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Research projects

Excellence Strategy

The Excellence Strategy aims to strengthen Germany’s position as an outstanding research hub in the long term and further improve its international competitiveness. Ruhr University Bochum is currently entering the competition for the fourth time, this time in close cooperation with TU Dortmund University, partner of Ruhr University within the University Alliance Ruhr. Bochum and Dortmund apply together as Ruhr Innovation Lab.

Recap

Zwei Personen von hinten, Arm im Arm, in blauen T-Shirts mit der Aufschrift "Together for a future-proof society

On-site visit

Ruhr Innovation Lab Reviewed

In May 2026, Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University presented their joint proposal as a University Consortium of Excellence.

Consortium

Das Kunstwerk Tiger and Turtle im Sonnenaufgang, darauf ein Logo des Ruhr Innovation Lab

Think. Try. Transform.

The Ruhr Innovation Lab

Two universities, one mission: In our living lab, Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University are exploring creative ideas to build resilient societies for the future. Discover our vision for the joint Excellence Strategy application at the Ruhr Innovation Lab’s website.

Hand, die einen Regler an einem Aufnahmegerät betätigt
Podcast of the Ruhr Innovation Lab
Listen now (in German)
Listen now (in German)

Ruhr Innovation Lab and previous successes

Ein Labor mit EEG-Kappe und Elektroden, darin ein türkisfarbener Würfel mit dem Schriftzug "Ruhr Innovation Lab"

Excellence Strategy

Previous Successes and Plans

All information on previous successes of Ruhr University Bochum in the excellence competitions and the plans of the Ruhr Innovation Lab for the current round.

Background information on the Excellence Strategy

Wandkalender in den Farben des Ruhr Innovation Lab mit Hand, die auf 2. Oktober zeigt

Excellence Strategy

Funding Lines and Schedule

The Excellence Strategy comprises two funding lines: Clusters of Excellence and Universites of Excellence. More information about the funding lines and the schedule.

Buntes Papier mit Fragezeichen

Excellence Strategy

Questions and Answers

On this page we answer all your questions about the Excellence Strategy and the participation of Ruhr University Bochum together with TU Dortmund University as Ruhr Innovation Lab.

News about the Excellence Strategy

Zwei Personen betreten die Universitätsbibliothek der Ruhr-Universität Bochum durch eine Drehtür.

Ruhr Innovation Lab

Career Paths after the Doctorate

A new concept developed in the Ruhr Innovation Lab provides orientation and maps out individual prospects.

Server

CASA

Critical Vulnerabilities in QUIC Network Protocol Uncovered

Researchers from the Chair of Network and Data Security will present their work at the prestigious USENIX Security Symposium.

Porträt von Sebastian Strauß und Nikol Rummel

Artificial intelligence

Powerful with Language – But Also Pedagogically Sound?

The new AI models are linguistically powerful, but can they also aid in learning? Researchers from Bochum take stock for the OECD.

Smartphone mit KI-Anwendung

AI in Higher Education

KI:Expertisezentrum.nrw Begins Operating

Ruhr University takes the lead in the consortium. KI:Expertisezentrum.nrw brings together the expertise of KI:edu.nrw, KI:connect.nrw, and Open Source-KI.nrw and is funded with 15.4 million euros.

Rektor Martin Paul am Rednerpult vor Publikum

UA Ruhr

Dialogue, Cooperation, and Joint Perspectives

The University Alliance Ruhr and Ilia State University in Georgia are strengthening their collaboration.

Helpful links

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Research Projects
Overview
Overview
Two people seen from behind, arm in arm, wearing blue T-shirts with the words "Together for a future-proof society"

Two people seen from behind, arm in arm, wearing blue T-shirts with the words "Together for a future-proof society"  | Image: RUB, Kramer

Das Kunstwerk Tiger and Turtle im Sonnenaufgang, darauf ein Logo des Ruhr Innovation Lab

Das Kunstwerk Tiger and Turtle im Sonnenaufgang, darauf ein Logo des Ruhr Innovation Lab  | Image: Adobe Stock

Hand, die einen Regler an einem Aufnahmegerät betätigt

Hand, die einen Regler an einem Aufnahmegerät betätigt  | Image: RUB, Marquard

Ein Labor mit EEG-Kappe und Elektroden, darin ein türkisfarbener Würfel mit dem Schriftzug "Ruhr Innovation Lab"

Ein Labor mit EEG-Kappe und Elektroden, darin ein türkisfarbener Würfel mit dem Schriftzug "Ruhr Innovation Lab"  | Image: RUB, Marquard

Wall calendar in the Ruhr Innovation Lab colors, with a hand pointing to October 2

Wall calendar in the Ruhr Innovation Lab colors, with a hand pointing to October 2  | Image: RUB, Marquard

Colorful paper with question marks

Colorful paper with question marks  | Image: RUB, Marquard

Zwei Personen betreten die Universitätsbibliothek der Ruhr-Universität Bochum durch eine Drehtür.

Zwei Personen betreten die Universitätsbibliothek der Ruhr-Universität Bochum durch eine Drehtür.  | Image: RUB, Marquard

Server

Server  | Image: stock.adobe.com, Oleg

Portrait of Sebastian Strauß and Nikol Rummel

Portrait of Sebastian Strauß and Nikol Rummel  | Image: RUB, Marquard

Smartphone with an AI app

Smartphone with an AI app  | Image: RUB, Marquard

Rector Martin Paul at the lectern in front of an audience

Rector Martin Paul at the lectern in front of an audience  | Image: Michael Schwettmann

Aerial view of the RUB campus

Aerial view of the RUB campus  | Image: RUB, Marquard

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