University of Bielefeld
An interdisciplinary model
The University of Bielefeld was established in 1969 with an explicit research remit and a high standard of quality was set for its research-oriented teaching.
Today, the University of Bielefeld comprises 13 faculties spanning a varied range of subjects in the humanities, natural and social sciences and technology. With around 17,500 students on 80 different courses and about 2,600 staff including some 1,480 scientists, this is one of Germany’s mid-sized universities.
Starting from the conviction that complex scientific and social issues can no longer be adequately addressed by rigidly disciplinary approaches alone, the development of the University of Bielefeld is and has always been based on an interdisciplinary model. The interdisciplinary model is considered as a range of multi-perspective approaches of varying kinds and intensities.
Campus Bielefeld will further raise the University of Bielefeld’s international profile. We will be able to offer world-class research and teaching facilities. At the same time, the new campus will impact upon the region and further strengthen identification with University of Bielefeld. A win-win situation for the University, the city and the region.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Sagerer
Rector, University of Bielefeld
Successes in the excellence initiative and in the DFG funding ranking
The University of Bielefeld’s research strengths are documented by its successes in the excellence initiative and its place in the DFG’s funding ranking of 93 universities.
The University of Bielefeld’s heavily research-oriented areas of work come under the five main headings of Theories and Methodologies in History and Sociology, Human Development, Conflict and Violence, Interactive Intelligent Systems, Molecular and Nano Sciences and Theoretical Sciences. Within that framework, cutting-edge research of an international standard is undertaken and the rising generation is encouraged to progress in the context of prestigious cooperative research projects and extensive individual development.
Under the title ‘Transcending Boundaries – the Bielefeld Approach’ the University of Bielefeld has entered a project for the future in the next round of the federal and state excellence initiative to promote science and research under the auspices of Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Science Council.
In addition, since its foundation the University of Bielefeld has benefited from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF), an institute for advanced study which is classed as one of the most renowned and successful institutes of its kind in Germany and internationally.
Knowledge and technology transfer
The University of Bielefeld offers excellent conditions for successful knowledge and technology transfer: innovative research and science at the highest national and international level, and graduates with an outstanding educational background. Top-flight cooperative links with industry are established in the different main areas of work.
The visible and productive evidence of a successful transfer are the dissemination of research results in publications and at conferences, along with the research associations and tie-ups that extend from the University into the wider community, in addition to reports, patents, the licensing and exploitation of research results, spin-offs of research-oriented enterprises and the availability of major items of equipment for third party use.
