Financial Support Granted for Six Outstanding Research Clusters in Hesse - Million Granted for Six Elite Academic Groups in Hesse
Funding Worth Millions for Six Research Projects Across Four Hesse Universities
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has announced that four universities in Hesse will receive millions in funding for six research projects as part of the Excellence Cluster initiative in the coming years. Only six out of seven applications in Hesse were successful, marking a significant achievement for the region.
Hesse's Minister of Science, Timon Gremmels (SPD), highlighted this success, stating, "Five clusters more than in the last round in 2019 have been successful, placing Hesse back among the top-tier research institutions." The projects have demonstrated their worth amidst stiff competition, Gremmels added, hailing this as a "historic success" for all of Hesse.
The following projects, some of which are cross-state, will receive significant funding:
- The "Cardio-Pulmonary Institute" (CPI) of Gießen and Frankfurt Universities, focusing on molecular-biological processes in the functioning and failure of the heart and lungs.
- Marburg University's "Microbes-for-Climate" (M4C), which focuses on microbiology in light of the climate crisis.
- The "Post-Lithium Energy Storage" (POLiS) of Gießen, Ulm, and Karlsruhe Universities, researching battery technology with a view to the energy and transport transition.
- "Reasonable Artificial Intelligence" (RAI) of Darmstadt Technical University, focusing on the development of a new generation of AI systems based on reasonable resource use, data protection, and continuous improvement.
- Frankfurt University's "SCALE - SubCellular Architecture of LifE," aiming to better understand the function and interaction of cells.
- "The Adaptive Mind" (TAM) of Gießen, Marburg, and Darmstadt Universities, researching basic processes of human perception, thought, and behavior that enable adaptation to changing conditions.
Evaluations of the Hesse applications for the Excellence Clusters were carried out by an international expert commission in Bonn from November 2024 to January 2025. Unfortunately, only one project submitted by Darmstadt Technical University and Mainz University on biomaterial research was not successful.
The federal and state governments will provide a combined total of €539 million as part of the Excellence Strategy for these nationwide initiatives. The universities receiving funding will begin to benefit from this additional funding starting next year.
The Hesse Ministry of Science has revealed that the selected projects will have between €6 and €7.5 million available to them each year for a funding period of seven years, starting in 2026. For future updates on these projects, please visit the official websites of the German Research Foundation (DFG) or the state of Hesse, or contact the respective universities or research institutions directly.
- The success of the 'Cardio-Pulmonary Institute' (CPI) in Gießen and Frankfurt Universities, focusing on molecular-biological processes in the heart and lungs, showcases the potential impact of collaborative 'vocational training' and 'technology' in the medical-conditions field.
- In light of the climate crisis, Marburg University's 'Microbes-for-Climate' (M4C) project offers a promising avenue for exploring 'science' and 'education-and-self-development', with the aim of finding innovative solutions to combat environmental issues.
- The 'Reasonable Artificial Intelligence' (RAI) project at Darmstadt Technical University, which emphasizes the development of AI systems with 'health-and-wellness' considerations such as reasonable resource use, data protection, and continuous improvement, highlights the growing importance of 'technology' in shaping our future communities' policy.
