Excellence Strategy
The Excellence Strategy funds world-class, collaborative research and institutional development at German universities to boost scientific excellence and international competitiveness.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2026 | November 2026 | January 2027 | February 2027 | April 2027 | May 2027 | June 2027 | August 2027
Funding Amounts: Clusters of Excellence: €3–10 million/year for up to 7 years; Universities of Excellence: up to €148 million/year total across all funded institutions.
Summary: Supports world-leading research and institutional development at German universities through large-scale, competitive funding for Clusters and Universities of Excellence.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all deadlines are projected and subject to change.
Description
The Excellence Strategy is a major, recurring initiative of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German Council of Science and Humanities, designed to enhance Germany’s global research competitiveness. It supports two main funding lines: Clusters of Excellence (EXC), which fund internationally competitive, project-based research in priority areas at universities or consortia; and Universities of Excellence (EXU), which provide institutional funding to strengthen the international standing and strategic development of leading universities or consortia. The program aims to foster outstanding research, promote distinctive research profiles, and encourage cooperation and innovation across the German research system.
