University of Konstanz

Top-level research, excellence in teaching and studies, internationality and interdisciplinary collaboration have stood for the University of Konstanz since its foundation as a Reform University in 1966. This clear orientation soon led to a unique profile that not only stands out through its high quality but also through innovation, creativity and a commitment to enjoying research. The strategy of modernisation and reform from within is being consistently pursued and advanced, the University of Konstanz's "Success Story" (Lord Dahrendorf, 2006) is something that all members experience. The consistent expansion of its strengths and innovative concepts and ideas have contributed significantly to the University of Konstanz succeeding in the Excellence Initiative by the German Federal and State Governments to promote top-level research at German universities in October 2007 with its Institutional Strategy "Modell Konstanz – towards a culture of creativity". Konstanz is therefore one of the nine universities whose Institutional Strategies were funded by the federal and state governments to expand university top-level research. Furthermore, the Graduate School "Chemical Biology" was also able to assert itself in 2007. In the first call for proposals under the Excellence Initiative, the Cluster of Excellence "Cultural Foundations of Social Integration" was already approved in 2006.

Intense dialogue and short distances

The University of Konstanz is a campus university of medium size that stands out particularly with its short distances. Flat structures and hierarchies promote flexibility and interdisciplinary collaboration between or within the thirteen departments operating in three faculties: Sciences, Humanities as well as Law-, Economics and Politics, as well as the administration. Close dialogue is maintained between all the status groups at the university. Good communication is also the driving force defined here on all levels of the experienced culture of creativity. (1) Diversity, Communication and Integration, (2) Promoting young scientists and researchers as well as (3) flexible and adaptable structures serving as a basis for international top-level research can also be defined as the university's advantages, which were already included in its Charter.

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The University of Konstanz's Official Website