Research and Study at the University of Excellence in Bonn

With eight Clusters of Excellence, we are Germany's most successful University of Excellence, producing evidence-based academic contributions that help our modern, complex and changing society address the global challenges of the 21st century. Supporting the next generation is central to our mission.

We aim to inspire and foster young talent, early-career researchers and emerging leaders who play a vital role in safeguarding our democracy and shaping a future of progress, prosperity, and sustainable transformation in a digital and globally connected world.

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Latest News

Depression dampens anticipation, not enjoyment

The loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities, which is experienced in everyday life and can be very distressing, is a core symptom of major depression. However, it has remained unclear exactly how anhedonia, also known as a pleasure deficit, manifests itself. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn, and the University Hospital Tübingen have found that people with depression do not perceive food as less rewarding when they actually consume it. The differences compared to people without depression emerge during anticipation: how much they want something before they receive it. This reduced desire is also linked to the clinical severity of anhedonia. The study’s findings have now been published in the journal “Cell Reports Medicine.”

Driver of inflammation after mild head injury

Mild brain injuries, such as those often sustained in accidents, sports or violence can lead to persistent memory problems and an increased risk of dementia. However, there are currently no therapies available to treat these consequences. A research team led by the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn has now discovered that the protein ASC – a component of cellular emergency buttons – causes long-lasting inflammation in the brains of mice for up to 21 days after injury. By elucidating the inflammatory mechanisms underlying traumatic brain injury, the research team hopes to identify starting points for future therapeutic strategies. The work published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation lays the foundation for future clinical studies.

From the Rhine to the Tropics

Using a low-cost sensor and the Global Navigation Satellite System Interferometric Reflectometry (GNSS-IR), river water levels can be monitored around the clock. The water level data are automatically transmitted via cellular networks to an analysis center. Researchers at the University of Bonn developed the method several years ago and tested it on the Lower Rhine. With support from the European Space Agency (ESA), the monitoring system is now also being used in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

University of Bonn Joins State’s “New Master Plan”

The University of Bonn is being included in the “New Master Plan” for construction in higher education presented by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The new procedure is intended to progress building projects faster and on a more binding and more cost-efficient basis. A corresponding agreement was signed in Düsseldorf on Monday, May 4, 2026, by the state’s Ministry of Culture and Science and Ministry of Finance together with its construction and real estate agency (Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW, or BLB NRW) and the Universities of Bonn and Wuppertal.

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We are Uni Bonn!

Together we are the "we": The roots of the success of the University of Excellence Bonn lie in its people. In the #WeAreUniBonn campaign, we present employees, students, and alumni who, with their remarkable achievements, contribute to the success of our university.

Angkana Rüland

The mathematician focuses on challenges that arise in the natural sciences and lead to mathematical questions. Prof. Dr. Angkana Rüland was awarded the Leibniz Prize for her work.

Cyrill Stachniss

Prof. Dr. Cyrill Stachniss is an expert in robotics and research for sustainable plant production. He is one of the two spokespersons for the PhenoRob Cluster of Excellence.

Jaqueline Lorenzen

The new public law of sustainability is Prof. Dr. Jaqueline Lorenzen’s area of expertise. For this reason, she was appointed Argelander Professor of Law on Sustainability and Ecological Transformation.

Dominik Bach

Prof. Dr. Dominik Bach's research uses artificial intelligence to advance our understanding of mental illnesses. He is the Hertz Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience.

Events

Friday May 15, 2026 until May 22, 2026

Skandinavische Filmtage Bonn

Kino in der Brotfabrik, ...

Whole Day

Die Skandinavischen Filmtage Bonn sind eine studentische Kulturgruppe der Universität Bonn, die es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht hat, aktuelle skandinavische und ...

Friday May 15, 2026

iStart: Self-Empowerment & Motivation Coaching

Campus Poppelsdorf

02:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Are you feeling discouraged by your job search? Join us for an empowering workshop: Self-Empowerment and Motivation Coaching, where we will explore ...

Sunday May 17, 2026

Öffentliche Führung im Akademischen Kunstmuseum Bonn

Akademisches Kunstmuseum ...

11:15 AM

Willkommen im Akademischen Kunstmuseum Bonn – Überblicksführung in der Welt der Griechen, Römer und Etrusker

Sunday May 17, 2026

Kreativer Nachmittag im Museum für Kinder und Jugendliche

Akademisches Kunstmuseum ...

02:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Antike Kunst erleben! Wir laden euch ein, die antike Welt der Griechen und Römer zu entdecken. Wir starten um 14 Uhr mit einer Führung durch unser Museum. ...

Event Calendar

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Research and Study at the University of Excellence in Bonn