Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics” is awarded new funding
Two applications approved – Münster still in the running for “University of Excellence” title
A decision has been reached in the first funding line, “Cluster of Excellence”, in the Excellence Strategy being pursued by the national and state governments in Germany. In the competition, the University of Münster was successful with two of the three Cluster applications it submitted. The announcement was made today, September 27, by the Excellence Commission in Bonn. The following Clusters of Excellence will receive funding for a period of seven years, with effect from 1 January 2019: “Religion and Politics. Dynamics of Tradition and Innovation” and “Mathematics Münster. Dynamics – Geometry – Structure”.
“This is a major success – for every single researcher involved and for the University as a whole,” said Prof. Johannes Wessels, the Rector of the University. “It means that once again we have demonstrated that we are one of the most research-intensive universities in Germany. On the basis of today’s decision, we will continue to sharpen our profile. Our students will also benefit from this in the teaching they receive. I am delighted that the effort and commitment displayed by everyone involved have paid off.”
“The demanding applications procedure and the exceptionally strong competition confirm that the University of Münster is an excellent location,” added Prof. Monika Stoll, University Vice-Rector for Research. “We very much regret that the application of the Cluster of Excellence “Cells in Motion. Multiscale Imaging to Understand Dynamic Cell Behaviour in Organisms” was not approved. The fields of research within the Cluster will continue to play an important role at the University of Münster in future.” The application submitted by the “Cells in Motion ” Cluster was eliminated during the assessment process.
Because the minimum two Clusters have been approved, the University of Münster can submit an application on December 10 to receive funding as a University of Excellence. The aim of this scheme is to strengthen individual universities as a whole on the basis of successful Clusters of Excellence. “Today’s success does of course give us a boost in making this application – which we are already hard at work on,” comments Johannes Wessels. “And it instils in us a large dose of optimism.” The decision on this funding line will be announced on 19 July 2019. (WWU/vvm/maz)