“Our vision is to improve research in such a way that allows originalities to grow and protects success and values of our society, even in times of international interruption,” discusses Prof. Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum. “Together with partners in the Ruhr region, in Germany, and worldwide, we aim to develop a community that will bring this vision to life,” says Prof. Manfred Bayer, Rector of TU Dortmund University. The 2 surrounding universities share a founding purpose: to more drive the structural change of the Ruhr region from the heart of the coal and steel industry to a knowledge hub. The joint application in the Excellence Method carries this objective into the future and beyond the borders of the area.
In May 2025, the 2 universities had gotten approved for the ongoing round of the Excellence Strategy by getting 3 Clusters of Quality. Thanks to their long-standing cooperation in the University Alliance Ruhr, TU Dortmund University and Ruhr University Bochum have strong inter-university structures in research study and transfer to construct on in their joint application. These consist of, in particular, the four Research study Centers and the College, which were established in 2021 together with the University of Duisburg-Essen to strengthen international advanced research in the Ruhr area with 50 new professorships. The carefully integrated start-up support offered by the BRYCK Start-up Alliance is amongst the very best in Germany, as confirmed in July by its selection as one of Germany’s 10 start-up factories.
The two universities have now signed a cooperation agreement for bilateral partnership in the “Ruhr Innovation Laboratory,” which specifies a brand-new inter-university institution. Together, the universities have 875 professorships, 6,400 scientists, and 63,000 students. By combining their strengths, the 2 partners are already especially strong in areas such as sustainable chemistry, reliable IT systems, unique materials, and the nature of matter. Further fields are to be collectively established and expanded. The mutual interaction in between ideas from research and social challenges is directed by the motto “Believe. Attempt. Change.” The brand-new “Ruhr Innovation Lab” site describes the broad foundation on which the consortium can base its vision.
On 13 November, the rectors explained the idea for the joint application in a city center meeting open to all members of the universities.
About the Quality Strategy
In the 2nd financing line of the Quality Technique, universities can get moneying either separately as a University of Excellence or jointly as a Consortium of Quality. The precondition is the acquisition of an enough variety of Clusters of Quality. In the existing round, 10 of the eleven defending title holders in addition to eleven new applicants are competing, consisting of the “Ruhr Innovation Lab.” For the duration 2027-2033, as much as 15 prospects will be moneyed. For the very first time in the history of the Quality Competitors, financing is intended to be permanent, subject to successful assessments every 7 years. The financing quantity depends on EUR28 million each year. An overall concept is needed for the strategic more development of cutting-edge research study that likewise anchors the organization’s capability for renewal. Applications will be assessed in composing and through on-site gos to. Decisions will be made in early October 2026.
Ruhr Development Lab
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