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Newsletter of the Rectorate - May 2026

Dear members of Ruhr-University Bochum,

it is done – and all the efforts have paid off! Together with TU Dortmund University, we presented our joint proposal as University Consortium of Excellence last week. For three days, a committee of international scientists was here on site to assess the “Ruhr Innovation Lab” in the Excellence Strategy competition. Our conclusion: The connection between our two universities has become even closer in recent months, and the integration is already a lived reality. We want to continue on this path. We would particularly like to thank all members and partners who contributed to the intensive preparation. The team spirit and the enthusiasm were clearly noticeable, which will also shape our cooperation in the future.

Our plans have recently received a significant boost through two positive developments:

On the one hand, the state government is funding the establishment of a new analysis laboratory for the Ruhr Innovation Lab from funds of the NRW Plan for good infrastructure with around 50 million euros. Science Minister Ina Brandes recently presented us with the grant notice. A new laboratory is being created in an old test hall on the TU Dortmund University’s North Campus, where researchers from Bochum and Dortmund will in the future analyze novel materials – for example, for sustainable energy applications.

On the other hand, together with TU Dortmund University, we have founded the new continuing education institution “School of Advanced Professional Studies”. We see lifelong learning as a key to the future, which is why we are setting a strong sign here for the importance of learning in every phase of life.

On the way to the decision in the excellence competition, which will be made in October, it is now not only a matter of keeping our fingers crossed for our consortium. We will also further develop and deepen our cooperation in the coming months.

By the way: For the podcast of the Ruhr Innovation Lab, you can submit your questions. The motto of episode 7 in June with the two rectors is “ask us anything” about the Excellence Strategy. Please send your questions by email to: hochschulkommunikation@ruhr-uni-bochum.de by 31 May.

Read more in this issue:

Ruhr University five times successful!

We are very pleased about the continuation of funding for four Collaborative Research Centers in the humanities, natural sciences, and materials sciences. In addition, a new Transregio-SFB with the title “Historical and Transcultural Narratology” has been established together with the universities of Bonn and Freiburg. Ruhr University Bochum is a co-applicant. This outstanding success speaks for the research strength at Ruhr University across all scientific disciplines.

Better together: new film of the UA Ruhr

What emerges when three large universities pool their strengths? In the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), this grows into one of the most dynamic scientific networks in Germany. A new film shows the people, ideas, and projects that shape the UA Ruhr. It’s worth a click.

Commitment in Central Asia: new office of the UA Ruhr in Almaty

The UA Ruhr is further expanding its activities in Central Asia. To this end, the liaison office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia has set up a new branch office in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan. The branch office has recently started work and will be officially opened in October.

When diversity wins, we all win

The Diversity Day 2026 was held under the motto “When diversity wins, we all win” – and was celebrated by TU Dortmund University and Ruhr University Bochum not only as a single day but throughout a whole month. This ultimately describes the core of Inclusive Excellence: Scientific excellence arises where different perspectives are systematically included, fair participation is enabled, and barriers are removed.

Guidelines for awareness: events and visual language

Ruhr University has developed a guideline for awareness in the context of scientific events as well as a guide for gender- and diversity-sensitive visual language. Both were included in the measures plan as part of the certification in the audit “Vielfalt gestalten” (Shaping Diversity) of the Stifterverband. Those planning an event receive tips for a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment. There are also valuable hints when selecting images.

University development plan: where Ruhr University is heading

A new university development plan sets the direction for our university for the next five years until 2030. It defines which goals the university will pursue during this time – and differs significantly from its predecessors. Achim von Keudell, Vice-Rector for Structure and Planning, explains the principle in an interview (German website).

New Vice-Rector elected

Congratulations on the election! Grit im Brahm will become the new Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs (German website). Her term of office will begin in October. She will succeed the incumbent Kornelia Freitag, who will retire as planned on 30 September 2026.

Positive ranking results for Ruhr University

We are pleased about outstanding results for our university in several rankings:

  • Philosophy ranks among the top 100 in the worldwide QS Subjects Ranking! (German website)
  • Ruhr University is world-leading in psychology and computer science in the THE (Times Higher Education) ranking (German website)
  • Law and economics receive top ratings for support at the beginning of studies in the CHE Ranking 2026 (German website)

News recommendations for you:

Last but not least

Students in the Optionalbereich have translated the song “Bochum” by Herbert Grönemeyer after only one semester of “Introduction to Sign Language”. Filming took place at locations that stand for Bochum: in the stadium of VfL Bochum, at the town hall, in the Bermuda3Eck, and of course on our campus. You can watch the video here (German Website).

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