Lower Saxony Aims High with Science Excellence Clusters
Elite institutes in Lower Saxony potentially competing for top positions - Multiple elite squads vie for positions in Lower Saxony
Get ready for some cutting-edge research coming out of Lower Saxony! As many as four top-tier universities in this German state could potentially join the Excellence Initiative's elite ranks by 2026. With the decision on the Excellence Clusters set for May 22, the race is on for TU Braunschweig, Leibniz University Hannover, Medical School Hannover, and University of Oldenburg. These institutions are putting their best foot forward with at least two game-changing projects, as Science Minister Falko Mohrs revealed.
Before we rejoice in the potential expanded scientific scene, let's remind ourselves that achieving the status of an Excellence University is a multi-step process. For now, the focus lies on securing two Excellence Clusters, which will enable us to enter this coveted race. Rest assured, as of now, Lower Saxony hasn't yet had an elite university in its ranks.
In the latest round of clusters, Lower Saxony put forward nine research projects. Among these, there are six existing and three potential new Excellence Clusters. The results of the evaluation in the coming week will decide the funding of these projects for the next seven years. According to Mohrs, a total of 70 clusters are expected to be funded nationwide, with the SPD politician negotiating this higher number with the federal and state governments.
Now, you might wonder, what makes Lower Saxony's research so special? Since early 2023, more than one billion euros have been invested in science via the "Zukunft.Niedersachsen" program, with the program primarily financed by Volkswagen's state-owned shares. In 2023 alone, an additional special dividend of around 576 million euros was added through the Porsche IPO.
You'd be amazed at the groundbreaking research being conducted here. From stem cell-grown heart patches to more efficient solar cells, AI-controlled harvesting robots, and beyond, Lower Saxony is pushing the boundaries of science.
But wait, there's more! Veteran politico Falko Mohrs and Georg Schütte, chairman of the Volkswagen Foundation, both agree—we're in the top tier of the science game. The ultimate goal? To increase our visibility internationally and, of course, secure at least one Excellence University by the 2026 application round.
Oh, and about which universities could secure the sought-after status, well, all cards are currently held close to the vest. So, as we inch closer to the May reveal, stay tuned to find out who'll be making science history right here in Lower Saxony!
- Lower Saxony
- Falko Mohr
- Hannover
- TU Braunschweig
- Medical School Hannover
In the pursuit of securing at least one Excellence University by 2026, Lower Saxony is investing heavily in science, with four of its top universities – TU Braunschweig, Leibniz University Hannover, Medical School Hannover, and University of Oldenburg – aiming to join the elite ranks. Beyond cutting-edge scientific research in various domains, including stem cell-grown heart patches and more efficient solar cells, this region also emphasizes community aid and education-and-self-development, such as vocational training, to foster a well-rounded society.
