Berlin University Alliance Secures Continued Funding in Excellence Strategy – A First for a University Consortium

^{Berlin's strategic strength as a center for science and innovation has been recognised in the Excellence Strategy
Image Credit: Berlin University Alliance}

As Germany’s first University Consortium of Excellence, the Berlin University Alliance (BUA) is maintaining its outstanding position in the German research landscape under the federal and state governments’ Excellence Strategy. The Excellence Commission – consisting of the Committee of Experts and the federal and state ministers responsible for science and research – has for the second time confirmed the strategic strength of Berlin as a center for science and innovation together with its alliance partners Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

News from Mar 11, 2026

The decision recognizes the alliance’s development and achievements to date and provides strong support for its strategic agenda in the upcoming funding period from 2027 to 2033.

The goal of the Berlin University Alliance remains to further develop Berlin as an open hub for science and innovation, strengthen cutting-edge research, and generate sustainable momentum for society, the economy, and policymaking.

Dr. Ina Czyborra, Senator for Higher Education and Research, Health and Long-Term Care of the State of Berlin, said:

"A great success for Berlin as a center of research"

“Berlin’s approach to excellence through cooperation in cutting-edge research has been confirmed and reinforced today by the successful evaluation of the Berlin University Alliance. As Germany’s first Excellence Alliance, BUA has played a pioneering role since 2019. This approach has since gained international recognition as the ‘Berlin Model’ and has opened up unique prospects for the city’s future. Today’s decision by the international reviewers and the Excellence Commission strengthens our shared commitment to further enhancing Berlin’s appeal as one of Europe’s leading research hubs.

This is a major success, and I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the Berlin University Alliance. The intensive start-up phase was mastered exceptionally well thanks to the commitment and active cooperation of many contributors.

Berlin’s science and innovation ecosystem has already undergone profound change through BUA: the establishment of Berlin Research 50 as an alliance of non-university research institutes, Berlin’s cooperation with the University of Oxford, and the success of JUNI as a joint Berlin–Brandenburg start-up factory – none of this would have been possible without the cooperation within BUA.

Over the next seven years, under the motto ‘Beyond Boundaries’, the aim will be to expand this spirit of cooperation in Berlin and across Europe and to harness Berlin’s immense potential.”

Prof. Dr. Günter M. Ziegler, President of Freie Universität Berlin and spokesperson of BUA, emphasized:

"Together we are stronger"

„This decision confirms that we are on the right path. Over the past years, we have seen how strategic cooperation between strong partner institutions can create lasting impact. We have not only implemented projects, but also built a resilient research ecosystem. The Berlin University Alliance stands for collaboration across institutional and disciplinary boundaries – and that is precisely what makes it sustainable for the future. For Freie Universität Berlin, this alliance represents cooperation in practice and therefore provides the foundation for the long-term strength of our institution."

Prof. Dr. Julia von Blumenthal, President of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, highlighted the strategic perspective:

"Beyond Boundaries – Responsibility for the future"

"With BUA, we have created a unique alliance here in Berlin. The continuation of funding is a major success – a confirmation of the work we have done over the past few years, which now allows us to take the next logical step: from ‘Crossing Boundaries’ to ‘Beyond Boundaries’. In doing so, we will link our research even more closely to societal challenges, intensify our dialogue with society, and further expand international cooperation.

Every euro invested in science is an investment in our country’s future. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is an integral part of this alliance and contributes its strengths to its success. Together, as partners in the globally visible Berlin University Alliance, we will tackle the global challenges that no single university can overcome alone."

Prof. Dr. Geraldine Rauch, President of Technische Universität Berlin, said:

"Innovation in learning, teaching, and research"

"In times of global social upheaval and growing attacks on science, cooperation in research is more important than ever. Within the Berlin University Alliance, we can make a real difference for society.

For almost ten years, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have worked closely together at the strategic level. This joint effort culminated in 2019 when the alliance was selected as Germany’s only University Consortium of Excellence. Technische Universität Berlin is a proud and integral partner of this alliance. With focus areas such as green chemistry and artificial intelligence, we are setting important priorities within the alliance and living up to our mission statement: ‘We have the ideas for the future. For the benefit of society.’"

Prof. Dr. Heyo K. Kroemer, Chief Executive Officer of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, emphasized the significance for Berlin and Germany:

"A win for Germany as a hub of innovation"

"The decision in the second funding track of the Excellence Strategy sends an important signal from the Berlin alliance to our European and international partners.

The Berlin University Alliance demonstrates how strategic cooperation between leading institutions can accelerate innovation as well as the transfer of knowledge and technology.

For Charité, this decision also confirms the path we have chosen. As Germany’s leading medical faculty and one of the world’s leading university hospitals, we actively contribute our scientific excellence to the alliance. Together, we are making an important contribution to positive social and economic development – in Berlin as well as throughout Germany."

Berlin as a Connected Research Ecosystem

In the upcoming funding phase, the Berlin University Alliance will continue to develop its strategic areas of action. The focus will be on:

• strengthening joint research infrastructures
• supporting talent at all career stages
• intensifying international partnerships
• expanding transfer, innovation, and dialogue with society
• further developing the principle of open science

The continued funding underscores Berlin’s national and international importance as a center of science and research. At the same time, sustainably strengthening the core funding of universities remains a key prerequisite for long-term success.

Berlin University Alliance

Berlin University Alliance – a consortium of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – positions Berlin as one of the world’s leading knowledge- and innovation hubs, where collaboration across disciplines and sectors is deeply integrated. Together, this ecosystem contributes to advancing major global transformations. Berlin University Alliance is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and the State of Berlin under the German Excellence Strategy of the federal and state governments.

Original Source: Berlin University Alliance

Further information:Excellence Strategy of Berlin University Alliance