Photo of three flags blowing in the wind in front of the rectorate building in light blue, turquoise, and blue. They bear the words “eutopia,” “DRESDEN concept,” and “Technische Universität Dresden.”

Profile

Since its founding in 1828, TUD has contributed significantly to transformations in society and science. We were able to fulfill this mission by continually transforming ourselves as an institution. Since the reunification of Germany, our university has developed into a leading international institution that combines global impact with regional responsibility. Its status as a University of Excellence since 2012 has been a key driver in this regard.
Our research contributes to transformative solutions for the challenges of the 21st Century. We combine study and teaching with our cutting-edge research and play a leading role in technology transfer. The way we see ourselves is a reflection of our history, it describes what makes us unique, and it guides us as we continue to grow: TUD – The Collaborative University: inventive. transformative. engaged.

experience now

Vision and strategic goals

TUD stands for the power of collaboration driving institutional tenacity and inventiveness, both shaping and being shaped by profound social, political, and technological transformations. Our Vision is to engage and pioneer transformative solutions for the core challenges of the 21st century combining global impact with regional leadership.

A focused young woman with braids and a green T-shirt types on a keyboard. She looks at two monitors displaying computer code and a 3D model of a robotic hand. In the background, two other people interact.

Excellence

TUD has been one of Germany’s eleven Universities of Excellence since 2012 and is among the top-performing research institutions in the country. This success is not only based on excellent research, but also on interdisciplinary collaboration, and a clear strategy for the future. Find out more about our Excellence Strategy, our focus areas in research and collaboration, and how excellence is part of everyday life at TUD.

Several people are working in a modern, multi-story atrium featuring wooden slats and glass railings. A young woman in the foreground is typing on a laptop, while others are conversing, standing on an upper level, or sitting at tables.

Organization

The success of TUD is based on a well-defined organizational structure. The University Executive Board, Central University Administration, Schools and faculties as well as Central Units work together closely. Committees, representatives, and interest groups promote transparency, joint decision-making, and participation. Learn more about how TUD is structured and get an insight into its organization.

Three researchers in lab coats and head coverings are working on scientific equipment in a clean, modern laboratory.

Profile-Defining Focal Areas

Fundamental research for critical 21st-century transformations: “Principles of Life: Transforming Health Care”, “Matter. Advanced Materials: Transforming Structures”, and “Microelectronics. Information Sciences: Transforming AI”.
Culture of collaborative interdisciplinarity: Advancing scientific discovery and technological inventions through our commitment to equitable collaboration across STEM fields, medicine, social sciences, and humanities.
DRESDEN-concept Science and Innovation Campus: An exemplary collaborative network uniting university and non-university partners based on aligned strategy, and the sharing and pooling of resources.
Combining local with global technology transfer for sustainable prosperity: Speeding up pathways from invention to startup through close collaboration with national and international partners in research, industry, and venture capital.
Integrated interdisciplinary digital sciences: Driving innovation in science, technologytransfer and organisational development, and serving as a model for novel cross-disciplinary Science and Resource Centres that combine cutting-edge science with resource management and service provision.
Co-shaping regional transformation: Leveraging large-scale research infrastructure forfuture-oriented science as the basis for economic transformation, and advancing public engagement to strengthen an open and democratic society.

Photo of a person at a bulletin board with many notes displaying diagrams.

Facts & Figures

Some impressive numbers illustrate the diversity at TUD: Tens of thousands of students from around the world, dedicated staff, extensive research funding, and a sizable budget for education and innovation. Facts and Figures provides a transparent, clear, and informative overview of what makes TUD special.

History

TUD’s history stretches back nearly 200 years: The Technische Bildungsanstalt Dresden was founded 1828 in to train specialists in technical fields. The tumultuous politics of the 20th century did not prevent the university from strengthening its capacity for innovation, its pioneering spirit, and its openness to collaborations with research partners, business, and society. Today, TUD has a broad academic base covering all major research disciplines and ranks among the world's most productive universities.

Photo from the family celebration at the Fritz Foerster Building of the TUD

University Anniversary

In May 2028, TUD will celebrate its 200th anniversary. Over a period of 200 days, we will celebrate the university's development over the years to its current status as a University of Excellence. The events will highlight the rich history, research achievements, and international diversity of a university that brings together people from numerous nations and maintains close ties to science, business, and society.