We tackle social, political and economic challenges with our broad range of study programmes and by promoting cutting-edge research and innovation. We place particular emphasis on supporting talented people in developing their professional and academic careers.
Our mission is to research for society and to educate the next generation. We pursue modern approaches in ageing research and search for solutions in plant breeding that could one day contribute to food security around the world. We are developing new computing and networking architectures using the principles of quantum mechanics and we analyze the causes of market failure and resulting policy measures.
Our dynamic international network and diverse campus life create a cosmopolitan, stimulating atmosphere and excellent opportunities for scientific and collegial exchange.
On top of our strong research and teaching network with over 500 cooperation partners in the international landscape of higher education, we have opened three liaison offices in Bejing, New Delhi and New York City. Our Welcome Center for international scholars in Cologne provides you with a wide range of services and support. We offerinternational scholars help for planning their stay in Cologne and for dealing with administrative issues and the practicalities of living in a foreign city (e.g. accommodation, childcare, schools).
With its research and teaching priorities, the University moreover contributes to social discourse. Our scientists conduct research into the causes of aging-associated diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. In plant science, our researchers are developing plants that will help ensure that the world has enough to eat in the future. We are developing new computing and networking architectures using the principles of quantum mechanics to further communication and computing capacities. We analyze the causes of market failure and resulting policy measures to understand economic developments from all perspectives.
Last but not least, the University’s GATEWAY incubator offers our approximately 50.000 students and 9,000 employees a platform for setting up their own businesses, using the knowledge they have acquired here.
In 2014, we received the “Total E-Quality Award” for outstanding gender equality work for the third time. We were also honoured for our gender equality concept within the German Professorinnenprogramm, a programme for the recruitment of more female professors. Promoting equal opportunities is central to the University of Cologne’s development strategy. In order to achieve this goal on all levels, the University headship also develops individually tailored strategies with each of its six Faculties. Last but not least, we have introduced a large number of structures and measures for inclusion, educational justice and anti-discrimination.
