konstanz |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
|
Technical University of Munich |
Graduate schools
In order to qualify for Excellence Initiative funding, graduate schools had to produce excellent research and allow young scientists to excel in their chosen field. The following universities received funding during the first two rounds of funding.
Second round (2012-2017)
| University | Graduate School |
|---|---|
|
RWTH Aachen University |
Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science |
|
Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg |
Bamberg Graduate School of Social Sciences |
|
University of Bayreuth |
Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies |
|
Freie Universität Berlin |
Graduate School of North American Studies (John F. Kennedy-Institute for North American Studies) |
|
Freie Universität Berlin |
Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies |
|
Freie Universität Berlin |
Friedrich Schlegel Graduate School of Literary Studies |
|
Freie Universität Berlin |
Graduate School for East Asian Studies |
|
Freie Universität Berlin und Humboldt University of Berlin |
Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies |
|
Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt University of Berlin |
BSIO Berlin School of Integrative Oncology |
|
Humboldt University of Berlin |
Berlin School of Mind and Brain |
|
Humboldt University of Berlin |
School of Analytical Sciences Adlershof |
|
Berlin Institute of Technology |
Berlin Mathematical School |
|
Bielefeld University |
Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) |
|
Ruhr University |
Ruhr University Research School Plus |
|
University of Bremen |
Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) |
|
Technische Universität Darmstadt |
Computational Engineering |
|
Technische Universität Darmstadt |
Darmstadt Graduate School of Excellence Energy Science and Engineering |
|
TU Dresden |
Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering |
|
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg |
Graduate School of Advanced Optical Technologies |
|
University of Freiburg |
Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM) |
|
University of Giessen |
International Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture |
|
University of Göttingen |
Göttingen Graduate School of Neuroscience, Biophysics and Molecular Biosciences |
|
Heidelberg University |
Heidelberg Graduate School of Fundamental Physics |
|
Heidelberg University |
Heidelberg Graduate School of Mathematical and Computational Methods for the Sciences |
|
Heidelberg University |
Harmut Hoffman-Berling International Graduate School of Molecular and Cellular Biology |
|
University of Jena |
Jena School for Microbial Communication |
|
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics (KSOP) |
|
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
Karlsruhe School of Elementary Particle and Astroparticle Physics: Science and Technology (KSETA) |
|
University of Kiel |
Integrated studies on human development in landscapes |
|
University of Cologne |
Bonn-Cologne Graduate School for Physics and Astronomy |
|
University of Cologne |
a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities Cologne (AGSHC) |
|
University of Konstanz |
Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology |
|
University of Konstanz |
Graduate School of Decision Sciences |
|
Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz |
Materials Science in Mainz |
|
University of Mannheim |
Graduate School in Economics and Social Sciences: Empirical and Quantitative Methods |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Graduate School of Quantitative Biosciences Munich (QBM) |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
Far Worlds: Archeology College Munich |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and University of Regensburg |
Graduate School for East and Southeast European Studies |
|
Technical University of Munich |
International Graduate School of Science and Engineering (IGSSE) |
|
Saarland University |
Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science |
|
University of Stuttgart |
Graduate School for advanced Manufacturing Engineering in Stuttgart (GSaME) |
|
University of Tübingen |
Graduate School LEAD (Learning, Educational Achievement, and Life Course Development |
|
Ulm University |
International Graduate School of Molecular Medicine Ulm (IGradU) |
|
Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg |
Graduate School for Life Sciences |
First Round (2006)
| University | Graduate School |
|---|---|
|
RWTH Aachen University |
Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science |
|
Freie Universität Berlin |
Graduate School of North American Studies (John F. Kennedy-Institute for North American Studies) |
|
Humboldt University of Berlin |
Berlin School of Mind and Brain |
|
Technical University Berlin |
Berlin Mathematical School |
|
Ruhr University Bochum |
Ruhr University Research School |
|
University of Bonn |
Bonn Graduate School of Economics |
|
University of Bremen |
Global Change in the Marine Realm |
|
Dresden University of Technology |
Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering |
|
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg |
Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies |
|
University of Freiburg |
Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine |
|
University of Giessen |
International Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture |
|
Hannover Medical School |
Hannover Biomedical Research School |
|
Heidelberg University |
Heidelberg Graduate School of Fundamental Physics |
|
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics |
|
University of Mannheim |
Empirical and Quantitative Methods in the Economic and Social Sciences |
|
Ludwig Maximilian University Munich |
Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences |
|
Technical University Munich |
International Graduate School of Science and Engineering |
|
Saarland University |
Multimodal Computing and Interaction |
|
University of Würzburg |
Graduate School for Life Sciences |
First Round (2007)
| University | Graduate School |
|---|---|
|
University of Bayreuth |
Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies |
|
Freie Universität Berlin |
Muslim Cultures and Societies: Unity and Diversity |
|
Freie Universität Berlin |
Friedrich Schlegel Graduate School of Literary Studies |
|
Humboldt University of Berlin |
Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies |
|
Humboldt University of Berlin |
Berlin Graduate School School of Social Sciences |
|
University of Bielefeld |
Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology |
|
University of Bonn |
Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy |
|
University of Bremen |
Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences |
|
Darmstadt University of Technology |
Graduate School of Computational Engineering 'Beyond Traditional Sciences' |
|
University of Göttingen |
Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences |
|
Heidelberg University |
Heidelberg Graduate School of Mathematical and Computational Methods for the Sciences |
|
Heidelberg University |
The Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School of Molecular and Cellular Biology |
|
University of Jena |
Jena School of Microbial Communication |
|
University of Kiel |
Graduate School for Integrated Studies of Human Development in Landscapes |
|
University of Konstanz |
Konstanz Research School "Chemical Biology" |
|
University of Leipzig |
Building with Molecules and Nano-Objects |
|
University of Lübeck |
Graduate School for Computing in Medicine and Life Sciences |
|
University of Mainz |
Materials Science in Mainz |
|
Saarland University |
Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science |
|
University of Stuttgart |
Graduate School for advanced Manufacturing Engineering in Stuttgart (GSaME) |
|
University of Ulm |
International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm |
Response to the German Universities Excellence Initiative
Response to the Excellence Initiative has generally been positive; a huge number of universities have benefitted from the funding and have gained more distinct profiles. The increased support for young scientists is also a significant benefit, and has made German universities a more attractive option for researchers across the world. The Excellence Initiative played an important part in attracting more than 4,000 foreign scientists to Germany.
A commission chaired by Dieter Imboden of the Federal Institute of Technology(Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, ETH Zürich) was mostly positive. Its report, published in 2016, stated that the Excellence Initiative “has made the German university system more dynamic and has become a tangible symbol for the will to improve the international competitiveness of German universities”. While the Excellent Initiative had not yet reached all its goals, the report said it had set the system “on the right path”.
There has been some criticism of the Excellence Initiative, with claims that the ‘reputation hierarchy’ has remained unchanged, with too much focus placed on professorship appointments and publication in prestigious international journals, which tend to favour basic science over applied science. It could also be argued that the focus on research is too narrow, as excellent teaching and mentorship is equally important.
Nonetheless, the substantial funding and the number of institutions that have benefitted financially mean that on the whole, the impact of the Excellence Initiative has been very positive. It has had a transformative effect on many university research projects, and the future looks even brighter.
