Start of the Final Phase of the Excellence Competition

The approximately 230-page excellence proposal is the central concept with which the university is competing in the nationwide competition. It describes the scientific priorities, strategic goals and the plan for how excellence is to be anchored and further developed in Würzburg.

"Our application is the result of collaboration across all areas of the university," says JMU President Professor Paul Pauli. "More than a year of intensive and constructive work by the entire university management with the participation of the university committees as well as numerous researchers, staff and students have made the submission of the application possible. We are already very proud that we have reached this milestone together."

The application motto "Empowering for Change", Pauli continued, “expresses that the University of Würzburg sees excellence as a driver for change - where courageous research, interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue with society come together.“

Preparing for the Inspection in April

The submission of the application will be followed by another important step in the Excellence Competition in spring 2026: an international panel of experts will visit the University of Würzburg from 14 to 16 April 2026.

"The review is a special opportunity for all of us," says Pauli. "We can show what makes our university so special - and why Würzburg deserves the title of excellence. Over the next few months, we will prepare ourselves thoroughly for this."

Making Excellence Visible

From the beginning of November, posters throughout the campus will draw attention to the application for excellence. They will show the topics and people behind the application. Since the end of October, the press office has been distributing small surprises for staff and students at various locations - they are intended to get people in the mood for excellence and remind them that this path can only succeed if we work together.

Further information on Excellence can be found in the new President's Podcast and on the JMU Excellence Strategy website.