idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Many of the current global challenges, be they of a social, Politics or ecological nature, are concentrated in the Baltic Sea region. With the excellence proposal "Connecting Horizons - the Baltic Perspective for a Global Impact", Kiel University (Kiel University) has therefore set itself the goal of using the Baltic Sea region as a real-world laboratory together with partner institutions.
In this way, knowledge can be gained jointly with reference to the region and be globally relevant. Kiel University Vice President Professor Catherine Cleophas and Kiel University Vice President Professor Eckhard Quandt presented the projects from the application to around 450 guests from science, politics, business, culture, sport, administration and society at Kiel University's annual reception on Monday (23 March). Science Minister Dr Dorit Stenke and Renate Treutel, Mayor of the state capital Kiel, emphasised the importance of Kiel University as a research and educational institution for Schleswig-Holstein and the state capital Kiel.
Strong partnerships in the Baltic Sea region
Following the leitmotif of the keynote speech "Connecting Horizons - the Baltic Perspective for a Global Impact", Vice President Cleophas emphasised in particular the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and international networking for the strategic development of Kiel University. "Some of our contacts in the Baltic Sea region have existed for decades. In the coming years, we would like to intensify these connections in order to achieve new scientific findings together," said the Vice President. The vision for Kiel University as a university of excellence is also to increasingly promote scientific talent, involve students in the further development of the curricula, structurally support the transfer of knowledge to society with the help of a Schlossgarten Campus and also involve and train non-academic staff in exchange programmes.
Vice President Professor Eckhard Quandt emphasised the importance of the existing Priority research areas at Kiel University and the two established Clusters of Excellence Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation and ROOTS - Social, Environmental, and Cultural Connectivity in Past Societies: "Instead of creating additional structures, we are concentrating on developing the great potential for innovation at the interfaces of the existing Priority research areas." In terms of content, the excellence research will primarily focus on the areas of energy transition research, agricultural sensor technology, peace and security, coastal sensor technology, evolutionary biology and medical technology.
Impetus for the North
Dr Dorit Stenke, Minister for Science, emphasised that the Excellence Initiative also plays a major role for Schleswig-Holstein: “In its ‘Connecting Horizons’ application for the Excellence Initiative, the Kiel University brings together the strengths of Schleswig-Holstein as a centre of science at a high level. International networking, interdisciplinary research and regional expertise – including with a view to knowledge transfer to society – form an excellent foundation for the research-led competition of the Excellence Initiative. It is precisely in times of great challenges that these strengths and innovative power are particularly in demand. The state stands shoulder to shoulder with the Kiel University and supports it on this demanding journey.”
With the EU initiative "Science Comes to Town", the state capital has brought an EU project to Kiel. Knowledge transfer to society and back plays a major role here. At her last official appearance in her role as mayor of the state capital Kiel, Renate Treutel spoke to the invited guests in the Audimax: "Kiel is a first-class science location and the close cooperation between the state capital and Kiel University strengthens our 'Science City' in many ways. With Science Comes to Town, we are making this partnership tangible for people this year and bringing science into the centre of everyday life in our city. It is important to me that we work together to create spaces in which dialogue, participation and new ideas can grow. In this way, we are combining urban development, science and European cooperation in a way that will strengthen Kiel in the long term."
About Kiel University's application for excellence
With theexcellence application"Connecting Horizons - the Baltic Perspective for a Global Impact", Kiel University is applying for the title of "University of Excellence". Kiel University had qualified for this funding as part of the Excellence Strategy of the federal and state governments through the continued funding of the two Clusters of Excellence "Precision Medicine in Chronic Imflammation" (PMI) and "ROOTS - Social, Environmental, and Cultural Connectivity in Past Societies". Between 5 and 7 May 2026, experts from the German Council of Science and Humanities will be visiting Kiel to take a look at the conditions on site and to interview those involved at Kiel University. A decision on funding will be made on 2 October 2026.
https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/details/news/047-annual-reception
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