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

Climate Action on Campus: BMUKN to Fund University Project

What exactly is the University of Bonn doing to mitigate climate change? Thomas Kralinski, head of the Department for National and European Climate Action at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), came to Poppelsdorf Campus to find out just that. His visit focused on where the University gets its energy from and how it is developing an integrated climate action plan.

New Findings on Information Processing in the Brain

Neurons receive thousands of signals via tree-like extensions called dendrites. Until now, these dendrites were thought to be relatively smooth cables that conduct electrical signals to the cell body. An international research team led by the University Hospital of Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn, and the DZNE has now determined that this picture is incomplete. Using various advanced microscopy techniques, it has identified tiny, previously overlooked constrictions along the dendrites. These newly discovered structures, which the researchers call dendritic shaft constrictions, are only a few hundred nanometers wide – about 500 to 1,000 times thinner than a human hair – and occur in various types of neurons in both mouse and human brains. The study results have now been published in the journal Science Advances.

New Hereditary Retinal Disease Discovered

An international team of researchers led by the University Hospital and University of Bonn, as well as the universities of Edinburgh, Basel and Pennsylvania, has identified a previously unrecognized form of inherited retinal degeneration caused by a specific variant in the EFEMP1 gene. The disease primarily affects the peripheral retina and the rod photoreceptors responsible for vision in dim light and darkness. Importantly, rod function may already be severely impaired while the retina still appears largely normal on clinical examination. The results of the study have now been published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology.

Observing Photosynthesis from Space: New European Satellite Mission

The European Space Agency’s FLEX mission marks the beginning of a new era of plant research from space. The satellite, which was specifically developed to observe photosynthesis, will track how plants react to drought, heat, and other environmental stresses. The insights could help to develop climate-resilient agriculture, better protect natural ecosystems, and increase food security in the long term. Forschungszentrum Jülich operates the German FLEX project office, contributes its scientific expertise to the mission, and supports researchers in using the freely available satellite data.

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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

Monday Sep 21, 2026

Welcome Center: Expat Partners’ Monday Meeting

Café at P26, Poststraße ...

02:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Are you joining your partner on their research stay at the University of Bonn and would like to meet like-minded people, share experiences, or simply strike up ...

Monday Sep 21, 2026

Info Session Housing

Zoom (The link will be ...

06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

In this event, we will explain how and where you can look for accommodation for your stay in Bonn. We will offer tips on how to register for a room in a ...

Monday Sep 21, 2026

Dancing with Anthropology

IMPULSE, Adenauerallee ...

05:00 PM - 08:30 PM

The event is part of the workshop series "IMPULSE-through-Bodies" which creates an experimental and supportive space to explore ongoing research through bodily ...

Monday Sep 21, 2026

Chit-Chat Lounge

International Club, ...

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

We hold a Chit-Chat Lounge every Monday together with the International Students Department of the General Students’ Committee (AStA). It gives us a relaxed ...

Event Calendar

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Research and Study at the University of Excellence in Bonn