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ResearchFields of Focus

In the first and second funding phase of the Excellence Initiative, four main areas of research, the "Fields of Focus", have emerged on which interdisciplinary research cooperation would concentrate. These four interactive fields are being advanced even further in the Excellence Strategy as the core of Heidelberg’s research strategy.

Through the Fields of Focus, a major part of the university’s research and teaching endeavours can be united around a topic and individually supported. The successful two new Clusters of Excellence as part of the Excellence Strategy as well as the university’s graduate schools are also integrated into these main areas of research. In so doing, the continuing institutional strategy gives the Fields of Focus the necessary infrastructure for effective advancement and ensuring profitable connections with the rich institutional research environment around Heidelberg University. The Fields of Focus have thus become strategic instruments for the further development of Heidelberg as a comprehensive university.

Each Field of Focus is assigned a Research Council. This body coordinates the research activities of the respective Field of Focus by identifying new research questions, bringing together complementary expertise and promoting innovative projects through start-up funding. The Research Council also advises on the integration of new instruments for networking interdisciplinary research as well as for the support of young researchers.

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