The Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel (CAU) is working at top speed to prepare for the new excellence strategy agreed upon by German federal and state governments. Beginning in 2018, they will provide annual funding totaling 533 million euros to promote university research in Germany.

To gain attention for its research concepts, the CAU is appearing for the first time in 2017 at Research & Technology . In addition to its four core research areas – oceanography, applied life sciences, nano surface & interface science, and “changes in society, environment and culture”, the focus lies on knowledge transfer, patents, and startup initiatives. Examples of excellent individual research work will complement the presentations. In addition, Kiel is planning to hold events on various topics and host a stand for Kiel’s sister school, the University of Posen.

"As the flagship of cutting-edge research in the north, we want to enter into dialog with politics and business to discuss the excellent conditions for science and technology transfer," explains CAU President Professor Lutz Kipp describing the initiative. Therefore, during two evening events, experts will discuss "cutting-edge research as a driving force of innovation in Germany" and the "Digitalization of science and economics." The panel discussion will be chaired by Heike Schmoll, business editor of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Business people and researchers from Schleswig-Holstein and beyond are invited to attend.

In connection with Kiel University’s application for funding as part of the excellence strategy, Kipp praised the early commitment from the state of Schleswig-Holstein to support four initiatives from Kiel. "We are grateful to the state for this early demonstration of faith in our scientific strengths, and those of our partner institutions. This clear support encourages our scientists in the coming weeks and months to invest all their creativity and conceptual skills in formulating their applications." With up to 200 applications anticipated, and only 45 to 50 likely to be approved, the president emphasized that competition is high. However, he remains confident. "It’s like a mission to Mars. The possibility for success is huge. Those things that we are able to plan and influence, we do. But in the end, the final decision is not up to us."