University of Cologne awarded Excellence University status
© Lennart Backs
The Excellence University status provides substantial new opportunities for the university’s strategic development from 2027 onwards, with almost €100 million in funding planned for the first funding period from 2027 to 2033.The proposal sets out four interconnected objectives: attracting outstanding researchers from around the world and creating a stimulating and inclusive environment for researchers at all stages of their careers, further strengthening partnerships and the university’s collaborative research culture, and serving society by strengthening the links between research, teaching and knowledge transfer.
The strategy also aims to shape transformation by anticipating long-term changes while increasing administrative efficiency to ensure adaptability and competitiveness. The University of Cologne’s new status is awarded on a long-term basis, with an evaluation scheduled every seven years under the current regulations.
“In Cologne, excellence means responsibility. The status conferred by the title of University of Excellence means that the University of Cologne will carry even greater responsibility in the future. Our mission, as we understand it, is to have a lasting, positive impact on society through our research and teaching. This involves, for instance, finding solutions to pressing medical challenges, developing innovative strategies to combat human-made climate change, and promoting equal opportunities through education,“ says Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, Rector of the University of Cologne.
As the coordinating university of EUniWell, the University of Cologne further reinforces its role as a leading research and education institution in Europe. The strategic focus of the proposal – including strengthening partnerships, connecting research and teaching, and responding to societal change – also provides important foundations for the Alliance’s continued development.
“The Excellence University status strengthens the University of Cologne as a partner for international collaboration. For EUniWell, this creates further opportunities to connect expertise across our partner universities and to develop European approaches to well-being,” says Prof. Dr. Beatrix Busse, EUniWell Chief Development Officer and Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies at the University of Cologne.
The recognition includes five Clusters of Excellence. One of them is CECAD – the Cluster of Excellence on Ageing and Ageing-associated Diseases, which has strong links to EUniWell’s Health and Well-Being thematic arena. The connection includes the EUniWell Onco-Ageing project and the joint Master’s programme “Well-Being oriented Healthcare”, which brings together perspectives on health, medicine and well-being in an international and interdisciplinary learning environment.
The new status provides a strong foundation for the University of Cologne’s continued development, while enabling it to further expand its international research and education profile and deepen its collaboration across Europe.
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