Notable Achievement: Saxony Doubles its Excellence Clusters Count - Significant achievement: Saxony increases the count of elite research centers by twofold
Saxony Doubles Representation in Excellence Initiative
Saxony will double its presence in the federal and state excellence initiative, with six research clusters bringing a stronger focus to the region. Five projects from the Technische Universität Dresden and one new application from the University of Leipzig have successfully navigated the competitive selection process. A total of 70 projects nationwide, to be funded for seven years starting in 2026, were announced by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Science Council in Bonn.
Originally submitting eight so-called full applications, the Free State secured a significant success, according to Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU). He described it as a fantastic success for the universities of Dresden and Leipzig, highlighting years of hard work, strategic science policy, and consistent support.
The TU Dresden impressed with full applications for their current clusters - "Physics of Life," "Complexity and Topology in Quantum Materials," and "Center for Tactile Internet," as well as two new projects: "REC2" aims to establish the scientific foundation for future electronics, concentrating on sustainable and resource-saving production, while "Care" focuses on climate-neutral and efficient construction, in collaboration with RWTH Aachen.
Rector Ursula M. Staudinger hailed this achievement as a great success and proof of TU Dresden's stature as one of Germany’s top technical universities. She expressed excitement about entering the upcoming excellence university review in November with strong momentum.
The University of Leipzig's Center for Metabolism will also receive funding. This research center aims to improve understanding of diseases that arise from metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus, fatty liver, and cardiovascular diseases.
The excellence strategy, a joint initiative by the federal and state governments since 2016, aims to sustainably strengthen and enhance Germany’s visibility in international academic competition. Around 98 applications were submitted by 47 German universities for the current excellence initiative period, with approximately 539 million euros available for funding each year.
In summary, the funding for Excellence Clusters in Saxony in 2026 signifies a major milestone for higher education and research in the region, strengthening the position of universities in Dresden and Leipzig. This investment secures advancement in critical technological fields and positions Dresden and, indirectly, Leipzig as dynamic centers for scientific excellence.
- The Community policy regarding higher education and research in Saxony has shown great success, as it has led to the doubling of the region's representation in the excellence initiative.
- Employment policies in Saxony have undoubtedly played a crucial role in this achievement, as they have facilitated the strategic science policy that has contributed to the region's growth.
- The bustling field of Environmental science in Saxony will benefit significantly from the funding for climate-neutral and efficient construction research, a project under the University of Leipzig's Center for Metabolism.
- Medical-conditions research will also receive a boost, with the focus on diseases arising from metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus, fatty liver, and cardiovascular diseases.
- In the realm of Education and self-development, the TU Dresden's "REC2" project aims to establish the scientific foundation for future electronics, emphasizing sustainable and resource-saving production—a critical aspect in the field of Technology.
