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Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Doesn't Secure Funding for Excellence Research Clusters
Providing a critical perspective, Science Minister Bettina Martin (SPD) faced criticism for the state's absence from the Excellence Strategy's funding for research clusters. The federal and state governments' research initiative has allocated additional funding to 43 universities across Germany, excluding Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
From 2026, 539 million euros will be provided annually for those universities involved in at least two clusters or a consortium with at least three clusters, to compete for the title of "Excellence University" that comes with 10 to 15 million euros per year.
Katy Hoffmeister, the CDU's science policy spokeswoman in the state parliament, emphasized the need for a clearer focus and targeted funding of outstanding research consortia. She argued the state government should collaborate with universities and research institutions in developing strategic concepts with realistic chances of funding.
The AfD's science politician, Paul Timm, warned that Mecklenburg-Vorpommern risks being left behind, missing out on research funding specifically designed to promote innovation, scientific excellence, and regional development. Hoffmeister shared similar concerns and encouraged the development of a Mecklenburg-Vorpommern-based cluster in the next round of the Excellence Strategy, emphasizing the importance of future, innovative power, jobs, and competitiveness for the state.
While the Excellence Strategy was implemented to elevate the international reputation and image of German universities, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's limited research infrastructure and competitive selection process likely contribute to its lack of funding.
Regional focus remains on cooperation in fields like renewable energy, digitalization, and biotechnology as highlighted in recent business and economic forums involving partners from Latvia and Germany. Despite this, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern currently does not feature among the top recipients of federal academic research funding at the cluster level.
In the next round of Excellence Strategy funding, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern aims to establish a cluster to strengthen the state's position as a research hub. This move is crucial for driving innovation, job creation, and overall competitiveness in the region.
- To bolster Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's research status, it is essential to focus on developing a competitive cluster for the next round of the Excellence Strategy. This could enhance the state's research infrastructure, promote innovation, and create jobs, elevating its overall competitiveness.
- A potential research cluster in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern could concentrate on strategic fields such as renewable energy, digitalization, and biotechnology, aligning with the state's regional focus and leveraging partnerships with countries like Latvia.
- The establishment of a research cluster in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern would also serve to address concerns about the state's exclusion from federal academic research funding, particularly those aimed at promoting innovation and regional development. This would be vital in securing future funding for health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, science, general-news, and even community aid, contributing to the state's overall progress and advancement.
