LOEWE Research Cluster MultiDrug-TDM

The new joint LOEWE Research Cluster “MultiDrug-TDM – Personalized Medical Technology for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring at the Point-of-Care in Pediatric Oncology”, coordinated by Technical University of Darmstadt and with the participation of Goethe University Frankfurt, will receive funding of around 4.3 million euros. The goal is to research a novel, intelligent sensor system to significantly improve pediatric cancer care. By measuring drug levels directly at the bedside, immediate adjustments and thus optimized personalized therapy will be possible. Standard therapies often fall short in children, as individual metabolic differences are rarely considered. But especially in cancer treatment, precise, personalized dosages are crucial to ensure both effective and gentle therapy. An interdisciplinary team of researchers from TU Darmstadt and Goethe University Frankfurt is researching an innovative sensor system that measures drug concentrations in body fluids in real time, thus enabling personalized treatment for young patients. The project is coordinated by Professor Torsten Frosch, Institute of Biophotonics – Biomedical Engineering at TU Darmstadt – Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.

In addition, Goethe University was successful with the following proposals: 

LOEWE Center DynaRel

In the LOEWE Center “DynaRel – Dynamics of the Religious: Ambivalent Neighborhoods between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in Historical and Contemporary Contexts”, which will receive funding in the amount of around 19 million euros from January, scholars from a wide range of disciplines – from religious studies to social sciences, educational sciences, as well as language and cultural studies – cooperate to investigates the diverse and complex religious, cultural, and political dynamics between the three major monotheistic religions. DynaRel is the only center in Hesse to be funded in the current round and, in addition to “Frankfurt Cancer Institute”, is the second LOEWE Center with its spokesperson located at Goethe University.

LOEWE Center Liquid Space

The LOEWE Research Cluster “Lipid Space – Temporally and Spatially Resolved Regulation of Tissue Homeostasis by Lipids in the Micro- and Nano-Environment” (funding of around 4.3 million euros) led by Goethe University and with participation by University of Giessen, the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, investigates how lipids – such as those forming cell membranes – and smaller fatty acids function as signaling molecules and contribute to tissue self-regulation. The goal is to identify potential targets for the development of novel therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases, various types of inflammation, and cancer.

LOEWE-Exploration funding line: “The Most Important Liquid of Life: How Do Nanopores Lead to Ordered Structures in Water?”

The study of water inside carbon nanotubes which are 50,000 times thinner than a human hair has shown that water behaves differently inside them than it does in its “free” form. Theoretical studies suggest that this is due to a different, specifically ordered structure of the water molecules. The project (funding amount: 300.000 euros) led by PD Dr. Mark Thomsen of the Institute of Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt aims to experimentally verify this high degree of molecular ordering.

The State of Hessen’s LOEWE Research Funding Program

The State Offensive for the Development of Scientific and Economic Excellence – abbreviated by its German acronym LOEWE – includes several funding lines. The aim of funding LOEWE Centers is to further develop already established research alliances at universities and other research institutions into internationally visible research hubs. LOEWE Research Clusters [LOEWE-Schwerpunkte] support research areas in which existing expertise is to be consolidated, expanded, and further developed, with the goal of evolving into long-term research focuses. The LOEWE-Exploration funding line is designed to give researchers the freedom to pursue novel, innovative research ideas and to test hypotheses.

The topic of the 2026 conference is “Lost in Translation? On the importance of transfer in empirical educational research”. The conference will be held at DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education in Frankfurt am Main. 

What is the task of transfer in empirical educational research? What are the chances and challenges in this context? How can successful science communication support transfer? These and other questions will be discussed at the third conference of the PROM3THEUS series of events. The focus will thus be on the transfer task in empirical educational research, with research projects that are aimed at transfer or have transfer as their research subject being of particular interest.

The conference will offer keynotes, panel discussions, sessions with feedback on questions regarding the participants’ own research projects as well as workshops for researchers. There will also be plenty of time and numerous opportunities for scientists of all career stages to chat with each other, for example at the joint dinner.

The conference is aimed in particular at Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from different disciplines of empirical research from the Rhine-Main area and beyond.

PROM3THEUS is a series of events organized jointly by the Rhine-Main Universities Goethe University Frankfurt, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Technical University of Darmstadt and DIPF | | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education and funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (reference no. 01JG2309A).

For additional information on the series of events and further offers, visit the project website at: https://www.zsbh.uni-mainz.de/prom3theus/

Registration will be open from 1 November 2025 to 31 December 2025. A reminder and additional information will be provided in due course.

Any questions can be addressed to the Prom3theus team at prom3theus@dipf.de.

In its variety, the RMU Postdoc Career Weeks resemble “a very special kind of menu”, as Professor Franziska Lang, Vice President of TU Darmstadt and host university representative, said in her welcoming address: “Not one you’d find in a restaurant, but a rich and varied career menu inviting you to sample new skills, explore strategies, and sharpen your professional profile.”

This year’s program was thus carefully crafted to support early career researchers navigating the critical transition into the postdoc phase, to foster their professional development, and to create momentum. For doctoral candidates, the two weeks offered a unique opportunity to gain early insights into the demands and opportunities of postdoctoral life. Meanwhile, postdocs benefitted from comprehensive guidance on a wide spectrum of career paths, both within academia and beyond, helping them broaden their horizons and plan their next steps with clarity.

Organized by Ingenium – Young Researchers at TU Darmstadt, the event also placed a strong emphasis on practical, skill-oriented workshops tailored to the needs of emerging scientists. Sessions covered essential topics such as effective publishing strategies, securing third-party funding, mastering time management, and developing leadership and supervision skills. Moreover, the program provided targeted support for those aspiring to professorships, featuring workshops, digital toolkits, and personalized consultations designed to enhance career planning and application readiness. 

Beyond the workshops, the RMU Postdoc Career Weeks also fostered meaningful connections through networking opportunities. Participants especially valued the blend of virtual and in-person events, with social gatherings creating a welcoming space for informal exchange and community building. All in all, the attendees emphasized the “valuable mix of content, interaction, and reflection” as well as the “diversity of speakers and the supportive atmosphere throughout” as key highlights of the event.

Reflecting on the outcomes, the organizers likewise expressed their enthusiasm: “With its broad, practice-oriented content and the invaluable chance to connect, the RMU Postdoc Career Weeks have once again established themselves as a cornerstone event for early career researchers across the Rhine-Main Universities.”

Given its clear success, the RMU Postdoc Career Weeks are set to return in 2026, continuing to empower the next generation of academic leaders and innovators.

On 11 July 2025, the Rhine-Main Universities (RMU) welcomed representatives from politics, the media, the industry and civil society to the campus of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz for a science breakfast. Twelve stakeholders from the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region participated in the event organized by the strategic alliance of the Rhine-Main Universities Goethe University Frankfurt, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Technical University of Darmstadt – among them Clemens Hoch, State Minister for Science and Health in Rhineland-Palatinate, Christoph Degen, State Secretary for Science and Research, Arts and Culture in Hesse, as well as the mayors of Frankfurt, Darmstadt and Mainz. The representatives from politics, the industry, media and civil society met with members of the university boards and young RMU scientists to discuss current challenges faced by science.

After a welcome address by State Minister Clemens Hoch and State Secretary Christoph Degen, the participants discussed how the current global political situation affects science and developed joined perspectives as to what science can achieve for the world. The presidents of the three universities, Prof. Dr. Enrico Schleiff (Goethe University), Prof. Dr. Tanja Brühl (TU Darmstadt) and Prof. Dr. Georg Krausch (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) then spoke of the responsibility and strength of their university alliance. The universities are currently preparing their proposal as a university consortium of excellence in the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. The presidents emphasized that the RMU’s scientific endeavors and contributions address challenges that always require more than one answer. The aim is to find answers and solutions to the problems of our times through top-level research. Naturally, this requires interaction between science, politics and society. The RMU wants to be play an active part in the dialogue to shape upcoming transformation. This would be facilitated by a potential success in the Excellence Strategy, which would also strengthen the Rhine-Main science location and make its strength visible.

The particular importance of interaction between science and the world was further illustrated in two presentations on the following topics: exchange through science communication, which is a top priority of the RMU and which it will continue to promote, and the Launch Rhein-Main startup incubator, consisting of the student entrepreneurship initiatives of the RMU and the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management to foster entrepreneurship among students. Universities that are strong in research and teaching have a decisive influence on the momentum and innovation strength of the region. The recent success of the Futury Startup Factory, of which the RMU is a partner, in the EXIST lighthouse competition of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy also is clear proof of this.

Prof. Dr. Enrico Schleiff, President of Goethe University Frankfurt and current RMU spokesperson, says: “Frankfurt Rhine-Main is one of the strongest economic and scientific regions in Germany. We as the Rhine-Main Universities find inspiration in our region’s unique character and actively promote cooperation – not only among us, but also with politics, the media, economy and society. This is why I am particularly delighted that so many renowned regional stakeholders have participated in an active and intensive exchange at our RMU science breakfast. We all benefit from a close cooperation between the economy, society, politics, science and the ministries. The backing from the three mayors and the competent ministries is a great support for us.”

Clemens Hoch, State Minister for Science and Health in Rhineland-Palatinate, emphasizes: “As the states where the three universities have their seats, Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse are jointly building bridges for science, because we have long since realized that excellent scientific work is done on both sides of the Rhine river. The science region Frankfurt Rhein-Main has been established practice for many years, now it is made visible under the umbrella of the RMU.”

 Christoph Degen, State Secretary for Science and Research, Arts and Culture in Hesse, adds: “Frankfurt Rhine-Main is a science region across state borders – a particular feature that makes us stand out, of which we are proud and which we are happy to continue to actively support. Both federal states profit from the intensive cooperation between its strong universities in research, teaching, transfer and administration.”

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) today announced the winners of the EXIST lighthouse competition Startup Factories in Berlin – and Futury is one of them. This means that Futury is now officially one the key startup factories in Germany that will transform the startup landscape over the next five years, with considerable support from the federal government. Futury is backed by a strong alliance of 29 partners from companies and foundations as well as four universities – Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Goethe University Frankfurt, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Technical University of Darmstadt. By jointly endorsing Futury’s application, minister-presidents Boris Rhein and Alexander Schweitzer are setting clear sign for the strategic importance of cross-border collaboration between federal states for the startup ecosystem.

The competition aims to establish startup ecosystems spanning across universities, with strong links to the region and international visibility, that create sustainable business models and strong links to existing national and transregional value chains. For the winners of the competition, the BMWE will double the private funds of up to 10 million euros already obtained by them from businesses and philanthropists. For Futury, this means that the 10 million euros already obtained will be increased to up to 20 million euros. 

Futury convinced the jury with its unique approach of establishing an industry-driven startup ecosystem in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region – in close cooperation with science, the industry, politics and investors. 

With this approach, Futury is the answer to a problem that has been pointed out for years. Germany is still a country of innovation: Internationally, Germany ranks 8th of 132 countries in the Global Innovation Index 2023 and is the European champion when it comes to patents. However, a comparison on a European level already clearly shows our weakness: According to data and analysis platform DEALROOM, the United Kingdom has more than 40 unicorns, while Germany only has around 20 startups that were valued at least 1 billion US dollars prior to their initial public offering. Sweden and Israel, too, a ranked higher than Germany. Futury offers the prospect of turning Germany’s innovative power into economic success. 

„We are extremely delighted about being awarded the title of Startup Factory. This is both an honor and a mandate: Together with our partner universities and companies, we want to create a place where research is turned into entrepreneurial reality – visible across Europe and sustainably anchored in the region,” says Charlie Müller, Founder & Managing Director of Futury. 

Müller continues: „Congratulations to all Startup Factory initiatives on their great concepts – and in particular to the other winners in the competition. We look forward to close cooperation in the future, because startup support must not end at regional borders: We can only strengthen the German startup ecosystem in the long term and make it visible on an international level if we work together.”

The aim is to create a stronger basis for entrepreneurship in research and teaching at the partner universities. At the same time, talents will be supported along their founding journey, access to clients and capital will be facilitated and cooperation between universities, investors and industry will be strengthened systematically.

„We will make founding a business a natural career option for researchers and talents”, explains Melissa Ott, Managing Director of Futury, “under the best conditions possible, with relevant partners and an ecosystem that supports and promotes startups from idea to scaling”.

Statements from politics and science:

Boris Rhein, Minister-President of Hesse, thanks Futury and its partners: “It is a great success that, with Futury, the Rhine-Main region has one of the winners of this important competition. Futury impressively demonstrates how academic knowledge and economic implementation can go hand in hand. Now, the ecosystem in Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and beyond must be further strengthened and brought even closer together in order to develop as much firepower as possible. This will result in a strong, cross-border startup hub with international appeal in the heart of the Rhine-Main region. Hesse is proud of its excellent universities and the enormous strength in research and science.”

Alexander Schweitzer, Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate: „Futury helps to establish a cross-border hub connecting science, industry, investors and politics. This is exactly the type of alliance we need to turn academic progress into real added value to the economy and society – also and in particular in the areas in which we are already excellent on an international level today.”

Prof. Dr. Nils Stieglitz, President and Managing Director of Frankfurt School of Finance & Management: “Germany needs more entrepreneurial spirit – not only in words, but in actions. As a business and economics university, we will assume a key role: We will establish networks, impart entrepreneurial know-how and the competencies to turn ideas into sustainable business models. A strong startup spirit and private entrepreneurship are the decisive factors for Germany’s future viability.”

Prof. Dr. Enrico Schleiff, President of Goethe University Frankfurt and spokesperson of the Rhine-Main Universities (RMU) alliance: “The region between Darmstadt, Frankfurt and Mainz, with its extraordinary wealth of science institutions and research-driven companies, has the potential of becoming a leading innovation hub in Europe. The new Factory will open up direct access to markets through fast processes, clear funding opportunities and good contacts to industry partners. Both for Goethe University, which was founded by society for society, and for the entire RMU, it is part of our DNA to assume responsibility for implementing scientific excellence in society and the economy.”

Prof. Dr. Georg Krausch, President of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz: „For JGU, Futury is an important component in the implementation of its transfer strategy. We expect particular synergies with regard to the development of Mainz as a life science location and with regard to the biotechnology initiative RLP. From the perspective of JGU, we benefit from having strong partners in the Rhine-Main Universities alliance and from the entire Rhine-Main region. The success of Futury, our Startup Factory in the lighthouse competition, is clear proof for the successful cross-border cooperation in the Rhine-Main region. We are grateful to our private partners without whom this success would not possible.”

Prof. Dr. Tanja Brühl, President of TU Darmstadt: “Powerful support for spin-offs is a decisive part of our identity as Technical University. In a strong alliance with Futury, we will now release the enormous startup power of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region even more effectively. We continue to develop the bridge between top-level research and innovative power consistently by adding new elements to it. Together with Futury, we will transform the appeal the region already has today into a magnet with an irresistible pull – regionally, nationally and internationally. We will create a springboard for ideas that will turn into innovations with an impact that will shape the future. I would like to thank everyone who supports us in turning our vision into reality!”

Futury and Startup Factory Mittelhessen „StartMiUp Factory“ join forces

In addition to Futury, the StartMiUp Factory also applied for funding from the BMWE with a strong network in Middle Hesse.

Thomas Nauss, President of Marburg University: “The challenges of our time require strong alliances that go beyond competition. This is why we are delighted that Futury and StartMiUp Factory from Middle Hesse will cooperate closely in the future to jointly strengthen the startup landscape in Hesse and beyond. It remains our joint objective to systematically increase the number of spin-offs from science through dedicated programs and networks.”

Charlie Müller, Founder & Managing Director of Futury, too, is convinced that “cooperation is the only way to create sustainable structures that have a real impact”. 

The planned cooperation includes, among other things, mutual access to networks of industry partners and investors, joint programs and events, as well as the exchange between the startups and universities in Hesse. 

Mara Steinbrenner, CEO of StartMiUp Factory: “Jointly, we will pursue a vision and a holistic approach towards the ecosystem. We will work on a strong ecosystem for scientific spin-offs that is both regionally driven and international.”

Melissa Ott, Managing Director of Futury, adds: “We look forward to the cooperation with the team of StartMiUp Factory. Their scientific excellence, in particular in the natural sciences, the specific business network and our industry-oriented approach complement each other perfectly. Together, we will shape the startup future.”

From idea to scaling: How Futury is sparking a new startup momentum in Germany

When funding starts in October 2025, Futury will support students, researchers and startups along their startup journey in and from the Rhine-Main region through early startup funding, entrepreneurship know-how, access to industry and capital and through setting up structured, target-group specific programs. For example, IP4shares now enables universities to connect excellent research with entrepreneurial drive and to realize practical opportunities of utilization. Investors have access to strong, protected innovation projects.

Futury’s approach is industry-driven, cooperating with 130 project partners from the industry, more than 50 network partners, mentors and investors. In the context of the EXIST lighthouse competition, science is systematically integrated as an equal partner into Futury’s work for the first time. With the four partner universities, an innovation space rooted in academia is created where entrepreneurship is part of and promoted in research and teaching. From fall 2025 onwards, Futury Capital will provide founders with additional venture capital through the new Futury Fund III, with a target volume of 40 million euros. 

Futury focuses on five strategic clusters that are based on the economic and scientific strengths of the Rhine-Main region: 

Lifescience & Healthcare, Aviation & Space, Banking & Finance as well as the technology clusters Data & KI and Deep Tech & Green Tech.

Through the funding in the EXIST lighthouse competition, Futury now receives support from the highest level in order to extend its impact both nationally and internationally. The selection was preceded by a concept phase of nine months, in which 15 Startup Factories developed their concepts. The jury – which included experts such as Dr. Tanja Emmerling, Prof. Dr. Helmut Schönenberger, Franziska Teubert and other renowned persons from business, science and politics – made their decision in June.

With this award, Futury will be at the forefront of a new startup dynamic as the industry-driven Startup Factory – with the goal of sustainably strengthening Germany from the Rhine-Main region as a leading hub for science-based startups. The aim of the alliance of universities, investors and established companies is to significantly increase the number and quality of innovative, knowledge-based and growth-oriented spin-offs and/or startups through the activities of the Startup Factories. Emboldened by the success in the EXIST lighthouse competition, Futury is now expanding its strategic partnerships with industry partners, science, startups, investors and mentors and, together with them, develops target-specific formats to support the next generation of founders. The goal: 1,000 new startups by 2030, with a focus on scientific spin-offs. The following partners from industry and philanthropy will support Futury over the next five years: Bain & Company, Commerzbank, Condor, Consortium, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Börse Group, d-fine, Dussmann, DZ Bank, Entega, Goldbeck, Helaba, InfraServ Hoechst, Maingau, Mainova, Merck, Merz, Metzler, P&G, PWC, SAENTIS Family Office, Schaeffler, Samson, Viega, WISAG, XAI technologies, Stiftung Giersch, Werte-Stiftung and Mainzer Wissenschaftsstiftung.

About Futury

Futury is Europe’s leading industry-driven startup ecosystem with its seat in Frankfurt am Main. In close cooperation with universities, companies, investors and politics, Futury supports entrepreneurial thinking, sustainable startups and the structured transfer of scientific excellence into the market. The aim is to establish a dynamic innovation ecosystem with a strong professional network. Futury is one of 10 Startup Factories in Germany that will be receive funding of up to 10 million euros from the federal government. Futury is thus at the forefront of a new startup dynamic in Germany with the goal of sustainably strengthening Germany from the Rhine-Main region as a leading hub for science-based startups.

The YIAD aims to honour the outstanding accomplishments of junior research group leaders within the RMU, advanced postdoctoral researchers aspiring to a professorship, and interested doctoral candidates. It also serves as a platform for networking and exchange among early career researchers (ECRs).

A special highlight of the event was the ceremonial appointment of the three new Athene Young Investigators (AYI), who were included in April 2025 to the Athene Young Investigator Programme. The ceremonial appointment was carried out by Professor Franziska Lang, Vice President for Academic Careers at TU Darmstadt.

In her laudatory address, Professor Lang praised their outstanding academic achievements and their commitments to pursuing an academic career. She emphasized that the three researchers had convinced both the external reviewers and the selection committee that they are well prepared to take the next step towards a scientific career. By joining the Athene Young Investigator Programme, the researchers are now empowered to lead their own junior research groups, manage independent budgets, and develop their own research projects and academic profiles. The programme thus represents a strong vote of confidence in their future.

Following the ceremony, the event turned to a panel discussion addressing the key questions for ECRs regarding the topic of scientific independence: How can scientific independence be achieved? How does one gain visibility and recognition in the academic community? And what are the main challenges along the way?

The panel featured Prof. Dr. Jens Braun, DFG Liaison Officer at TU Darmstadt and Professor in the Department of Physics, as well as four junior research group leaders: Dr Jan-Yie Schnellbach (Department of Computer Science, TU Darmstadt), Dr Pelin Tozman (Department of Materials and Earth Sciences, TU Darmstadt), Dr Anna Wanka (Department of Education, Goethe University Frankfurt), and Dr Vanessa Zeller (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, TU Darmstadt).

Based on their own academic journeys, the panelists emphasized that independence in research often begins with writing one’s own grant proposal, securing third-party funding, and taking on increasing responsibility within research projects - particularly through the supervision of PhD candidates. The panelists currently lead or have led projects supported by prominent funding programmes, including BMBF, the Emmy Noether Programme, the Athene Young Investigator Programme, and the ERC Starting Grant. These programmes have enabled them to establish a distinct research profile, implement independent projects, and publish autonomously - thus increasing their visibility in the scientific community and gaining independence from supervisors and collaborators.

However, the path to academic independence is not without obstacles. The panelists highlighted the importance of resilience in the face of criticism, perseverance during setbacks, confidence in one’s research approach, and clear communication within research teams as essential traits for building an academic career.

In the concluding Q&A session, participants engaged actively by sharing their own perspectives, asking questions, and exchanging insights with the panel.

The event wrapped up with a reception, offering participants the opportunity to network across disciplines, connect with colleagues from the other Rhine Main Universities, and continue the conversation in an informal setting.

The annual Young Investigator Appreciation Day emphasizes the importance of promoting the ECRs within the RMU-Alliance.

Over 300 participants, more than ever before, from the Rhine-Main Universities (RMU) and guests came together for the 7th RMU Day which, this year, was held under the motto “Knowledge for the World of Tomorrow” on Campus Westend of Goethe University Frankfurt, where the RMU also celebrated its 10 anniversary at the traditional summer party of Goethe University. 

Lively discussions in the BarCamps 

With a view to the world of tomorrow, the program started with four parallel BarCamps on topics that were put to the vote beforehand on Instagram. More than 60 participants discussed how to cope with digital-analog realities of life, while around 50 participants attended a BarCamp on dimensions of sustainability. The topic of how to stay healthy in today’s achievement society attracted around 90 participants. The long-standing RMU assistants’ network also offered a well-attended BarCamp, where more than 60 participants discussed the evolution of the assistant professions in times of digitalization and AI. At the subsequent presentation of the results from the BarCamps, all presenters agreed that society and its members are faced with huge societal transformations that must be accompanied by science and addressed thoughtfully.

Panel discussion with the RMU Clusters of Excellence

As the RMU’s joint proposal in the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments is shaping 2025 to a significant extent, this topic formed the second part of the day’s program. At a panel discussion with nine panelists, hosted by science journalist Julia Nestlen, the audience first learned about the so-called Clusters of Excellence, of which the RMU has five that will receive funding from 2026 onwards. Representatives from the clusters answered questions about their work and about the contribution of their research to the world of tomorrow. The presidents of Goethe University Frankfurt and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Prof. Dr. Enrico Schleiff and Prof. Dr. Georg Krausch, as well as the chancellor of TU Darmstadt, Dr. Martin Lommel, explained how this first success in the Excellence Strategy achieved with the future Clusters of Excellence will affect the various groups within the universities and how they – and also society as a whole – will profit from this success.

Prof. Dr. Ralf Brandes of the Cluster “Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI)” explained that, already today, more than 50 percent of deaths in Germany can be attributed to cardiovascular or lung diseases. In the future, people will benefit directly from the research of disease mechanisms and the development of new therapeutic principles.

Future therapies are also a component of the work of Excellence Cluster “Subcellular Architecture of LiFe (SCALE)”. Co-spokesperson Prof. Dr. Inga Hänel explained that, of course, scientists must first understand how our body’s cells build their complex structures and how these structures change as we grow older or in the case of illness. A digital twin, which is to be developed in the long-term, could be used in the future to test therapeutic options.

Prof. Dr. Kristian Kersting, co-spokesperson for the Cluster “Reasonable AI (RAI)” explained how artificial intelligence systems are to be equipped with “common sense” in order to deal more effectively with the challenges of the times. This can include, for example, handling applications and enquiries in public administration, in order to be able to process requests quickly and correctly, even if there is a shortage of staff, and to thus foster trust in the government and society. 

The work of the Cluster “The Adaptive Mind (TAM)” also focuses on understanding and subsequently applying human adaptation strategies to artificial intelligence. Prof. Dr. Constantin Rothkopf, the cluster’s spokesperson for TU Darmstadt, promised that the results achieved by this project will not only answer fundamental questions of psychology and cognitive science, but will also open up new ways for individualized approaches to mental health and for establishing robust, adaptive artificial intelligence systems. 

Prof. Dr. Alfons Weber, co-spokesperson of "Precision Physics, Fundamental Interactions and Structure of Matter" (PRISMA++) explained that the Excellence Cluster wants nothing less than to understand what keeps the world together on the inside. The findings on what matter is made of or what the forces of the universe are will be used to generate the knowledge of tomorrow, on the basis of which new technologies and understandings of the world will be developed.

The RMU in the Excellence Strategy

Following the overview of the specific contributions of the five Clusters of Excellence to the world of tomorrow, the presidents and the chancellor spoke about the impact that a general funding of the RMU as a consortium of excellence in the Universities of Excellence funding line of the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments could have on students, teachers, researchers and staff. For example, an excellent RMU offers an ideal environment for the (career) development of all its members where everyone can learn, also from each other, as has been practiced within the RMU for years. This is why the RMU cooperates across all areas – not only in research, but also on joint study programs that one university alone could not offer, in knowledge exchange with society and not least with regard to infrastructure and administration.  

Prof. Dr. Enrico Schleiff, President of Goethe University Frankfurt and current RMU spokesperson, said: “The universities have many tasks. And they all have one goal: making today’s world a bit better every day and enhancing tomorrow’s world through knowledge. For this, we have to become a bit better every day, because Germany and Europe are faced with competition on a global level: with regard to skilled professionals as well as with regard to knowledge resources, visibility and economic power. In order to be competitive as the Rhine-Main region, we must make an effort. Our contribution is to strengthen the Rhine-Main region of knowledge through our RMU as an alliance between Goethe University Frankfurt, TU Darmstadt and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. The Universities of Excellence funding line provides us with the opportunity to further expand our visions, strategic aims and our research excellence within the alliance. For us, the call for proposals comes at exactly the right time because we will continue to develop our RMU in the future, just as we have done in the past. The Excellence Strategy provides us with the opportunity to focus and to act more quickly.” 

The official program ended with a short closing round with insights into individual conclusions and findings from the day and a preview of the upcoming months. Afterwards, President Schleiff and his colleague from Darmstadt, President Prof. Tanja Brühl, welcomed guests to the summer party of Goethe University and the RMU anniversary celebration on Campus Westend to which, of course, all participants of the RMU Day were invited as well. 

Anniversay celebration at the summer party

At the summer party, guests could sample soft ice cream in the RMU colors, take pictures in the RMU photo box and visit a merch stall to browse a range of RMU merchandise that is now available for sale. Gym bags in the RMU design filled with everyday articles and t-shirts were also given out to the winners of a lottery among participants of the RMU Olympics, which were made up of four stations representing a cross section of the numerous cooperation projects within the RMU. 

At the station “Manga Hitster“ organized by project ANIMARET, prospective „RMU Olympians“ had to match anime and manga figures to their correct names and dates of creation. ANIMARET is a project at Johannes Gutenberg University and Goethe University Frankfurt that is funded by the RMU Initiative Funding for Research. 

The “Verbund Archäologie Rhein-Main (VARM)“ (Archaeology Network Rhine-Main) attracted antiquity fans and jigsaw buffs alike with its station “Jäger des Verlorenen Schatzes – Rätsel aus der Welt der Archäologie“. 

The joint study program Biomedical Engineering of TU Darmstadt and Goethe University Frankfurt challenged participants with “Serious Games für Bildung und Gesundheit”. Physical effort was required for the “Balance Fit” game. 

Futury GmbH, an innovation platform that supports prospective founders at the RMU of which all three Rhine-Main Universities have been shareholders for around three months now, focused on well-known startups: In a virtual quiz, accessible via QR code, participants were asked to match startups to their funding dates.

In the early evening, six lucky winners were selected among the numerous participants in two drawings. Everyone who participated in the RMU Olympics also received an RMU soft ice cream prepared by the Department of Physics of Goethe University.

The next RMU Day will be held at TU Darmstadt in fall 2026.

Hesse enters the competition with two University Consortia of Excellence proposals

For the first time in the history of the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments, Hessian universities are applying for the status of “University of Excellence”. By tomorrow’s deadline, a total of four Hessian universities will submit a letter of intent to the German Science and Humanities Council regarding their proposal in the “Universities of Excellence” funding line: Technical University of Darmstadt and Goethe University Frankfurt intend to submit a cross-border proposal in November as a University Consortium of Excellence together with Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in the Rhine-Main Universities (RMU) alliance. Justus-Liebig University Giessen and Marburg University will submit a joint proposal as “Mittelhessen” University Consortium of Excellence. These proposals have been made possible through the brilliant success of the Hessian universities in the Clusters of Excellence funding line: six out of seven of the Hessian proposals submitted were successful in the Clusters of Excellence competition on 22 May 2025. 

At today’s debate in the Hessian State Parliament, Science Minister Timon Gremmels declared: “Hesse is back on the map of research excellence. Following the immense success with the Clusters of Excellence, we will continue to closely accompany and support the universities on their way to becoming Universities of Excellence. For the universities, the title of “University of Excellence” means greater renown both on a national and on an international level and additional funding amounting to millions of euros. No Hessian university has ever qualified for the University of Excellence competition. The fact that, with the universities in Darmstadt and Frankfurt, as well as Giessen and Marburg, a total of four Hessian universities are now eligible to submit a proposal is an absolute novelty and shows that the Hessian universities conduct top-level research of the highest standard. We will support the universities with the same commitment as we have shown with regard to the Clusters of Excellence. We will seize this fantastisc opportunity for Hesse together!“. 

Strong alliances

The four universities that are now eligible to submit a proposal will enter the competition with two University Consortia of Excellence proposals. Both alliances are based on long-standing cooperative relationships and strong areas of research. Science Minister Gremmels said: “Submitting proposals as consortia is smart and the right way to do it. The Universities Darmstadt and Frankfurt will submit a cross-border proposal together with Mainz University as part of their longstanding Rhine-Main Universities alliance. The Universities Giessen and Marburg will submit an equally strong joint proposal that builds on the cooperation structures that have been developed for years in Central Hesse.”

Central Hesse alliance of the Universities Giessen and Marburg

The two Universities Giessen and Marburg, which are located in close proximity to each other, have closely cooperated for many years. The cooperation is institutionalized; with the Research Campus of Central Hessen, the two universities established a long-term cooperation structure as early as 2016, together with Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen. The research alliance pools the cooperation partners’ research activities in several joint focus areas such as Mind, Brain and Behavior, Lung and Heart, Material, Molecule and Energy, Microorganisms and Viruses. Through their close cooperation, the universities were also able to develop a coordinated appointment policy and establish joint study programs. They also share their infrastructure.

The Rhine-Main Universities alliance (RMU) 

Within the Rhine-Main Universities alliance, the Universities Darmstadt, Frankfurt and Mainz have cooperated closely on an institutional level since 2015. The three alliance partners cooperate closely across virtually all performance dimensions – from joint research projects and joint study programs to cooperatively shared infrastructure and coordinated recruitment of scientific staff. They have numerous joint research foci, for example in the areas of life sciences and medicine, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, as well as particle physics and material and energy research.

The "Universities of Excellence" funding line

The aim of the “Universities of Excellence” funding line is to support universities in Germany to further consolidate their international top positions in research – either as an individual university or as a university consortium. In the current funding period, eleven Universities of Excellence / University Consortia of Excellence are being funded throughout Germany. Each year, a total funding amount of 148 million euros is available. Universities of Excellence receive funding of up to 15 million euros and University Consortia of Excellence receive up to 28 million euros per year. The funding decisions will be announced in October 2026 and funding will start on 1 January 2027.

To be eligible to submit a proposal, universities must have at least two and university consortia at least three Clusters of Excellence. Due to the immense success in Hesse in the Clusters of Excellence funding line, where a total of six Clusters of Excellence were approved for funding, four Hessian universities were able to qualify for the Universities of Excellence funding line. The two universities in central Hesse will be involved in four of the six Hessian Clusters of Excellence, the three RMU universities will be involved in four of the six Hessian Clusters of Excellence and, with the Cluster of Excellence in Mainz, in a total of five Clusters of Excellence.

The Hessian Clusters of Excellence approved for funding in May and the universities involved:

• “Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI)”, Universities Giessen and Frankfurt in the field of cardiopulmonary research
• “Microbes-for-Climate (M4C)”, University Marburg in the field of microbiology
• “Post-Lithium Energy Storage (POLiS)”, Universities Giessen, Ulm and Karlsruhe in the field of battery research
• “Reasonable Artificial Intelligence (RAI)”, University Darmstadt in the field of artificial intelligence
• “SCALE – SubCellular Architecture of LifE”, University Frankfurt in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics and the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in the field of cell biology
• “The Adaptive Mind (TAM)”, Universities Giessen, Marburg and Darmstadt in the field of cognitive research