Strategic Development of Potential - The Power of Cooperation

Through its strategic concept, The Power of Cooperation, as part of the zukunft.niedersachsen funding initiative Potenziale strategisch entfalten - Strategic development of potential, the University of Göttingen is specifically strengthening its networked cutting-edge research and its role as a globally recognized comprehensive university.

Over the next few years, the University aims to systematically expand its international influence, improve its rankings, and develop solutions to global challenges—guided by the motto: “Cooperation as the key to scientific excellence."

Potenziale strategisch entfalten - The Power of Cooperation focuses on three strategic areas of action:

A kick-off workshop was held on June 30, 2026, at the Alte Mensa. You can see some highlights here.

The Campus Research Alliances

Five research alliances (Campus Research Alliances, CRAs) bring together scientific excellence in forward-looking fields of research. By building interdisciplinary bridges, the Campus Research Alliances connect the natural sciences, life sciences, humanities, and social sciences; they break down disciplinary silos, foster innovative collaborations, and thus transform the Göttingen Campus into a research hub that addresses societal challenges.

The five Campus Research Alliances are:

•     Cognition, Brain, and Behavior
•     Coping with Change: Investigating Key Transformations in an Interconnected World
•     Model Building in the Natural and Life Sciences
•     Representation of Knowledge through Texts, Sounds, and Objects
•     Responsible Emerging Technologies

The Power of Cooperation project is initially scheduled to run for five years and is strategically overseen by the Vice President for Research and Sustainability. Project coordination is handled by the Research and Transfer Department.

The Funding Program

Through the Potenziale strategisch entfalten - Strategic development of Potential funding program, the Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation are enabling structural innovations designed to secure the long-term competitiveness of Lower Saxony’s universities. It is the largest single initiative for science funding in the history of the state of Lower Saxony.

Universities in Lower Saxony receive funding to strategically sharpen their profiles. They are expected to develop their campuses—as part of Lower Saxony’s high-performing research system—in the best possible way, building on their specific strengths and potential. This funding program is intended to provide a sustainable boost to research in Lower Saxony in order to strengthen its competitiveness both nationally and internationally.

• „The Power of Cooperation”: A New Funding Initiative from the University of Göttingen