Sparked in Freiburg
Freiburg, 12/11/2025
Ideas, impulses and sparks of inspiration that ignite insight and illuminate new understanding – with its proposal in the Universities of Excellence funding line, ‘The Future Research University: Sparking Change That Matters’, the University of Freiburg sets out its ambition to shape change in society, the economy and politics: through interdisciplinary research that provides orientation, teaching that fosters critical thinking and knowledge transfer that reaches far beyond the campus. As the outcome of a university-wide process, the proposal brings together a wide range of strengths and perspectives. As part of the path towards Excellence status, an on-site visit will take place in early June 2026, during which the University will welcome an international panel of experts to Freiburg to make a compelling case for its vision of the future.
Title page of the excellence application. Image: University of Freiburg
On 12 November 2025, the University of Freiburg submitted its application in the Excellence Strategy competition of the German Federal and State Governments. At the heart of the proposal lies the ambition to rethink the University’s identity for the 21st century, closely interlinking scientific inquiry closely with social responsibility. In an era marked by rapid transformation and uncertainty, the University sees it as one of its central tasks to contribute solution-oriented perspectives to social, economic and cultural developments – whether by addressing climate change, developing new medical therapies, or shaping cultural and digital transformation.
The application shows how the University of Freiburg puts this mission into practice: through interdisciplinary research that provides orientation, teaching that fosters critical thinking and self-reflection and knowledge transfer that amplifies the societal impact of research far beyond the campus. Targeted initiatives – known as Sparks – drive change across the University. They strengthen both its structures and its culture, fostering trust and a sense of belonging from which identification and shared commitment continue to grow.
Drawing on experience – creating with foresight
The proposal brings together a wealth of expertise and perspectives from across the University, says Rector Professor Kerstin Krieglstein. ‘My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who contributed to the development of this application. Your ideas and commitment, your openness and courage to embrace change, show how vibrant and sustainable our shared vision truly is.’
Prof. Kerstin Krieglstein on the University of Freiburg’s status quo in the competition for the title of University of Excellence. (0:23)
The Excellence Strategy, Krieglstein explains, is a key instrument for advancing the University of Freiburg as a leading, globally connected and socially responsible research institution – and for ensuring progress in knowledge at the highest level. ‘This means attracting outstanding researchers and supporting their development – particularly in the early and mid stages of their careers. Equally crucial are international partnerships and networks that foster inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration and open up spaces for innovation.’
Future agenda ‘UFR 2040’
The application is embedded within the University’s ‘UFR 2040’ Future Agenda, which serves as a strategic compass for the University’s long-term development in research, teaching, knowledge transfer, university culture and governance. A success in the Excellence Strategy competition would significantly accelerate these endeavours. However, as Rector Professor Kerstin Krieglstein emphasises, the course for the University’s future direction has long been set: ‘It is founded on the University’s strengths and driven by the conviction that we can help shape the future sustainably through our contribution to democratic culture, prosperity and quality of life.’
Prof. Kerstin Krieglstein on the University of Freiburg’s prospects of success in the competition for the title of University of Excellence. (1:09)
The University Council fully supports this course, as its Chair Professor Holger Reinecke underlines: ‘The University of Freiburg demonstrates how academic excellence can achieve societal relevance. It takes responsibility for its own development and translates this into tangible benefits for society. Its collaborative research connects perspectives and insights, helping to ensure that complex political and social decisions rest on a reliable foundation. In doing so, the University makes an important contribution to strengthening trust in the power of evidence-based action.’
Alongside the universities that already hold the status of Universities of Excellence, Freiburg is the only university in the state of Baden-Württemberg eligible to submit a new application for the title of University of Excellence and receives strong support from the State Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts. ‘Leading universities in research and innovation are of central importance to our society’, says Minister Petra Olschowski. ‘They play a decisive role in finding answers to the major questions of today and tomorrow. The University of Freiburg is an outstanding example of this – a beacon of excellence within our strong Baden-Württemberg science landscape.’
On-site review
Following the submission of the application, the process now enters its next phase. The German Science and Humanities Council and the German Research Foundation (DFG) have scheduled a review in which an international panel of experts will visit Freiburg in early June 2026. Together with representatives from all areas of the University, as well as partners from the city and region, across Europe and from the University’s global network, the University’s leadership will present the ‘UFR 2040’ Future Agenda and the ideas developed in the application.
Prof. Kerstin Krieglstein on the next steps on the path to becoming a University of Excellence. (1:48)
Research excellence and social relevance
The Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments strengthens cutting-edge research at German universities through two funding lines. With the Clusters of Excellence funding line, collaborative research at the highest international level is supported. In this line, the University of Freiburg has been successful with CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies and Future Forests – Adapting Complex Social-Ecological Forest Systems to Global Change. CIBSS, which will enter its second funding phase in 2026, focuses on cellular communication and drives innovation for medical therapies, sustainable agriculture and AI applications. From 2026, the new Future Forests Cluster of Excellence will begin its work. Through joint research efforts, experts study forest ecosystems under climate change and develop new strategies for resilience and climate neutrality. Both Clusters of Excellence exemplify the University’s distinctive research approach: addressing complex questions collaboratively and across disciplinary boundaries – producing findings that are both scientifically excellent and socially relevant.
Decision on 2 October 2026
The Universities of Excellence funding line recognises the overall strategy and institutional strength of a university. To be eligible, universities must have at least two approved Clusters of Excellence. If successful, the University of Freiburg would receive up to 15 million euros per year to further expand its strategic priorities.
At present, eleven universities in Germany hold the title of University of Excellence. Under the current framework, a maximum of fifteen universities or excellence alliances can receive funding. The Excellence Commission – comprising an international Committee of Experts and the ministers responsible for science and research at federal and state level – will decide on the new Universities of Excellence on 2 October 2026. The funding period will begin on 1 January 2027 and run until 2033. Every seven years, the participating universities undergo evaluation to reaffirm their status.