Vision UFR 2040
In 2040, UFR is recognised as a global leader within its Key Research Areas. Our vision amplifies the qualities that already define us as one of Europe’s leading research universities today: excellent research and teaching, a strong sense of responsibility and a culture of openness that fosters trust and collaboration. In 2040, UFR stands as a key contributor to a resilient European research and innovation area, with a global voice and reach on pressing issues such as sustainability, health innovations and cultural transformation. As a magnet for the brightest minds, we push boundaries of knowledge. Knowledge flows freely across disciplines and sectors, strengthening society’s capacity to address the great challenges of our time.
Climate change, shifting global power, economic uncertainty, and a technological revolution reshaping science and daily life create pressures no single discipline, sector, or country can meet alone. At the same time, public confidence in expertise has narrowed, and universities face their own pressures from digital transformation to demographic change. The expectation that we uphold democratic and scientific values, address society’s urgent challenges, and offer guidance is now stronger than ever.
At the following link, you can download the full Vision UFR 2040. On this webpage, you will find additional information on how the Vision UFR 2040 is linked to the University of Freiburg’s Excellence Strategy and how the Vision UFR 2040 was developed.
Vision UFR 2040 and Excellence Strategy
With its Vision UFR 2040 the University builds on its long-standing academic culture, combines it with long-term perspectives, and continues to evolve as an organisation. In an era characterised by profound ecological, technological and social transformation and uncertainty, the University maintains continuity while driving renewal – thereby safeguarding its capacity to respond effectively. Its history and institutional structures provide a strong foundation, while also calling for continuous critical reflection and a willingness to change. Its inter- and transdisciplinary research offers orientation; its teaching fosters critical thinking and self-reflection; and its knowledge transfer connects science, society and practice in a mutually enriching exchange.
The proposal submitted to the Excellence Strategy competition of the German Federal and State Governments – The Future Research University: Sparking Change That Matters – builds on this profile and aims to foster and accelerate the University’s further development. The University of Freiburg’s strategic course, however, is firmly set regardless of the competition’s outcome. It is rooted in the conviction that scientific insight and social responsibility must go hand in hand to shape the future and safeguard democratic culture, prosperity and quality of life.
A process that brings perspectives together
The University of Freiburg’s Vision UFR 2040 brings together the main strands of its previous strategic work – including the Structural and Development Plan for 2024–2028, the formulation of its mission statement, the sharpening of its research profile, the European University initiative and the Excellence Strategy – and aligns them towards a shared strategic direction.
The Vision UFR 2040 is the result of a multi-year process that has drawn on experience, analysis and ideas from across the University. Researchers, teaching staff, administrative, service and technical staff – together with students – have discussed future-oriented topics in a variety of formats, developed measures and implemented projects.
Close collaboration with partners in the city and region, as well as with national, European and global academic networks, has complemented this process. The result is a shared framework that brings together diverse perspectives contributing to the University’s ongoing development. Implementation is continuously monitored, outcomes are reviewed and new developments are incorporated as they arise.
