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.

Ruhr Innovation Lab and previous successes

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.

News

Collage auf einem Luftbild der Ruhr-Universität Bochum und der TU Dortmund

Excellence Strategy

Bochum and Dortmund will apply jointly as a Consortium of Excellence

The two universities aim to test new forms of cross-university structures, which will also be transferable to the University Alliance Ruhr.

Event recap

Die Rektoren Paul und Bayer im Gespräch mit mehreren Personen

Review

Dialogue Forums on the Excellence Strategy

In July 2025, the Rectorate of Ruhr University Bochum invited all members to discuss the next phase of the Excellence Strategy. In this phase, Ruhr University Bochum is applying as Consortium of Excellence alongside TU Dortmund University, under the name Ruhr Innovation Lab.

Background information on the Excellence Strategy

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.

Excellence Strategy

Questions and Answers

On this page we answer all your questions about the Excellence Strategy and the participation of Ruhr University Bochum.

News about the Excellence Strategy

Die beiden Rektoren auf dem Campus der TU Dortmund

Ruhr Innovation Lab

Rectors Present Ideas for Ruhr Innovation Lab

Together, TU Dortmund Rector Manfred Bayer and Bochum Rector Martin Paul introduced the concept for the planned Consortium of Excellence at TU Dortmund University.

Eine Gruppe von Menschen vor zwei Roll-ups

UA Ruhr

The New International Fellows Have Arrived

Eight international researchers have started their senior fellowships at the College for Social Sciences and Humanities. Over the next six months, they will work on collaborative research projects.