Research Strategy

Securing and further strengthening excellent research is a central goal of TU Dortmund University. The focus is on enabling and realizing outstanding basic and applied research, systematically linking it, and assuring its quality. An important goal here is the initiation, consolidation and expansion of cooperative research, especially in the sphere of TU Dortmund University, as well as the promotion of collaborative capability, also on the basis of excellent individual projects. Furthermore, this includes the further optimization of the framework conditions for research at TU Dortmund University, the strengthening through appointments of further excellent researchers, the expansion and use of research-related networks as well as the relief and support of researchers through a competent, service-oriented administration and a central infrastructure for interdisciplinary requirements.

Attracting, promoting and retaining excellent established and up-and-coming researchers from Germany and abroad is an important goal for TU Dortmund University. This is also supported by a higher visibility of TU Dortmund University in the relevant scientific and public contexts. The university attaches particular importance to the quality-oriented, transparent and rapid organization of all phases of an appointment procedure and the national and international advertising of its positions in relevant scientific networks and job portals in order to reach the broadest possible field of applicants. In addition, TU Dortmund University continuously optimizes the framework conditions for successful research. TU Dortmund Unversity also aims to make scientific careers easier to plan and to retain excellent young researchers at our university in the long term. In addition to the professional development, the interdisciplinary qualification, networking and advising of young scientists as well as the support of early academic independence are central goals.

TU Dortmund University will continue to vigorously expand internationalization and diversity in research. In this context, the internationalization of research aims at increasing the individual activities of researchers as well as the institutional activities of TU Dortmund University such as strategic networks, institutional cooperation, representation in committees and events in order to further strengthen the international visibility and competitiveness of TU Dortmund University. The goals of expanding diversity in research are, on the one hand, to increase the diversity of researchers and, on the other hand, to give greater consideration to diversity aspects in research in order to do justice to societal heterogeneity as well as the associated participation in research. TU Dortmund University is convinced that adequate solutions for future questions also require multi-perspective and diverse approaches.

TU Dortmund University has integrated transfer as a third pillar (third mission), continuously fulfills this core task and develops it further. It understands transfer as any impact-oriented dialogical interaction with business, society and politics. Omnidirectionality and interdisciplinarity characterize the transfer activities. In accordance with  TU Dortmund University's transfer strategy, the goals include sensitizing and empowering its members for transfer and cooperation as well as enabling and effectively supporting transfer activities through optimal structures and framework conditions. The additional goal of the research strategy is to consider the economic, social and political transfer of research results already in the planning phase of research projects and to build it up in the long run to an integral part of research projects at TU Dortmund University.

TU Dortmund University will secure and continuously develop research-based and -oriented teaching. In accordance with its self-image as an educational institution in which excellent research and excellent teaching mutually benefit from each other, teaching at TU Dortmund University aims to arouse curiosity for science in students and to provide them with the necessary competencies to actively participate in the acquisition, development and acquisition of knowledge. It is therefore designed to be consistently research-oriented: Students learn to classify and critically question scientific findings on the basis of the current state of research. Through project-based teaching formats, they are actively involved in research processes and thus in science. At the same time, potentially outstanding young scientists are already adequately supported during their studies. In the context of lifelong learning, TU Dortmund University will furthermore fulfill its responsibility in teaching beyond the study program.

In accordance with its claim, TU Dortmund University conducts research embedded in the region and for society. Therefore, it communicates and informs in an understandable way about its scientific goals and results and offers different target groups formats for exchange. Accordingly, it will further develop science communication by promoting and supporting quality-guided as well as innovative communication formats. The aim is to inform the public about the state of science as well as research findings of scientists at TU Dortmund University, to promote interest in research topics, to enable exchange in the sense of bidirectional knowledge transfer with society and - where appropriate - to open up opportunities for participation.

TU Dortmund University creates the best possible conditions for science by means of sustainable research infrastructures. At the same time, it cooperates with partner universities in the UA Ruhr and thus lays an essential foundation for diverse collaborations.

The further strengthening and professionalization of quality management at TU Dortmund University is an important university-wide institutional goal in order to continuously improve research in all areas.

Systematic monitoring and regular, science-driven evaluations are key instruments for TU Dortmund University to ensure the continuous positive development of its research performance and to be able to make readjustments on a sound basis.