Hessian Universities Aiming for Top Research Ranking with University of Excellence Bids
Groundbreaking Hessian Applications Submitted for Prestigious University of Excellence - Applications Initiated for Prestigious University of Excellence Designation in Hesse
Ready to take their research to the next level, four universities in Hesse – Frankfurt, Marburg, Gießen, and Darmstadt – are gearing up to apply for the prestigious University of Excellence funding in Germany. The decision, announced by Science Minister Timon Gremmels (SPD) in the Wiesbaden state parliament, marks a significant step for Hesse's academic community.
Minister Gremmels shared that this will be the first time a Hessian university competes for the University of Excellence title. The funding decisions are expected in October 2026, with funding set to commence on January 1, 2027.
Multi-million euro project in sight
Currently, approximately 148 million euros are available annually for the funding of eleven Excellence Universities or consortia nationwide. Individual Excellence Universities can receive up to 15 million euros annually, while consortia can secure up to 28 million euros, according to the ministry.
The Technical University of Darmstadt and the University of Frankfurt plan to collaborate with the University of Mainz to submit a joint application as the Rhine-Main University Alliance in November 2025. The universities of Gießen and Marburg, on the other hand, aim to unite for the Middle Hesse Excellence Consortium application.
Prior Excellence Cluster success necessary
According to the Ministry of Science, a university or consortium must demonstrate at least two successful Excellence Clusters for such a bid. Following Hesse's success in the initial funding round, where six Excellence Clusters were approved in May 2025, the four universities in Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Gießen, and Marburg qualified for the University of Excellence funding line. Previously, in the nationwide Excellence Cluster round of 2019, Hesse had received only one cluster.
- Hesse
- Marburg
- Frankfurt
- Darmstadt
- Wiesbaden
- Timon Gremmels
- SPD
- Wiesbaden State Parliament
Notable points to consider:
- The Excellence Strategy in Germany seeks to boost outstanding research at universities through various funding lines, such as Clusters of Excellence, graduate schools, and Universities or Consortia of Excellence.
- The competitive application process involves rigorous evaluation requiring universities to showcase outstanding research quality, strategic planning, and a sustainable vision for future development.
- The next application phase for Universities or Consortia of Excellence begins in mid-2025, with preparatory dialogues taking place at Ruhr University Bochum in July 2025.
The Commission, given the success of Hesse's six Excellence Clusters approved in May 2025, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation as part of the universities' education-and-self-development and learning during the rigorous evaluations of the competitive application process for the University of Excellence funding line. Additionally, Minister Timon Gremmels, a member of the SPD party, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and continuous improvement as key factors to ensure success in the University of Excellence bid.
