Race for the excellence title: international experts in Würzburg

The two-day inspection on 15 and 16 April was the last decisive step for the University of Würzburg in the competition for the title of "University of Excellence". It is awarded as part of the Excellence Strategy of the federal and state governments - and, if successful, is associated with funding in the tens of millions over seven years. Whether Würzburg has been successful will be decided at the beginning of October 2026.

JMU had already submitted its 230-page application to the German Council of Science and Humanities in November 2025. In it, the university describes its scientific priorities, strategic goals and planned measures with which it intends to further strengthen excellence in research and teaching in Würzburg. Whilst the application forms the conceptual basis for the application, the aim of the inspection was to examine this strategy in practice on site.

International experts in dialogue with the university

The international panel of experts was made up of researchers from international elite universities as well as representatives from the German Council of Science and Humanities and the German Research Foundation (DFG).

The inspection focussed on the question of how the objectives formulated in the application are implemented in everyday university life. The reviewers also examined the quality of the research facilities in Würzburg and the extent to which different status groups are involved in decision-making processes.

An introductory overall presentation of the application by the university board was followed by closely timed discussions with various groups at the university: with researchers, students, committees and institutes as well as with national and international cooperation partners. The process concluded with an exchange with the university board, representatives of the University Council and the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, which was attended by State Minister Markus Blume, among others.

Positive conclusion from the university management

"Hundreds of university members were involved in the preparation and implementation of the review," says University President Paul Pauli. "It really was a huge effort that could only be achieved with the support of all university members." But the hard work was worth it: "We are convinced that we were able to convey a strong overall impression and make clear what characterises our university," Pauli continues. "That is excellence in research and teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration and the aspiration to actively shape societal change through research and study."

Looking ahead to the upcoming decision, the University President is confident: "I believe that we have a good chance of bringing the title of excellence to Würzburg. Regardless of the outcome, however, we want to preserve and carry on Würzburg's spirit of excellence - as a basis for everything that lies ahead of us."

What happens next in the excellence competition

In the coming months, further universities and university alliances throughout Germany will be assessed. There are a total of eleven applications for University of Excellence status - of which a maximum of five will be newly approved. These will then be added to the ten existing Universities of Excellence, including one University of Excellence network.

The two Munich universities LMU and TUM have already successfully defended their excellence status. The University of Würzburg is the only Bavarian university that can still achieve excellence status. The decision on the award will be made at the beginning of October 2026. If successful, funding would begin in 2027.