15 July 2026, by Newsroom editorial office

Photo: UHH/Oeding/Vogiatzis

In a modern design, the annual report provides a glimpse into the UHH's year 2025.

The eventful year 2025 had already reached its first highlight for the University of Hamburg with the confirmation of the four Clusters of Excellence in May. Overall, the year was marked by new initiatives and the continuation of projects that will shape the future. The university’s new annual report—available in both German and English—provides a comprehensive and informative overview.

The report, which is just under 100 pages long, demonstrates in four chapters that the University of Hamburg is taking new steps despite major challenges and is setting its course for the future in research, teaching, student programs, and knowledge transfer. From the updated mission statement on studying and teaching to the “Sustainability Strategy 2030” and new digitalization projects in administration and libraries—the University of Hamburg is addressing current societal, scientific, and higher education policy challenges in all areas.

The report places particular emphasis on the university’s diverse connections to other institutions of higher education, the scientific community, and society, politics, and business: Collaboration makes successful transformation possible. Among other things, the annual report provides insights into the collaboration of the Data & Digital Science Centers, the Campus meets Community Festival, the Hamburg startup factory “Impossible Founders,” and the newly established networks in the fields of university medicine, higher education development, and cybersecurity.

Recognition for Innovation in Research and Teaching

The annual report also highlights, among other things, just how successful this interdisciplinary exchange already is at the UHH and how highly innovative approaches are valued: In May 2025, it was announced that the four Clusters of Excellence—“Climate, Climatic Change, and Society,” “CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter,” “Quantum Universe,” and “Understanding Written Artefacts” had once again been successful in Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments. They receive funding for another seven years since January 2026. This solidifies the UHH’s top position among Germany’s leading research universities.

To recognize outstanding teaching and innovative teaching methods, the University of Hamburg Teaching Award was presented for the first time in 2025. Five dedicated faculty members were honored in the categories “Inspiring and Effective Teaching,” “Courageous and Boundary-Pushing Teaching,” and “Development and Innovation” at the awards ceremony held as part of the “Hauptsache Lehre” event.

Report in German and English

This year, for the first time, the annual report was prepared jointly by all staff groups, and employees from research and administration as well as students were directly involved in shaping its content.

The result is a comprehensive and diverse presentation aimed at all members of the university, cooperation partners, and other academic institutions. But all residents of Hamburg can also learn about the university and get to know Northern Germany’s largest institution of higher education better. The report was published digitally and is available in accessible versions in German and English.

(This content has been translated automatically.)