News — University of Bonn

Gerd Faltings to Receive the 2026 Abel Prize

For the first time ever, the Abel Prize has gone to a German—and this one is based at the University of Bonn! Mathematician Professor Gerd Faltings will receive the award in a ceremony in Oslo on May 26, 2026. The accolade has been presented every year since 2003 by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters in the presence of the country’s king Harald V. Professor Faltings is a Professor Emeritus of the University of Bonn and a former director of the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics (MPIM) in the city.

Bonn Most Successful University in Excellence Strategy

The Excellence Commission, made up of the Committee of Experts and the science ministers at federal and state level, announced earlier today that the University of Bonn has been awarded funding from the federal and state governments for a further seven years (2027–2033). With its eight Clusters of Excellence, the University of Bonn will thus retain its crown as the most successful University of Excellence in the contest as it enters the new funding period. The University will now take additional strategic steps to establish itself in the leading pack of the world’s best universities over the long term, says Rector Professor Michael Hoch.

Pinpointing Europe’s Digital Dependencies

From computer chips and cloud computing to artificial intelligence, Germany and the rest of Europe want to become less dependent on digital technologies from abroad by driving forward their own innovations. The Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) at the University of Bonn has now prepared a policy brief, in cooperation with the Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications, Vodafone’s European think tank. The paper tackles the continent’s “digital trade deficit” and shows how hidden trade dependencies on the US and China are raising questions about the effectiveness of current European strategies.

Extended summer hours at the University Botanical Gardens starting April 1

Starting next Wednesday, April 1, 2026, summer hours will once again be in effect at the University of Bonn’s Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Garden at Poppelsdorf Castle and the Medicinal and Ornamental Plant Garden on Katzenburgweg will then be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Thursdays even until 8 p.m. Admission is free on weekdays; on weekends and holidays, an admission fee of 5 euros (reduced rate 3 euros) applies.

Biodiversity Show Makes Future Issues Tangible

Dominik Eulberg's biodiversity show focuses on the biodiversity crisis as a central challenge of our time. Eulberg translates ecological knowledge into visual and auditory experiences. Scientific findings become emotionally accessible. The show encourages reflection and responsible action. It takes place on April 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the CAMPO Campus Cafeteria in Poppelsdorf.

Canadian Delegation Visits the University of Bonn

In late March, a high-ranking delegation from the Canadian Western University visited the University of Bonn to expand existing relationships, particularly in the field of neuroscience, and form new collaborations in an array of disciplines.