--- title: "Science in Cologne: Focus on research & education | locations.cologne" url: "https://location.cologne-tourism.com/destination-cologne/business-science/science-in-cologne" description: "Discover Cologne as an important scientific centre: Europe's oldest universities, renowned research institutions & innovative projects. Find out more now!" language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > locations.cologne by KölnTourismus > Destination Cologne > Business & Science > Science in Cologne" --- Science in Cologne ================== Scope for science ----------------- Home to one of Germanies universities of excellence and numerous internationally renowned research institutions, such as the four *Max Planck Institutes*, but also the *German Aerospace Center* (DLR), Cologne is a key economic center as well as a regional science center. Cologne is a knowledge-driven city and part of a rich scientific landscape that is open to innovation and transformation. From to through forward-looking sectors of life sciences and healthcare, Cologne is an innovative, forward-looking, and extremely well-networked science center. The future is bright -------------------- Medicines from 3D printers, 100 million euro investents for Biocampus Cologne, Cologne as the new address for a leading global pharmaceutical company and new research networks at the University of Cologne. Read more about future orientated science projects in Cologne! - Fostering the future through knowledge transfer. ------------------------------------------------ University of Cologne With 25 universities, around 100,000 students and a lively start-up scene, Cologne counts among the Rhineland's outstanding scientific locations. In addition to the university landscape, numerous internationally renowned research institutions are based here. Knowledge transfer to industry plays a key role. Proven transfer structures exist in the form of the , the *hochschulgründernetz cologne e.V.* and the *Digital Hub Cologne*. Founded in 1388, the is one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe. As part of the federal and state governments' Strategy for Excellence, it was designated a in 2026. Almost 8,000 students graduate from it every year – over fifty percent of whom stay in Cologne and contribute to the city's future. The *University of Cologne* cooperates closely with the *University Hospital Cologne,* as well as the *Max Planck Society* and the *Helmholtz Association* – renowned institutions that are headquartered in the Cologne region. Through this collaboration, the university conducts excellence research into contemporary societal challenges. Excellence research - Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD)The Cluster of Excellence conducts research into the molecular mechanisms of aging. Its objective is to identify new therapeutic approaches to ageing-associated diseases. Opened in 2013, the CECAD Research Center is an important milestone in scientific communication and collaboration at the *University, the University Hospital, the Max Planck Institutes for the Biology of Aging* and for *Metabolic Research,* as well as the *German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases*. - Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) *a* Cluster of Excellence in Plant Sciences, conducts research into how plants adapt to environmental conditions and assesses how these findings can benefit agriculture. The *CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence* is a joint project between *Heinrich Heine University, the University of Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Cologne,* and the *Research Center Jülich*. - ECONtribute Markets & Public Policy*e* is a joint research initiative of the University of Cologne and the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. The aim of the initiative is to address contemporary societal challenges, such as digitalization and political polarization. The researchers' main areas of expertise include ethics, business administration, social policy, and law. *ECONtribute* also promotes dialogue between researchers and political decision-makers. - ML4QThe aim of the joint project between the Universities of Cologne, Aachen, Bonn and the Jülich Research Centre is to create new computer and network architectures based on the principles of quantum mechanics. Quantum computers promise computing power that is many times greater than the computing power of classical computers. As a result, quantum computers can offer great benefits in very complex fields of application such as materials research, pharmaceuticals or artificial intelligence. - DYNAVERSE: The mysteries of spaceAnother Cluster of Excellence will receive funding starting on January 1, 2026. investigates the diverse astrophysical processes that shape and form the universe. The goal is to fully describe the evolution of matter and energy in order to better understand the dynamic development of planets, stars, and galaxies. Key areas of expertise at a glance ---------------------------------- - Aging and demographic change - Social and economic behavior - Quantitative modeling of complex systems - Cultures and societies in transition - Social inequalities and intercultural education Science at first hand --------------------- Interviews with professors and researchers from Cologne - The two professors from the Rheinische Hochschule pose in the entrance area of the university. The application of AI in science in Cologne - Isabel Suarez Infectious disease specialists at the University of Cologne Infectiologist on the SCHOCO project at Cologne University Hospital - Portrait Matthias Maurer from ESA Space sciene in Cologne - Prof. Dr. Michael Hallek from the Centre for Integrated Oncology Oncology: The ideal treatment of cancer patients - Dr Nicole Grünewald, Head of the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce Projekt CHILT: Research on children's activity and nutrition - Portrait Patrick Honecker The influence of digitisation on Cologne's scientific landscape - Prof. Dr. Lars Ribbe Director ITT at TH-Köln Why a course of study at the TH Köln can influence the way the world uses water - Portrait Prof. Dr. Adli Research into linguistics and lifestyle at the University of Cologne - Portrait of Professor Reinhard Büttner, Director of the Institute of Pathology at Cologne University Hospital Prof Büttner explains what a pathologist really does - Portrait of Benjamin Beil, junior professor at the Institute for Media Culture and Theatre at the University of Cologne Benjamin Beil, junior professor at the Institute of Media Culture and Theatre Cologne University of Technology – TH Köln ------------------------------------------ The – *TH Köln* for short – sees itself as a University of Technology, Arts and Sciences. It provides students and scientists from Germany and abroad with an inspiring learning, working and research environment in the social, cultural, social, engineering, and natural sciences. *TH Köln* was founded in 1971 as the *University of Applied Sciences Cologne* and is one of the most innovative universities for applied sciences. The German Sport University Cologne ----------------------------------- The combines qualified teaching with international research and top-level sport. Not only is it the largest sports university in Europe, but it is also the only university in Germany dedicated exclusively to sport and exercise. Its social commitment is reflected in its focus on lifestyle research. In this , Prof. Dr. Christine Graf tells us how her findings apply to everyday life. University Hospital Cologne The offers almost the entire range of medical services across 59 clinics and institutes. With the Max Planck Institute for the Biology of Aging, the CECAD Research Center and the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, the hospital campus offers an excellent infrastructure for collaboration between clinicians and researchers as well as for scientific training. Together with the university hospitals of Aachen, Bonn and Düsseldorf, new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of many types of cancer are being developed at the Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) of the University Hospital of Cologne. As one of the largest outpatient cancer centers, the CIO is amongst Germany’s 13 top oncological centers. - Overview of Colognes' universities and research institutions ------------------------------------------------------------ - Universities of Cologne - CBS International Business School - Deutsche Hochschule für Gesundheit & Sport - Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln (DSHS) - Europäische Fachhochschule EU \| FH - Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft (FHDW) - Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) - FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management - HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management - Hochschule Döpfer University of applied sciences - Hochschule für angewandtes Management - Hochschule für Musik und Tanz - Hochschule für Polizei und öffentliche Verwaltung Nordrhein-Westfalen - Hochschule Fresenius - IB Hochschule für Gesundheit und Soziales - INU Innovative University of Applied Sciences - ISM International School of Management - IU Internationale Hochschule - Katholische Hochschule NRW - Kolping Hochschule für Gesundheit und Soziales - Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln - Macromedia Hochschule für Medien und Kommunikation - Media University of Applied Sciences (MU) - Rheinische Hochschule - SRH University - Technische Hochschule Köln - Universität zu Köln - Research Institutions Cologne - Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR) - ESA European Space Agency - European Transonic Windtunnel (ETW) - GESIS Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften - Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft - IQWiQ Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen - Max-Planck-Institute für die Biologie des Alterns - Max-Planck-Institut für Gesellschaftsforschung - Max-Planck-Institut für Stoffwechselforschung - Max-Planck-Institut für Pflanzenzüchtungsforschung - Universitätsklinikum Köln - ZB MED Informationszentrum Lebenswissenschaften . BioCampus Cologne BioCampus Cologne offers innovative technology companies, startups, and scale-ups an ideal environment for sustainable growth. On 25 hectares, the *BioCampus* provides cleanrooms, laboratory, office, and hall space as well as space to expand. Cross-industry synergies in pioneering sectors such as life sciences, chemistry, ICT, engineering, energy, and mobility are leveraged for interdisciplinary collaborations, thus forming a perfect ecosystem for startups, SMEs, and large companies. By 2030, the Rhine metropolis will have invested over 100 million euros in the *Biocampus Cologne* (BCC) project. The new buildings are a response to the strong demand for laboratory capacity in the life science and healthcare sectors. By focusing on key 21st century technologies, Cologne is strengthening its position as an innovative location. Shining a light on science The (Kölner Wissenschaftsrunde - KWR) aims to shine a spotlight on the potential of local science and business. With the support of the City of Cologne and the *Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce* (IHK Köln), representatives of numerous Cologne university and research institutions work together to strengthen and develop Cologne's profile as a knowledge-rich and sustainable urban society. The *KWR* uses various event formats to make numerous topics comprehensible and relatable to everyone. Logo of the Kölner Wissenschaftsrunde German Aerospace Institute Drawing of an Astronaut The (DLR) is headquartered in Cologne. Among other things, it conducts research into technologies for the transition to renewable energy, the exploration of space and new ways of communicating. Thanks to its aerospace control center, Cologne has a direct line into space. In partnership with the European Space Agency (), DLR provides aerospace medicine to astronauts, such as Alexander Gerst, pre and post spaceflight. At the European Astronaut Centre (EAC), European astronauts have been training since 2013 at the *envihab* research facility for missions on the International Space Station (ISS). In the near future, a *LUNA* facility to test and train for future moon missions will be built on the 1,000 square meter site. Cologne’s status as an aerospace center is enhanced by the *European Aviation Safety Agency*, , which is also headquartered in the city. talks about his job, research on the ISS and – at the time of the interview – the planned LUNA facility at the European Astronaut System in Cologne. FAQ - Frequently asked questions -------------------------------- - Which institutions of higher learning are to be found in Cologne?Cologne is a centre of science that has 26 institutions of higher learning, each of which has its own area of research expertise. They range from the TH Köln (university of applied sciences) and its GameLab to the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (music and dance academy) and the Cologne Business School. Each research centre is an important driving force of innovation in its specific area. - What kinds of research expertise are to be found in Cologne?Cologne is the centre of science for the Rhineland and its multifaceted landscape of universities and research institutes give it a thematically broad range of research fields. The research expertise in the city extends from aerospace research to the life sciences, and much more besides. - How many university students does Cologne have?Cologne has the third-largest number of university students in Germany. It has a total of 106,000 university students, which puts it right behind Berlin and Munich. Prospective students are attracted to the Rhineland especially by special fields such as gaming, business, and aerospace research.