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

Smart Farming Starts Paying Off

The use of robots, drones and AI tools in agriculture is already paying off on 42 percent of the world’s cropland. This could increase to 50 percent in the next 20 years and to as much as 75 percent if every country tightened environmental regulations. If every country loosened its regulations it would fall to 31 percent. These are the main findings from an international study led by the University of Bonn, which is the first to estimate the profitability of smart farming worldwide. What is more, high-tech agriculture often proves profitable precisely in parts of the world struggling with environmental problems such as water stress and overfertilization. The results of the study have been published in the journal PNAS.

Pflanzenvielfalt neu ordnen

Over the past 20 years, the collection and analysis of genetic data from plants in the University of Bonn’s Botanic Gardens have significantly advanced our understanding of plant evolution. This research has also influenced how plants are classified and arranged in the gardens, raising questions about which plants belong together and why. In a new article published in the journal “New Phytologist,” Bonn botanists Tim Böhnert and Maximilian Weigend explain how new research findings can be translated into a meaningful classification of plants.

The bioeconomy is gaining ground worldwide

Oil and natural gas still account for the vast majority of the world's energy and raw materials, with all the associated environmental and biodiversity consequences. The bioeconomy is an approach to overcoming this dependence: instead of using fossil fuels, it uses renewable resources such as plants, microorganisms, and organic waste. The goal is for economic growth to go hand in hand with protecting species, the climate, and soils. The updated edition of the Global Bioeconomy Policy Report 2026, produced by the International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB), has been launched in Dublin on 20 October. The Global South, in particular, is increasingly recognizing the bioeconomy as a sustainable and equitable economic model.

Stefan Grimme retains his place among the world’s 10 most-cited researchers

A recent study by the platform TOPSCINET has named Professor Stefan Grimme from the University of Bonn as one of the top 10 most highly cited researchers in the world, placing the theoretical chemist fifth on its list.

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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

Tuesday Oct 20, 2026

Open Door Consultation Hours: Study and Internships abroad

Grand Hall (Festsaal), ...

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Are you interested in spending some time abroad during your degree programme? As part of the Bonn University International Days 2026, you can drop by the ...

Tuesday Oct 20, 2026

Ask an Ambassador

University Main ...

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Our Bonn University Ambassadors are the ideal people to answer your questions about doctorates, research or teaching abroad from their own experience. At ...

Tuesday Oct 20, 2026

Opening of the photo exhibition “Beyond Horizons”

Leah’s World Café, ...

01:30 PM - 02:30 PM

Wanderlust guaranteed: Students from Bonn share their most memorable moments abroad in photos—from breathtaking places to unforgettable encounters. Stop by, ...

Tuesday Oct 20, 2026

Presentation of the State Awards and the DAAD Prize

University Main ...

04:15 PM - 06:15 PM

This awards ceremony honors outstanding students and early-career researchers from Bonn. The prizes are sponsored by the governments of France, Spain, and the ...

Event Calendar

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Research and Study at the University of Excellence in Bonn