The University of Bremen is particularly strong in these five key research areas.
Research
Strong in Research
The University of Bremen has been among the top 50 European research universities for more than 50 years and is an inspiring center of research – diverse, cooperative, and not afraid to experiment.
It is a young, mid-sized comprehensive university that is internationally well-connected and has celebrated particular success in acquiring third-party funding. This applies to both fantastic individual researchers, as well as larger cooperative networks.
Its profile is particularly marked by its five high-profile research areas: Marine, Polar and Climate Research; Social Change, Social Policy and the State; Materials Science and their Technologies; Minds, Media, Machines, and Health Sciences.
Find out more about the University of Bremen's research profile!
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© MARUM/Universität Bremen
Excellence Cluster Ocean Floor
MARUM– Center for Marine Environmental Sciences aims to better understand the role of the oceans in the Earth’s system - especially in regard to global changes - by employing state-of-the-art methods and partaking in international projects. The "Excellence Cluster Ocean Floor" - Earth's Uncharted Interface" builds on the DFG research center “Ocean Margins“ that has been supported by the DFG since 2001 .
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© FELIX_CLEBOWSKI_fotodesign
U Bremen Excellence Chairs
The U Bremen Excellence Chairs program underscores the strong international networking of existing research strengths and enhances their visibility. It promotes the University of Bremen’s internationalisation efforts on a high level. The chairs are funded within the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. They are anchored in the university’s high-profile areas and other areas of high potential.
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© Joris Wegner, University of Bremen
Excellence Strategy
The University of Bremen is once again submitting proposals in the current round of the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments (2026-2032). In a joint proposal with the University of Oldenburg for the continuation of the existing Cluster of Excellence "The Ocean Floor" and an initial proposal for the establishment of a new Cluster of Excellence from the "Humans on Mars" initiative, the researchers are tackling research topics that deal with challenges on our planet and beyond.
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© Matej Meza / Universität Bremen
Research Institutions and Projects
Research at the University of Bremen is carried out in working groups and institutes within twelve faculties and at MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences. Find an overview of research institutions, funded projects, and Central Research Units here.
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© Patrick Pollmeier
Collaborative Research Centres
There are currently five Collaborative Research Centres funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) at the University of Bremen. Collaborative Research Centres are long-term research institutions at universities, designed to last up to twelve years, in which scientists work together within the framework of an interdisciplinary research programme.
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© Matej Meza / Universität Bremen
Managing Research Data
The management of research data that begins with the development of a research question, followed by the collection of data and leading to a final publication, is becoming increasingly important in the context of promoting digitalization. This is why the University of Bremen has adopted its own research data strategy.
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© Michael Ihle / Universität Bremen
Careers in Academia
The path to becoming a professor or obtaining tenure in academia can be through a position as a research assistant, a junior professor, the head of a Junior Research Group, or a position in a third-party funded project. In addition to the professorship career path, the University of Bremen also offers a career path to Senior Lecturer and Senior Researcher. Here you will find information about the various career phases and the support offered by the University of Bremen.
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© Matej Meza / Universität Bremen
PhD Studies at the University of Bremen
Over 2,000 doctoral students from Germany and abroad make a vital contribution to the University of Bremen’s research strength. The University offers young researchers an attractive framework for doctoral projects in its faculties and institutes, graduate programs and non-university research institutions, which are part of the U Bremen Research Alliance. Information for doctoral candidates can be found on the BYRD site.
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© Michael Ihle / Universität Bremen
Support for Researchers
The University offers a wide network of support services for its researchers. These range from its Central Research Development Funding to third-party funding, application coaching, personnel development, the BYRD graduate center, the Equal Opportunities Office, and the Welcome Center, the University offers support and points of contact for its members.
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© Michael Ihle / Universität Bremen
Knowledge and Technology Transfer
The University of Bremen places particular significant on the transfer of ideas, research results, and people from the University to business and society. It sees itself as the innovation engine of the region.
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