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[The German Excellence Initiative : effects on the medical schools].
1Virologisches Institut, Klinikum der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland. fleckenstein@viro.med.uni-erlangen.de
Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz
|August 18, 2009
Summary
The German Excellence Initiative aimed to boost top universities for international rankings. While successful in fostering research networks, it did not create elite universities comparable to global leaders.
Area of Science:
- Higher Education Policy
- Research Funding
- Academic Development
Context:
- The German Federal Government launched the Excellence Initiative in 2006-2007 to enhance university research competitiveness.
- The initiative involved evaluating over 300 proposals, funding 39 Graduate Schools, 37 Centers of Excellence, and 9 University Strategies.
- A significant investment of 1.9 billion EUR was allocated to support selected projects.
Purpose:
- To identify and fund a select group of German universities to achieve top international research rankings.
- To foster collaboration between universities and non-university research institutions.
- To stimulate innovative research support and attract original research ideas.
Summary:
- University medicine played a crucial role, with seven medical schools securing Clusters of Excellence and Graduate Schools.
- The Georg August University Göttingen exemplifies success through inter-institutional cooperation and innovative research support.
- The initiative successfully established strong research networks within funded universities.
Impact:
- The Excellence Initiative significantly contributed to German university research capabilities and international visibility.
- Despite successes, the initiative did not ultimately create elite universities on par with leading international institutions.
- The program highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and focused research funding in academic development.
