German Universities Excellence Initiative

The Excellence Initiative of the German Council of Science and Humanities and the German Research Foundation aims to promote cutting-edge research and to create outstanding conditions for young scholars at universities, to deepen cooperation between disciplines and institutions, to strengthen international cooperation of research, and to enhance the international appeal of excellent German universities. It is the result of lengthy negotiations between the federal government and the German states.[1]

Map showing Germany's eleven elite "Universities of Excellence", in 2012

Since almost all German universities are public (most private universities do not have the official German "Universitätsstatus"), and therefore mainly paid by taxes and generally egalitarian, there is no German Ivy League of private higher education institutions. However, the Excellence Initiative aims to strengthen some selected public universities more than others in order to raise their international visibility. Thus, the German "Universities of Excellence" are sometimes considered the German Ivy League of public institutions.[2] The initiative is conducted by the German Research Foundation (DFG) together with the German Council of Science and Humanities (WR). More than 30 universities in total received funding. It includes three lines of funding:

  1. The establishment of more than 40 research schools for young scientists and PhD candidates, which will receive €1 million each per year.
  2. The creation of thirty so-called Clusters of Excellence, that connect universities with leading German research institutes and businesses. Annually, these clusters will receive around €6.5 million each to fund their work.
  3. The selection of 11 Universities of Excellence, which will be funded highly for their "future concepts", i.e., institutional strategies to promote top-level university research.[1] Particularly this third line of funding has drawn appreciable international attention, both in academia and media.[3]

Altogether €2.7 billion (€1.9 billion for 2007–2012) of additional funds will be distributed over the coming five years, most of this coming from the federal government. The German Council of Science and Humanities is responsible for the third line of funding, and the German Research Foundation is responsible for the first and second lines of funding. These funds are to be available in the first instance for the universities and their partner institutions until 2017.[1]

Results

Winners: Future Concept 2019

11 future concepts across 13 universities were selected for funding in 2019.[4] Six universities retained their status for a third time: RWTH Aachen, FU Berlin (as part of the Berlin University Alliance), Heidelberg University, University of Konstanz, LMU Munich, and Technical University of Munich. Three further universities retained their status for a second consecutive time: HU Berlin (as part of the Berlin University Alliance), TU Dresden, and the University of Tübingen. The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology returned to excellence status for a second time after having been funded in the first round (2006). The three first-time excellence universities are the University of Bonn, University of Hamburg, and TU Berlin (as part of the Berlin University Alliance).

University Title Year of Award
RWTH Aachen University The Integrated Interdisciplinary University of Science and Technology: Knowledge, Impact, Networks2007/2012/2019
Berlin University Alliance Crossing Boundaries toward an Integrated Research Environment2007/2012/2019
University of Bonn WE invest in people – WE foster networks – WE create impact2019
TU Dresden TUD 2028 Synergy and beyond2012
University of Hamburg A Flagship University: Innovation and Cooperation for a Sustainable Future2019
Heidelberg University The comprehensive research university Heidelberg: The future since 13862007
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology The Research University in the Helmholtz Association: Living the Change2006/2019
University of Konstanz creative.together2007
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich LMUexcellent - A new perspective2006
Technical University of Munich TUM. The Entrepreneurial University: Innovation by Talents, Excellence, and Responsibility2006
University of Tübingen Research – Relevance – Responsibility: Open to New Challenges and a Global Scope of Action2012

Winners: Future Concept 2012

Out of the 140 universities in Germany 11 universities were chosen, among them five new winners (HU Berlin, University of Bremen, University of Cologne, TU Dresden, University of Tübingen) and six title holders: RWTH Aachen, FU Berlin, Heidelberg University, University of Konstanz, LMU Munich, and Technical University of Munich. These universities are commonly referred to by the media as "elite universities".[3][5] As in 2006 and 2007, also other universities were awarded for special clusters of excellence and renowned graduate schools.

University Title Year of Award
RWTH Aachen University RWTH 2020: Meeting Global Challenges2007
Freie Universität Berlin International Network University2007
Humboldt University of Berlin Education through science2012
University of Bremen AMBITIOUS AND AGILE2012
University of Cologne Meeting the Challenge of Change and Complexity2012
TU Dresden The synergetic university2012
Heidelberg University Heidelberg: Realizing the Potential of a Comprehensive University2007
University of Konstanz Model Konstanz - towards a culture of creativity2007
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich LMUexcellent: Working brains – Networking minds – Living knowledge2006
Technical University of Munich TUM. The Entrepreneurial University2006
University of Tübingen Research − Relevance − Responsibility2012

Winners: Future Concept 2006/2007
University Title Year of Award
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich LMUexcellent: Working brains – Networking minds – Living knowledge2006
Technical University of Munich TUM. The Entrepreneurial University2006
University of Karlsruhe A Concept for the Future of the University of Karlsruhe. The Foundation of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)2006
RWTH Aachen University RWTH 2020: Meeting Global Challenges2007
Freie Universität Berlin International Network University2007
University of Freiburg Windows for Research, New Universitas2007
University of Göttingen Göttingen. Tradition – Innovation – Autonomie2007
Heidelberg University Heidelberg: Realizing the Potential of a Comprehensive University2007
University of Konstanz Model Konstanz - towards a culture of creativity2007

The funding for a future concept does often, but not necessarily result in a superior overall budget compared to other German universities. For example, due to its small size, the University of Constance is despite this additional means, not included in the top 20 funded universities in Germany.

Current international standing

According to the Third European Report on Science & Technology Indicators, an official document compiled by the European Commission, four of the Universities of Excellence are among Europe's top 10 universities: Technical University of Munich (joint 3rd), Freiburg (joint 6th), Karlsruhe (joint 6th), and Heidelberg (joint 9th).[6][7]

In the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2012, Technical University of Munich (53), LMU Munich (60), Heidelberg (62), and Freiburg (99) are included in the global top 100, heading the field of German universities by those criteria.[8]

Eight of the eleven Universities of Excellence are included in the world's top 250 universities, according to the QS World University Ranking 2012: Technical University of Munich (53); Heidelberg (55); LMU Munich (60); Free University of Berlin (87); Humboldt University of Berlin (130); Tübingen (144); RWTH Aachen (150); Cologne (247). The Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2012 ranks 8 of these 11 Universities of Excellence among the world's 250 top universities: LMU Munich (45); Heidelberg (73); Technical University of Munich (88); Humboldt University of Berlin (109); Free University of Berlin (151); RWTH Aachen (168); Tübingen (187); Konstanz (194).

Federal Education Minister Annette Schavan said following the awards ceremony, "The excellence initiative is writing scientific history. Research at German universities finds itself on a successful, international course."[9]

Winners: Graduate Schools

Source: Federal Ministry of Education and Research[10]

(coordinating) University Graduate School Year of Award
RWTH Aachen UniversityAachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science2006
Freie Universität BerlinGraduate School of North American Studies (John F. Kennedy-Institute for North American Studies)2006
Humboldt University of BerlinBerlin School of Mind and Brain2006
Technical University Berlin (FU Berlin, HU Berlin)Berlin Mathematical School2006
Ruhr University BochumRuhr University Research School2006
University of BonnBonn Graduate School of Economics2006
University of BremenGlobal Change in the Marine Realm2006
TU DresdenDresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering2006
University of Erlangen-NurembergErlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies2006
University of FreiburgSpemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine2006
University of GießenInternational Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture2006
Hannover Medical SchoolHannover Biomedical Research School2006
Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg Graduate School of Fundamental Physics
Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics2006
University of MannheimEmpirical and Quantitative Methods in the Economic and Social Sciences2006
Ludwig Maximilian University of MunichGraduate School of Systemic Neurosciences2006
Technical University MunichInternational Graduate School of Science and Engineering2006
Saarland UniversityMultimodal Computing and Interaction2006
University of WürzburgGraduate School for Life Sciences2006
University of BayreuthBayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies2007
Freie Universität BerlinMuslim Cultures and Societies: Unity and Diversity2007
Freie Universität BerlinFriedrich Schlegel Graduate School of Literary Studies2007
Humboldt University of BerlinBerlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies2007
Humboldt University of BerlinBerlin Graduate School of Social Sciences2007
University of BielefeldBielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology2007
University of BonnBonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy2007
University of BremenBremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences2007
Darmstadt University of TechnologyGraduate School of Computational Engineering "Beyond Traditional Sciences"2007
University of GöttingenGöttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences2007
Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg Graduate School of Mathematical and Computational Methods for the Sciences2007
Heidelberg UniversityThe Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School of Molecular and Cellular Biology2007
University of JenaJena School for Microbial Communication2007
University of KielGraduate School for Integrated Studies of Human Development in Landscapes2007
University of KonstanzKonstanz Research School "Chemical Biology"2007
University of LeipzigBuilding with Molecules and Nano-Objects2007
University of LübeckGraduate School for Computing in Medicine and Life Sciences2007
University of MainzMaterials Science in Mainz2007
Saarland UniversitySaarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science2007
University of StuttgartGraduate School for advanced Manufacturing Engineering in Stuttgart (GSaME)2007
University of UlmInternational Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm2007

Winners: Clusters of Excellence
(coordinating) University Clusters of Excellence Year of Award
RWTH Aachen UniversityIntegrative Production Technology for High-Wage Countries2006
RWTH Aachen UniversityUltra High-Speed Mobile Information and Communication (UMIC)2006
RWTH Aachen UniversityTailor-Made Fuels from Biomass2007
Freie Universität Berlin / Humboldt University of BerlinTopoi. The Formation and Transformation of Space and Knowledge in Ancient Civilizations2006
University of BonnMathematics: Foundations, Models, Applications2006
TU DresdenFrom Cells to Tissues to Therapies: Engineering the Cellular Basis of Regeneration2006
TU Dresden Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed)
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am MainMacromolecular Complexes (CEF)2006
University of GießenCardio-Pulmonary System2006
University of GöttingenMicroscopy at the Nanometer Range2006
Hannover Medical SchoolFrom Regenerative Biology to Reconstructive Therapy2006
Heidelberg UniversityCellular Networks: From Analysis of Molecular Mechanisms to a Quantitative Understanding of Complex Functions2006
Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyCenter for Functional Nanostructures2006
University of KielThe Future Ocean2006
University of KonstanzCultural Foundations of Social Integration2006
Ludwig Maximilian University of MunichCenter for Integrated Protein Science Munich2006
Ludwig Maximilian University of MunichMunich Center for Advanced Photonics2006
Ludwig Maximilian University of MunichNanosystems Initiative Munich2006
Technical University of MunichCognition for Technical Systems2006
Technical University of MunichOrigin and Structure of the Universe – The Cluster of Excellence for Fundamental Physics2006
Freie Universität BerlinLanguages of Emotion2007
Humboldt-Universität BerlinNeuroCure: Towards a Better Outcome of Neurological Disorders2007
Technical University of BerlinUnifying Concepts in Catalysis2007
University of BielefeldCognitive Interaction Technology2007
University of BremenThe Ocean in the Earth System2007
Darmstadt University of TechnologySmart Interfaces: Understanding and Designing Fluid Boundaries2007
University of Erlangen-NurembergEngineering of Advanced Materials – Hierarchical Structure Formation for Functional Devices2007
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am MainFormation of Normative Orders2007
University of FreiburgCentre for Biological Signalling Studies – From Analysis to Synthesis2007
University of HamburgIntegrated Climate System Analysis and Prediction (CliSAP)2007
University of HannoverCentre for Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research (QUEST)2007
Heidelberg UniversityAsia and Europe in a Global Context: Shifting Asymmetries in Cultural Flows (EXC270)2007
University of KielInflammation at Interfaces2007
University of CologneCellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases2007
University of MünsterReligion and Politics in Pre-Modern and Modern Cultures2007
Saarland UniversityMultimodal Computing and Interaction2007
University of StuttgartSimulation Technology2007
University of TübingenCIN – Centre for Integrative Neuroscience2007
University of HamburgThe Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI)2012

Reception

Whether the Excellence Initiative has had a positive effect is currently a matter of debate. A report by the WZB Berlin Social Science Centre indicates that the program failed to create more diverse education options and produced little in the way of lasting change.[11] Additionally, the Goethe Institut claims that an additional criticism is that "competition up to now has focussed exclusively on the research rather than the teaching at universities", that prevailing qualitative imbalances in East and West German education systems may potentially be perpetuated via the program (by favoring more established Western universities over their younger Eastern counterparts), and, furthermore, that the funding may actually be insufficient to achieve the goal of creating "globally competitive universities".[12]

However, an international commission led by physicist Dieter Imboden of the ETH Zurich in Switzerland praised the program, saying it had a "very positive" influence on higher education in Germany, and recommending it be extended and further developed.[13]

Notes and references
  1. "German Science Council: The Excellence Initiative". Archived from the original on 2010-02-20. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  2. https://science.sciencemag.org/content/314/5798/400/tab-pdf
  3. "A German Ivy League Takes Shape". SCIENCE / AAAS. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
  4. "Excellence Strategy". Retrieved 2019-07-19.
  5. "Elite-Unis: Jubel in den Südstaaten". Spiegel Online. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
  6. "CORDIS: Science and Technology Indicators: Snapshots" (PDF). Third European Report on Science and Technology Indicators. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
  7. "CORDIS: Science and Technology Indicators: full version". Third European Report on Science and Technology Indicators. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
  8. "ARWU 2012". Academic Ranking of World Universities 2012 ("Shanghai Ranking"). Retrieved 2012-10-21.
  9. Comment of Anette Schavan on the results of the Excellence Initiative
  10. Bundesbildungsministerium: "Exzellenzinitiative", Abschnitt Graduiertenschulen
  11. "Multibillion-Dollar Program Has Had Little Effect at German Universities, Report Says". The Chronicle of Higher Education.
  12. Himmelrath, Armin. "Two Years Excellence Initiative: A Balance". Goethe Institut. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  13. Vogel, Gretchen (2016). "Germany's excellence program gets good grades". Science. doi:10.1126/science.aae0287.
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