Media information on the University of Hamburg’s Excellence Strategy and clusters of excellence
The University of Hamburg has been a University of Excellence since 2019 and was awarded this title again in 2026. The University currently receives funding for 4 clusters of excellence, which conduct research in the areas of astronomy, the climate, written artifacts, and quantum technologies.
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Cluster of Excellence CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter
(2019–2032)
Functionalities are at the heart of the Cluster of Excellence CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter. Atoms bond to form solids; molecules interact and react. As system’s grow more complex and larger, new functionalities emerge.
To observe, understand, and control these processes, 185 scientists from the fields of physics, chemistry, and structural biology have joined forces. Researchers from the University of Hamburg are collaborating with teams from the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD), and the European XFEL X-ray laser. In the future, they will focus more closely on the question as to how to design new functionalities.
About the Cluster of Excellence CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter
Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)
(2019–2032)
The Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS) at the University of Hamburg investigates climate change with a focus on the dynamics of natural sciences and social intercations. What future developments (climate futures) are plausible? CLICCS II also assesses whether the desired climate futures are feasible. Social discourse and evidence-based policy recommendations are key to this work. The cluster is a joint effort of 12 climate research institutions in Hamburg.
About the Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)
Cluster of Excellence Understanding Written Artefacts (UWA)
(2019–2032)
The Cluster of Excellence Understanding Written Artefacts (UWA) investigates one of humanity’s essential cultural practices, from its ancient origins to the digital age. Research focuses on the materiality of written artifacts. Based on a holistic approach, it opens up new perspectives on the evolution of handwriting all across the world.
Significantly supported by the niche subjects, UWA incorporates expertise from the natural sciences, such as food chemistry, particle physics, and computer science. In this way, the cluster creates a conceptual framework to study written artifacts from a global perspective and develops innovative methods in the materials science. Researchers from the University of Hamburg cooperate with DESY, the Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg), and the Helmut Schmidt University.
About the Cluster of Excellence Understanding Written Artefacts (UWA)
Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe
(2019–2032)
At the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe, scientists from the University of Hamburg and the DESY are investigating major unresolved questions of the Universe. The focus is on the Higgs particle and its significance for the evolution of the Universe to date.
Quantum Universe is a leader in developing gravitational wave detector technology and benefits from synergies between dark matter and gravitational waves experiments. By combining new ideas from theoretical physics with modern mathematical frameworks the cluster enables significant advances in describing quantum gravity. The cluster develops innovative methods of artificial intelligence that allow for efficient and resource-saving processing of large amounts of research data.
Additional cluster participation
The University of Hamburg also has several researchers involved in BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials—the new cluster of excellence at the Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg).
About the Cluster of Excellence BlueMat: Water-Controlled Materials
On the Federal Government and State Governments' Excellence Strategy
Through the Excellence Strategy, the federal and state governments aim to strengthen Germany as a center of research in the long term and further improve its international competitiveness. The goal is to continue developing German universities by promoting academic excellence, enhancement of research profiles, and fostering collaboration within the research and higher education system.
The Excellence Competition of the Federal and State Governments consists of 2 funding tracks. The first funding track focuses on clusters of excellence, which receive funding for 7 years in each round. The University of Hamburg’s 4 clusters of excellence were selected for continued funding in 2025.
The second funding track of the competition, for which the German Science and Humanities Council shares responsibility, is dedicated to Universities of Excellence, i.e., the recognition of entire universities. The application requirement for the University of Excellence designation is the acquisition of at least 2 clusters of excellence. The University of Hamburg was first designated a University of Excellence in 2019 for its Flagship University concept and received this title again in 2026 for the funding period from 2027 to 2034.