The University of Cologne has been granted the status of a University of Excellence. The Excellence Commission announced this decision on Friday, October 2. Thus, both universities that are home to the Cluster of Excellence ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy now hold excellence status. The University of Bonn had already been confirmed as a University of Excellence in March.
The University of Cologne had applied for funding under the “Universities of Excellence” program with its proposal “Neue Universität: Continuous Change – Successful Renewal.” The application drew on the five Clusters of Excellence, including ECONtribute. After submitting its application in November 2025, the University of Cologne’s concept was evaluated on-site by an international panel of experts in May 2026.
“Winning this highly competitive competition is a great success for the entire university, and the result of the outstanding work of all our scholars and scientists as well as our technical and administrative staff. This success has also been made possible by the tremendous commitment of our students,” says Professor Dr Joybrato Mukherjee, Rector of the University of Cologne. “Being recognized as a University of Excellence strengthens our position as one of the leading European universities serving to promote knowledge, drive change, and impact society in significant ways.“
The status of “University of Excellence” recognizes the university’s outstanding research achievements and its strategic orientation. This funding will enable the university to further expand its world-leading international research and to enhance its appeal as a research, study, and work destination.
The University of Bonn had already been confirmed as a University of Excellence for another seven years in March. Thus, Bonn enters the second funding period with a total of eight Clusters of Excellence. The decision was preceded by a comprehensive evaluation of the university and its development since it was first designated a University of Excellence in 2019.
With this decision, both universities now belong to the group of Universities of Excellence. This opens up new prospects for the joint research hub of Bonn and Cologne. The Cluster of Excellence ECONtribute can therefore build on the structures of the Universities of Excellence and continue to contribute to the consolidation of excellent research and structures at both locations.