Berlin Universities Land 5 Top-Tier Research Grants
Berlin has emerged as a clear winner in Germany's most prestigious research funding competition, with five clusters of excellence securing seven-year funding starting in 2026. The announcement from the German Research Foundation (DFG) positions the German capital as a dominant force in the country's scientific landscape.
According to information from the Berlin University Alliance press release, the success spans an impressive range of disciplines. Two entirely new projects will launch alongside three continuing initiatives, demonstrating the breadth of Berlin's research ecosystem.
The new Center for Chiral Electronics tackles one of technology's biggest challenges: the massive energy consumption of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. By developing ultra-fast, energy-efficient electronics, researchers aim to curb the growing environmental impact of our digital world.
Meanwhile, ImmunoPreCept represents a paradigm shift in healthcare, focusing on prevention rather than treatment. With chronic diseases like cancer and immune-mediated inflammation on the rise, this cluster seeks to identify and intervene before illness takes hold.
The three continuing projects showcase Berlin's established strengths. MATH+ develops mathematical solutions for complex real-world problems from climate change to disease spread. NeuroCure bridges the gap between neuroscience research and clinical practice, studying nervous system diseases across the human lifespan. SCRIPTS examines challenges to liberal democracy, from populism to international conflicts.
"This result will strengthen top-tier research flagships in all our high-profile areas," says Prof. Günter M. Ziegler, spokesperson for the Berlin University Alliance and president of Freie Universität Berlin.
The Excellence Strategy provides approximately €539 million annually to 70 clusters nationwide, making this competition exceptionally fierce. Berlin's success reinforces its status as an international research hub and innovation center.
