Excellence Strategy

Starting in 2027, Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University will receive funding as a “University Consortium of Excellence”. On October 2, 2026, the German Science and Humanities Council announced that the joint proposal for the “Ruhr Innovation Lab” had been selected for funding under the federal and state governments’ Excellence Strategy. The competition aims to sustainably strengthen Germany’s position as an outstanding research hub in the long term and further improve its international competitiveness. With the proposed measures, the Bochum-Dortmund team wants to contribute to a future-proof society. Funding starts at January 1, 2027.

News

Grafik RUB und TU Dortmund mit Feuerwerk

Cheering in the Ruhr Area

RUB and TU Dortmund University Celebrate Excellence Strategy Success

With the Ruhr Innovation Lab, the partners convinced an international jury of their outstanding scientific quality and their vision for future collaboration.

Video: The rectors on the Excellence Strategy success

All Information about the Application

Consortium

Think. Try. Transform.

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 at the Ruhr Innovation Lab’s website.

Ruhr Innovation Lab

Hand, die einen Regler an einem Aufnahmegerät betätigt

Podcast on the Excellence Strategy Application

The podcast “Think. Try. Transform.” accompanies the joint application process.

Listen in

Ruhr Innovation Lab and Previous Successes

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.

Overview

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.

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.

Event recap

Frau in lila Jacke spricht in ein Mikrofon

Future Dialogue

More Experimentation!

The first network meeting of the Ruhr Innovation Lab was a great success. The Future Dialogue focused on one of the most pressing issues of our time: AI and digital sovereignty.

News about the Excellence Strategy

Zwei Männer mit schwarzem und weißem Hemd lächeln

Founders Fight Night

Rectors Step into the Ring

On September 16, a special duel awaits: Rector Martin Paul versus Rector Manfred Bayer. Usually, the Bochum and Dortmund rectors join forces – but not for this special occasion.

UA Ruhr

Days of Inspiration and Connection

At the international talent fair, everyone could be convinced of the strengths of the Ruhr region. Subsequently, the UA Ruhr delegation visited Stanford University.

Flaggen des Ruhr Innovation Lab, der RUB und der TU Dortmund vor der Bochumer Unibibliothek

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.

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.

RESOLV

Weak Bonds, Strong Impact

Hydrogen bonds make water what it is: the elixir of life. Researchers of the Excellence Cluster RESOLV are investigating the dance of the molecules and monitor how flexible the bond is.

All News

Helpful Links

Research Projects

Overview