Today’s universities face profound challenges that range from societal upheaval, climate change, digital transformation, geopolitical conflicts to growing hostility towards democracy and science. According to Rector Kerstin Krieglstein, the key question is how universities can align research, teaching and knowledge transfer in such a way that they actively shape developments in society and the economy and contribute to solutions through scientific findings.

This guiding principle shapes the university-wide development plan “Vision 2040” as well as the University of Freiburg’s participation in the federal and state government’s Excellence Strategy competition. Having been successful in the first funding line with the CIBSS and Future Forests clusters, the University is now setting its sights on the second funding line with “far greater courage and confidence.” “We are the only university in Baden-Württemberg that is eligible to submit a new application,” Krieglstein emphasised. “We have seized this opportunity with great conviction and commitment.” The application will be submitted on 12 November 2025. It is embedded in “Vision 2040”, a 15-year overall strategy with which the University of Freiburg is pursuing its goal of further developing itself as a research-strong, networked and responsible institution and redefining its self-image in the 21st century.

Change as a part of our DNA

“Universities are finding themselves in a dual role,” emphasised Krieglstein. “Like society, they are directly affected by upheaval, but they are also increasingly being questioned by parts of society and at the same time called upon to make a significant contribution to overcoming multiple crises.” The political and global situation shows that academic freedom is no longer a given today. According to the Rector, this is precisely why the ability to renew oneself is one of the central tasks of universities and one of the most important responses to the challenges they face. “Change must be part of our DNA, our entire governance; supported by a culture that embraces openness and promotes empowerment – not within the confines of our own disciplines, but beyond the horizon. Helping to shape the future of our society is part of the essence and essential tasks of universities. The University of Freiburg has everything it needs to play a central role and be a strong voice in the European research landscape, contributing to a more resilient future.”

Keynote speech, insights from cutting-edge research and a panel discussion

The keynote speech also took up the central theme of the festive opening. Prof. Dr Linda Doyle, President of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, spoke on the topic of “Forests and Signals: Strategic Guidance for Universities in the 21st Century,” discussing how universities can re-evaluate their responsibilities in the interplay between research, society and politics.

Prof. Dr Jürgen Kleine-Vehn (Cluster of Excellence CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies) and Dr. Ronny Rotbarth representing Prof. Dr Marc Hanewinkel (Cluster of Excellence Future Forests) provided insights from cutting-edge research. Both Clusters of Excellence represent the research approach that characterises the University of Freiburg: addressing complex issues in collaboration and exchange across disciplinary boundaries with findings that are both scientifically excellent and socially relevant. In the concluding panel discussion, Freiburg’s Lord Mayor Martin Horn discussed the topic of “Shaping the future together” with two student representatives from University College Freiburg (UCF).

Watch CIBSS at the festive opening here

Congratulations to the prize winners from CIBSS labs

Dr. Heike Rampelt (Nikolaus Pfanner Lab) received the Eugen-Graetz-Preis donated by Eugen Graetz, honorary senator of the University of Freiburg. Dr. Lukas Braun (Robert Zeiser Lab) was awarded the GEFI Förderpreis by the Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Immunologie in Freiburg und zum Andenken an Georges Köhler e. V. as well as the Preis für innovative Forschungsansätze in der Onkologie by the Neue Universitätsstiftung Freiburg. The Förderpreis Künstliche Intelligenz, another prize sponsored by the Neue Universitätsstiftung Freiburg, was awarded to Elias Kempf (Thomas Brox Lab). The Hans-Griesebach-Preis by BASF SE was awarded to Dr. Svenja Ulferts (Robert Grosse Lab). Finally, Anselm Schwoerbel and Philip Eckert (Henning Jessen Lab) both received the Steinhofer-Preis awarded by the Steinhofer Stiftung.

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Original press release University of Freiburg