Evaluation of the Berlin University Alliance in Germany's Excellence Strategy Competition
The Berlin University Alliance (BUA) – the consortium formed by Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – has been funded through Germany’s Excellence Strategy, a national initiative jointly financed by the German federal and state governments, since 2019. The Alliance is now undergoing its first evaluation.
News from Nov 05, 2025
The evaluation process officially began with the submission of the Alliance’s self-assessment report on August 1, 2025. The next step was a site visit by reviewers from the German Science and Humanities Council on November 4 and 5, 2025. Alongside the written report, the on-site review forms a central part of the evaluation of all Universities of Excellence within the framework of the Excellence Strategy.
“The Berlin University Alliance stands for academic excellence, international visibility, and the unique synergies within our city,” said Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin. “Through this alliance, four outstanding institutions – Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – have joined forces to advance research, teaching, and innovation at the highest level. Berlin is now one of Europe’s leading centers of science and research. The BUA shows how collaboration across institutional boundaries can open new perspectives – helping to address the major challenges of our time.”
“The Berlin University Alliance is at the heart of our research landscape,” said Dr. Ina Czyborra, Senator for Higher Education and Research, Health and Long-Term Care. “It demonstrates what can be achieved when excellence, cooperation, and social responsibility come together. With FU, HU, TU, and Charité working in partnership, Berlin has created a model that transcends disciplinary boundaries and sets international benchmarks.”
“During the site visit, we are presenting how FU, HU, TU, and Charité have been collaborating since 2019 – and how this cooperation has already strengthened Berlin’s research environment and scientific culture,” said Prof. Dr. Günter M. Ziegler, spokesperson of the Berlin University Alliance and President of Freie Universität Berlin. “Within the Alliance, we have established lasting structures for cooperation and developed joint strategies for an integrated research area. Now it’s time to build on this momentum and further expand our international contribution to addressing the major transformations of our time.”
The decision on the continuation of funding will be announced on March 12, 2026.
Press Contact
- Suhana Reddy, Head of Communication, E-mail: suhana.reddy@berlin-university-alliance.de