New funding format in the context of the Excellence StrategyInnovative Teaching

25 July 2025, by Newsroom editorial office

Photo: University of Hamburg / Vogiatzis

The new funding format responds to the wish of many students for better teaching and study spaces.

The first projects funded by the Fund for Innovative Teaching (FIL) have been announced. The motto of the call for proposals was “Innovative spaces for innovative teaching.” Project funding in the amount of €190,000 comes from the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments.

A total of 21 applications from all faculties were submitted. Seven projects were chosen for a maximum of €35,000 in funding. The application process and the execution has to involve students.

Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences: studying and learning per cargo bike

A cargo bike with presentation and audio equipment and a drone is set to be used as a mobile teaching and study space. This is one way that innovative teaching can be made possible at non-university locations and combined with practical experience.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Martina Neuburger

Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement: improving hybrid learning

A new hybrid classroom in Informatics aims to facilitate immersive teaching and create alternatives to in-person and distance learning. It is set to be available in a new building for Informatics starting in February 2026. It will combine in-person and virtual reality elements.

Coordinators: Prof. Dr. Frank Steinicke, Prof. Dr. Nale Lehmann-Willenbrock

Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences: enjoying time between classes

The areas in front of the lecture halls in the Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology will be redesigned to give students a nicer, more effective place to hang out between classes. The redesign will include new furniture, better lighting, and better electricity and flash drives outlets.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Julia Kehr

Faculty of Education: redesigning the lobby

The lobby for the Faculty of Education is a popular route and place to hang out. The goal of this project is to design the student hang-out in reception as an open, inspiring space. It should facilitate communication, support cooperative work, and offer possibilities for undisturbed study.

Contact: Christina Schwalbe

Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences: salon with different study zones

On the Von-Melle-Park campus, a room will be designed to house different kinds of knowledge and study, with a “focus zone” that has separate carrels providing ideal conditions for quiet, undisturbed study in small groups; a “seminar zone” with modular furniture; and a “lounge zone” for informal chat and creative exchange.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Fritsche

Faculty of Education: designing an inclusive teaching space

Numerous courses in the department focus on the design of inclusive educational settings. However, inclusive teaching concepts focusing on the interplay of teaching and classroom space have so far remained theoretical. Now, students should gain skills by designing an inclusive setting.

Contact: Dr. Katharina Silter

University of Hamburg Business School: a place for creative thinking

A windowless and inflexible classroom is set to become an inspiring learning environment. Sustainable materials and modern presentation technology should foster interaction and creative exchange while new colors and walls will create an inviting atmosphere.

Contact: Dr. Anja Günther

The Fund for Innovative Teaching is financed through the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments.