News – University of Freiburg

Portrait of Prof. Dr. Frieder Vogelmann.

Academic Freedom: A Fragile, Contested Norm

Information about the criminal offence committed by a former employee of the University of Freiburg

On 9 March 2026, a former employee of the University of Freiburg was convicted of secretly filming women in private rooms and in an apartment rented during a business trip. After the preliminary investigation became known in 2024, the University immediately terminated his employment without notice, strengthened protective and preventive measures, and provided support to those affected. The University management is appalled by the crimes and condemns them in the strongest possible terms.

Second funding period approved for international research training group in physics

The German Research Foundation has extended the University of Freiburg Research Training Group dedicated to research into matter at the quantum level.

Science as Part of a Negotiation Process

In the following interview, Prof. Dr. Thomas Stieglitz from the Department of Microsystems Engineering – IMTEK speaks about science and social responsibility. He will give a lecture on this topic on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Uniseum Freiburg.

‘The Topic Is Evidently Striking a Chord’

The lecture series ‘Wissenschaft in gesellschaftspolitischer Verantwortung’ (Science and sociopolitical responsibility), featuring renowned researchers, begins on 9 June 2026 and will explore in depth – through three individual lectures and a panel discussion – the current state of academic freedom, the responsibilities of researchers, and how academic institutions can safeguard their freedom without shirking their sociopolitical responsibility. Dr. Verena Kremling, Equal Opportunity Representative for Administrative, Service, and Technical Staff (BfC), and Eva Pereira Borgmeyer, adviser in the BfC office, explain why it’s worthwhile to delve into these issues and give them serious consideration.

A scientist wearing a white lab coat operates a high-tech analysis device in a laboratory. The scene is technically and professionally lit.

New perspectives for permanent positions alongside the professorship

The Senate of the University of Freiburg has adopted the ‘Framework for Permanent Positions Alongside Professorships’. With these binding guidelines, the university is strengthening permanent career prospects in research, teaching, and academic administration.

Six students sit around a table in a seminar room, working together on notes. Some are writing while others are engaged in discussion. Daylight streams through the slanted skylights, creating a bright learning environment. The scene conveys a focused and collaborative atmosphere.

The University of Freiburg has been awarded funding for the innovative transfer project “CommUniHub”

The Stiftung für Innovation in der Hochschullehre (Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education) will provide over €3.4 million in funding for “CommUniHub”. It strengthens the link between academic learning and real-world practice, instilling in students a sense of responsibility as well as skills directly to solving societal problems.

“Climate change presents new challenges regarding water regulation for plants”

How exactly do plants regulate their uptake and release of water during drought stress? This is what the new research unit SOPHY, which is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), is investigating. Professor Christiane Werner, Professor of Ecosystem Physiology at the University of Freiburg’s Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, and her colleague Dr Simon Haberstroh are involved. In this interview Werner talks about how through SOPHY researchers can study the interaction and adaptation of plants during drought phases.

Illustration: The hand of a robot protruding from a screen claps the hand of a user.

Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI in Teaching and Studies Adopted

The use of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) in teaching and studies offers many opportunities, but also presents challenges. To help faculty and students navigate the use of AI, the University of Freiburg Senate adopted guidelines on the use of generative AI in teaching and studies in May 2026.

The Internationalisation Strategy 2030 has been published

In May 2026, the University of Freiburg adopted its Internationalisation Strategy 2030. The strategy was developed through a University-wide participatory process and sets out how the University of Freiburg intends to embed international perspectives even more firmly within its research, study programmes, teaching and administration in the future.

FCI Supports Teaching Concept for the Chemistry of Tomorrow

The German Chemical Industry Fund (FCI) is supporting the course offering ‘DigiChemJN’ at the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy. DigiChemJN strengthens students’ data literacy by providing them qualifications in data-based research methods, experimental datasets, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Structural change in food processing: the food system’s increased vulnerability to crises

Information plaques explain the historical traces and inscriptions on College Building I

Several information plaques in Collegiate Building I explain the historical traces and inscriptions on the building. Developed in consultation with members of the University community, they combine remembrance with public outreach, both on-site and online.

University taking part in Stadtradeln 2026 with own team

Freiburg will be taking part in Stadtradeln, a nationwide campaign in promotion of sustainable mobility, for the sixth time this year.

Part-time Vice Rectors for University Culture and for Internationalisation and Sustainability, and the new Equal Opportunities Officer, have been elected

On 20 May 2026, the Senate elected both part-time Vice Rectors for University Culture and for Internationalisation and Sustainability, as well as the new Equal Opportunities Officer at the University of Freiburg.

Strawberrry plants grow under an photovoltaic system

New pilot plant combines solar power generation with agriculture

On 20 May 2026, an agrivoltaic pilot plant was inaugurated on the grounds of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Freiburg. In addition to generating scientific insights, it aims to spark interest in a key future topic in the energy sector.

Inclusive leadership: Diversity as a key to success at the University of Freiburg

The University of Freiburg is committed to fostering a university culture that is equitable, inclusive and sensitive to issues of discrimination. Inclusive leadership that addresses aspects of diversity plays a key role in this. The University has therefore enshrined the promotion of diversity in its leadership guidelines.

Three people are standing in front of a large open book

Dies Universitatis: Cross-Border Cooperation in Times of Global Crises

At the Dies Universitatis 2026, the University celebrated the ten-year anniversary of the European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) ‚Eucor – The European Campus‘. In addition, the University conferred the title of Honorary Cenator and the University Medal.

Collaborative Research Centre in Literary Studies approved

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved the Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio ‘Historical and Transcultural Narratology’ at the University of Freiburg. Within this project, researchers are investigating narratives and narrative practices in various historical and cultural contexts.

“Europe can flourish where cooperation is the norm”

This year’s Dies Universitatis on 19 May 2026 will mark the tenth anniversary of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) ‘Eucor – The European Campus’. What does this form of European cooperation mean for the University of Freiburg, the region and Europe? A conversation with Prof. Dr Melanie Arndt, Vice Rector for Internationalisation and Sustainability.

Ein modernes Gebäude mit schrägen Fassaden mit vielen Glasflächen

CHE Ranking 2026: The University of Freiburg receives top ratings

The University of Freiburg has achieved top results in the CHE Ranking 2026 in the fields of business administration, economics and law. The subject-specific ranking by the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE) takes into account both data on study programmes, teaching and research, as well as student feedback.

Tree communities influence food webs in European forest floors

An international research team has studied how much the activity of food webs in forest floors depends on tree species. The scientists conclude that the special properties of tree species in relation to how they obtain and store energy and nutrients have a greater influence on food webs than previously thought.

Alexander von Humboldt professorship for Simon Elsässer – “You can think of it as a kind of cellular memory”

Prof. Dr Simon Elsässer will be awarded one of this year’s Alexander von Humboldt Professorships on 12 May 2026. In this interview, he talks about complex cellular decision-making processes, the importance of signals and what makes the research environment in Freiburg so special.

Several books are stacked on a desk. On top lies a copy of 15 Heroines – The War Destroyed the Labyrinth, an adaptation of Ovid’s Heroides. Office items such as a computer mouse, keyboard, and paper clips can be seen nearby.

Research Sheds Light on Modern Myth Retellings

Why are classical myths still being retold today? In this interview, English scholar Dr. Anna-Rose Shack discusses the reparative potential of casting stories in a new light and offers insights into a theatrical production she is developing with students as part of her research.

A group photo of twelve people in evening gowns and suits on a stage in front of a wood-paneled wall. The group is standing close together and smiling at the camera.

Freiburg law students impress at international university competitions

For a whole semester, eight Freiburg students prepared for a simulated trial in Vienna and Hong Kong and appeared in oral negotiations in competition with international teams.

Cooperative project researches interaction of top female athletes’ menstrual cycle, performance and health

The Federal Institute of Sports Science (BISp) is funding a project into sex-specific differences in competitive sports. The Athletin-D project combines the universities of Bochum, Freiburg, Wuppertal and the Technical University of Munich on research into how the performance and health of female athletes could be improved in Olympic and paralympic sports.

In two photos, a blonde woman wearing glasses is shown making a gesture with her thumb and index finger pressed together in one, and with her palms facing inwards at shoulder height in the other.

Gesticulating Together for More Inclusion in Daily Life

A sign language course for colleagues in the Central Administration strengthened the sense of belonging in the team and improved their communication with a deaf colleague as well as within the department. In this way, the participating supervisors and employees set a lasting example for inclusion at the University of Freiburg.

A city with a tall church tower, photographed from a wooded hill.

More collaboration, more impact: The Innovation Alliance Foundation Freiburg adopts a new resolution

The University of Freiburg works closely with partners from various sectors including academia, business, politics and public administration through the Innovation Alliance Foundation Freiburg. The resolution that has been adopted reinforces the shared goal of establishing Freiburg as an attractive innovation hub with international appeal.

A young man with glasses standing an old park

Welcome Prof. Dr Jonathan Henshaw, Professor of Theoretical Biology

Jonathan Henshaw has been Professor of Theoretical Biology at the Institute of Biology since March 2026. In this interview, he talks about how his research can help improve the evolutionary-biological understanding of diverse sexual behavior in animals, what he hopes to pass on to his students, and why science continues to occupy his thoughts even in his private life.

A man pointing on a presentation on a wall

Strengthening Partnerships: South Danish Delegation in Freiburg

The University of Freiburg and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) are taking their collaboration to the next level: Following the signing of a strategic partnership agreement in March, the two partners agreed on a joint roadmap for the coming years.

A group of young people is sitting at a table and talking.

Submit your nominations for the Alumni prize for outstanding social involvement now

Students and student groups can be nominated for the Alumni prize for outstanding social involvement until 7 June 2026.

A young woman is working in a laboratory

Attractive and Reliable Prospects for Researchers

In academia, strong commitment and great responsibility are often associated with temporary employment contracts. The University of Freiburg wants to change that and is working towards establishing fair and reliable career paths.

From Ideas to Solutions: How Freiburg’s Research Makes an Impact

The University of Freiburg aims to help solve the great challenges of our time with inter- and transdisciplinary research and is thus taking on responsibility for society.

Sodium ion batteries are assembled in the laboratory

Freiburg Battery Days 2026

During the Freiburg Battery Days from 27 to 29 April 2026, researchers from the University of Freiburg and the Fraunhofer Institutes EMI, ISE and IWM will present and discuss the current state of battery research and provide an insight into the innovative knowledge stemming from battery research in Freiburg.

A carer’s hands hold an elderly person’s hands

New Endowed Professorship Strengthens Oncological Care in Freiburg

The University of Freiburg’s Faculty of Medicine and the Medical Center – University of Freiburg have secured a grant worth 1.5 million euros from German Cancer Aid to establish an endowed professorship for oncological care.

A section of the façade of the University Library of Freiburg against a reddish sky.

Cardiac function, adenoviruses, dark matter: DFG awards grants to three new research units

The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding three new research units in Freiburg for a period of four years.

Renewal as a Guiding Principle

In the interview, Rector Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein describes what makes a university relevant today, what conditions top-level research needs, and how the impulses from the Excellence Strategy benefit the top and the grassroots in the same measure.

A group of chatting people sit in an office

Theory Meets Practice: formats for development of sustainability solutions

On the “Transdisciplinary and transformative” sustainability education project, students will learn to develop sustainability solutions. So, the project team is building a digital platform for teachers and initiating learning formats with partners from science, business, politics and civil society.

Artistic illustration shows channels with colored spots

First steps towards cell therapy for brain disorders

Researchers in Freiburg have found a way to selectively replace defective immune cells in the blood vessels of the brain using an animal model. This is an important first step towards cell therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders.

Large group of people standing and kneeling in an indoor space with stone walls, holding certificates and looking at the camera for a group photo.

International researchers are networking at the Freiburg Rising Stars Academy

28 international female researchers gathered in March 2026 for the Freiburg Rising Stars Academy. The programme connects young researchers with established female scientists in Freiburg. 25 of them are now returning for an extended research stay.