Excellence Strategy
Forecasted
Excellence Strategy supports German universities and university consortia with research and institutional development funding to strengthen research excellence and long-term international competitiveness.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2030 (EXC draft intent) | May 2030 (EXC drafts) | January 2031 (EXC renewal intent) | April 2031 (EXC new proposal intent) | August 2031 (EXC full proposals) | June 2032 (EXU new proposal intent) | August 2032 (EXU self-assessments) | November 2032 (EXU new proposals)
Funding Amounts: Clusters: €3–10 million annually, including indirect costs, for up to two seven-year periods
Summary: Supports research excellence and long-term institutional development at German universities and university consortia.
Key Information: Only universities may apply for Clusters of Excellence; other institutions may participate as partners.
Description
The Excellence Strategy aims to strengthen Germany’s position as an outstanding research hub and improve its international competitiveness over the long term. Building on the Excellence Initiative, it supports research of the highest standard, sharpens universities’ research profiles, and promotes cooperation within the research system.
The programme combines two complementary funding lines. Clusters of Excellence, administered by the German Research Foundation (DFG), supports project-based research in internationally competitive fields and excellent training and career opportunities for early-career researchers. Universities of Excellence, administered by the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat, WR), supports long-term institutional development at individual universities and university consortia, building on successful Clusters of Excellence and sustained strategic objectives.
