On November 12, Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University submitted their joint application to the German Council of Science and Humanities for the title of Consortium of Excellence. The two universities are competing together as the "Ruhr Innovation Lab" in the second funding line of the Excellence Strategy. The concept describes an experimental space that creates room for research and develops solutions to pressing future challenges. This will also involve strengthening connections with business, politics, and society. In the current round of the competition, 21 universities and consortia from across Germany are vying for up to 15 places.

 

"We are driven by the vision of shaping research in such a way that new ideas can grow, ideas that safeguard the values ​​and prosperity of our society even in times of global upheaval," explains Prof. Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum. "With partners in the Ruhr region, in Germany, and worldwide, we want to create an ecosystem to make this vision a reality," says Prof. Manfred Bayer, Rector of TU Dortmund University. The two neighboring universities share a founding mission: to further advance the structural transformation of the Ruhr region from the heart of the coal and steel industry to a knowledge metropolis. Their joint application in the Excellence Strategy now carries this mission into the future and beyond the region's borders.

 

The two universities qualified for the next round of the Excellence Strategy in May 2025 by securing three Clusters of Excellence. Thanks to their long-standing collaboration within the University Alliance Ruhr, TU Dortmund University and Ruhr University Bochum can build on strong, inter-university structures in research and knowledge transfer in their joint application. These include, in particular, the four Research Centers and the College, which were established in 2021 jointly with the University of Duisburg-Essen to strengthen top-level international research in the Ruhr region through 50 new professorships. The closely integrated startup support within the BRYCK Startup Alliance is among the best in Germany, as evidenced by its recognition as one of Germany's ten Startup Factories in July.

 

The two universities have now signed a cooperation agreement for bilateral collaboration in the "Ruhr Innovation Lab," defining a new inter-university institution. Together, the two universities boast 875 professorships, 6,400 researchers, and 63,000 students. By pooling their resources, the two partners are already particularly strong in areas such as sustainable chemistry, trustworthy IT systems, novel materials, and the nature of matter. Further fields are to be jointly developed and expanded. The interplay between research ideas and societal challenges is guided by the motto "Think. Try. Transform." The new "Ruhr Innovation Lab" website describes the broad foundation upon which the consortium can build its vision.

 

Regarding the Excellence Strategy: In the second funding line of the Excellence Strategy, universities can apply individually or jointly for funding as a University of Excellence or a Consortium of Excellence. A prerequisite for this is the acquisition of a sufficient number of Clusters of Excellence. In the current round, ten of the eleven incumbent award winners and eleven new proposals are competing, including the "Ruhr Innovation Lab." From 2027 onward, up to 15 candidates can receive funding. For the first time in the history of the Excellence Initiative, this funding is not time-limited but, subject to successful evaluations, is intended to be permanent. The total funding amount is up to €28 million per year. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive concept for the strategic development of cutting-edge research that anchors institutional capacity for renewal. Applications will be reviewed in writing and through on-site visits. The decision will be made in early October 2026.

 

More information: www.ruhr-innovation-lab.de

See the German version here.

Image credit: Prof. Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum, and Prof. Manfred Bayer, Rector of TU Dortmund University, with the "Ruhr Innovation Lab" logo. (Oliver Schaper/TU Dortmund)