Berlin University Alliance confirmed for continued funding as Germany's first excellence network

Source: Stefan Klenke

12.03.2026
Berlin University Alliance confirmed for continued funding as Germany's first excellence network

Brain City Berlin

There is great excitement within the Berlin University Alliance (BUA), as Germany's first excellence network has been confirmed for continued funding. This sees the BUA maintain its important position in the German research landscape and strengthens Berlin's standing as a hub for science and innovation. The Excellence Commission confirmed the strategic capability of the alliance's partner institutions — Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. A tremendous win for Brain City Berlin as a science and innovation destination!

The funding decision by the Excellence Commission, comprising the Committee of Experts and the federal and state ministers responsible for science and research, confirmed the significance of the BUA. During a virtual press conference on 12 March 2026, Dr Ina Czyborra, Senator for Science, Health and Care, described it as a "great success for Berlin as a science destination."

The decision recognises the progress and work of the excellence network to date, whilst also sending a clear signal regarding the strategic agenda for the upcoming funding period from 2027 to 2033. According to the BUA website, the Berlin University Alliance's goal remains to further develop Berlin as an open space for science and innovation, to strengthen world-class research, and to generate lasting momentum for society, the economy and policymakers. Senator Czyborra noted that this approach is already internationally recognised under the name "Berlin Model" and continues to gain traction.

"Together we are stronger"

In the seven years since the BUA was founded, science and innovation in Brain City Berlin have already been transformed. Examples such as the establishment of Berlin Research 50 as a network of non-university research institutes, Berlin's collaboration with the University of Oxford, and the success of JUNI as a joint start-up factory for Berlin-Brandenburg all demonstrate what is possible through BUA cooperation.

Now the next seven years lie ahead, with the motto "Beyond Boundaries" placing a greater emphasis on expanding collaboration within Berlin, across Germany, and around the world. "Together we are stronger," stressed Prof. Dr. Günter M. Ziegler, President of Freie Universität Berlin and spokesperson for the BUA. He joined the conference from Seoul, where he was sharing insights from the BUA with universities there that are keen to learn from the Berlin Model. He stated:

"This decision confirms the path we have taken together. The past years have shown that strategic cooperation between strong partner institutions can deliver lasting impact. We have not only delivered projects, but built a resilient research ecosystem. The Berlin University Alliance stands for collaboration across institutional and disciplinary boundaries — and that is precisely where its future strength lies. For Freie Universität Berlin, this network is cooperation in practice, and therefore the foundation for our organisation's long-term viability."

Ideas for the future, for the benefit of society

Prof. Dr. Julia von Blumenthal, President of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, also highlighted the BUA's future outlook and the responsibility that comes with it: "We will connect our research even more closely with societal challenges, deepen our engagement with society, and continue to expand international collaborations. Every euro invested in science is an investment in the future of our country. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is an integral part of this alliance and contributes its strengths to its success. Together, as a partner of the globally recognised Berlin University Alliance, we will tackle the global challenges that no single university can address alone."

Prof. Dr. Geraldine Rauch, President of Technische Universität Berlin, underlined the central role of science in a time of profound global change. "Within the Berlin University Alliance, we can make a real difference for society," she said. Focus areas such as green chemistry and artificial intelligence, which TU Berlin brings to the excellence network, illustrate how the BUA's guiding principles are put into practice: "We have the ideas for the future. For the benefit of society."

Brain City Berlin as a connected research ecosystem

Prof. Dr. Heyo K. Kroemer, Chair of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, spoke on behalf of the institution: "The Berlin University Alliance demonstrates how strategic collaboration between world-class institutions can accelerate innovation and the transfer of knowledge and technology. [...] In this way, Berlin can continue to make its mark internationally — as an innovative and impactful destination."

For the upcoming funding phase, the Berlin University Alliance will focus on the following strategic priorities:

Strengthening shared research infrastructures

Supporting talent at all career stages

Deepening international partnerships

Expanding transfer, innovation and societal dialogue

Further developing the principle of open science

The continuation of funding underlines Berlin's national and international significance as a science metropolis. At the same time, sustainably strengthening the core funding of universities remains a key prerequisite for long-term success.

The Berlin University Alliance

The Berlin University Alliance, the excellence network of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, positions Berlin as one of the world's leading spaces for knowledge and innovation, where integrated collaboration takes place across disciplines and areas of society. Together, this ecosystem contributes to the sustainable success of major transformations. The Berlin University Alliance is funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the State of Berlin as part of the Excellence Strategy of the federal and state governments.

Further information