German Science and Humanities Council publishes statement on the University of Excellence: TUD stands out for its cutting-edge research, innovative strength, and commitment to society

"Scientific excellence, high innovative capacity, and deeply rooted social commitment:” These strengths are attested to TUD Dresden University of Technology in a statement published today (March 16, 2026) by the German Science and Humanities Council (WR). It is based on the evaluation of the existing Universities of Excellence (EXU) by the international Committee of Experts, the reviewers' report following their visit to TUD, and the analysis of the EXU self-assessment report. The document is available on the website of the German Science and Humanities Council.

The statement particularly praises TUD's “outstanding research achievements,” which are most evident in its Cluster of Excellence funding line: In the most recent round of the competition, TUD successfully retained three clusters and secured two new ones. With a total of five Clusters of Excellence – three under its own leadership and two each with a partner university – the university ranks among the top research universities in Germany. Great recognition is also given to the significant increase in third-party funding and ERC Grants.

“We are extremely delighted about this high level of appreciation for the work we have done and the recognition of the significant progress we have made together in recent years,“ says TUD Rector Prof. Ursula M. Staudinger. “This evaluation reinforces our commitment to consistently continue on the path we have chosen in research, teaching, and knowledge transfer in accordance with our overall strategy as The Collaborative University – inventive, transformative, engaged in the next funding phase.“

In addition, the Committee of Experts commends the university’s strategic development over the past years. According to their statement, the university has significantly sharpened its scientific profile, established interdisciplinary research structures, developed effective support measures for researchers in the early stages of their careers, and further increased its international visibility. Innovation and technology transfer have also been sustainably strengthened.

“The evaluation has provided an excellent foundation for strengthening our priorities in a targeted manner in the next funding phase and driving institutional change through digitalization and agility.“ Staudinger continued. Plans include a new School to be established to consolidate expertise in medicine and the life sciences. Transfer activities are also to be elevated to a new level through InnoxCampi. With a third transCampus, TUD also aims to strengthen its international collaboration and to develop innovative degree and certificate programs for lifelong learning.

The strong momentum from the successful evaluation and renewed funding as a University of Excellence perfectly positions TUD to bolster its leading academic standing and to create solutions to the major challenges of our time.

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