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

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)

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.

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 together with TU Dortmund University as Ruhr Innovation Lab.

News about the Excellence Strategy

Sprachmächtig, aber auch pädagogisch sinnvoll?

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.

KI:Expertisezentrum.nrw nimmt Arbeit auf

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.