Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Research at Humboldt-Universität

Research at the Humboldt-Universität goes beyond the traditional division of humanities and social sciences on one hand and natural and life sciences on the other.

Amongst the wide spectrum of research activities, the university has identified the following focal points: studies of the ancient world and history of science; philosophy; quantitative economics; life sciences with a focus on theoretical biology, neuroscience and immunobiology; mathematics as a key technology; material and optical sciences as well as climate and sustainability research. These focal points are grounded on fifteen Collaborative Research Centres, twelve Research Training Groups and five interdisciplinary centres. As nerve centres for collaboration, integrative research institutes in the life sciences and natural sciences – a unique phenomenon of Humboldt-Universität – cross-link different research areas and identify as well as address pressing issues of the future.

With regard to Research Training Groups and Graduate Schools, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin has been among the top German universities to acquire thirdparty funds for such projects for many years.

Photo: David Ausserhofer

Over 400 professors work at Humboldt-Universität in research and teaching. The university is well aware of the importance of supporting the next generation of researchers. Thus, for many years it has had a pioneering role in instigating and securing funding for various junior training groups, graduate colleges and graduate schools from many funding bodies. Humboldt-Universität was among the first universities to introduce the junior professorship. At a doctoral level, the Humboldt Graduate School has been designed as an umbrella organisation to train doctoral students. Exceptional academic candidates are given the opportunity of conducting research independently and teaching very early on.

Interdisciplinarity is key to all research efforts. The Berlin School of Mind and Brain, is a vivid example of experts working closely together to grasp today’s relevant questions. Here, philosophers work alongside neuroscientists to reflect on decision-making processes, conscious and unconscious perception or mental disorders is.