Major Success in the Excellence Strategy

Together, TU Dortmund University and Ruhr University Bochum have successfully convinced the Committee of Experts in the Excellence Strategy: Their strategic partnership within the Ruhr Innovation Lab has been awarded funding as a Consortium of Excellence, placing it among the top 15 institutions in the German academic landscape. Having previously secured a total of three Clusters of Excellence, the two universities were eligible to participate in the top-class competition for research in Germany.

Second Funding Line

Ruhr Innovation Lab is a Consortium of Excellence

TU Dortmund University, together with Ruhr University Bochum, is celebrating a major success in the Excellence Strategy: Their joint proposal as the Ruhr Innovation Lab will receive funding as a new Consortium of Excellence starting in 2027. The two universities convinced an international jury of their outstanding scientific quality and their vision of working with partners to develop solutions for a sustainable society.

About the Ruhr Innovation Lab

Starting in 2027, TU Dortmund University and Ruhr University Bochum will receive joint funding as a Consortium of Excellence. Through the Ruhr Innovation Lab, the two partners aim to combine their strengths, create new opportunities for cutting-edge research, and strengthen their ties to society, business, and politics. The goal is to preserve prosperity for future generations, strengthen the trustworthiness of digital systems, and uphold democratic values. At the same time, the initiative aims to test new forms of cross-university collaboration. The Ruhr Innovation Lab builds on the long-standing cooperation between the two universities within the UA Ruhr.

Ruhr Innovation Lab

News

Ruhr Innovation Lab Celebrates Success in the Excellence Strategy (2 November 2026)
Ruhr Innovation Lab Reviewed (22 May 2026)
Application as Consortium of Excellence Submitted (12 November 2025)
Presidents Present Ideas for Ruhr Innovation Lab (29 September 2025)
Bochum and Dortmund Will Apply Jointly as Consortium of Excellence (27 June 2025)

“Think.Try.Transform.” Podcast

First funding line

Clusters of Excellence

On 22 May 2025, the German Research Foundation announced which Clusters of Excellence will be funded for seven years from 2026. Among the 70 selected projects are 45 renewal proposals and 25 new proposals. The Ruhr region was able to improve its position in the tough competition and now has three Clusters of Excellence. TU Dortmund University is part of RESOLV and Color Meets Flavor.