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Giessen's universities triumph: excellence despite savings!
On December 31, 2025, Gießen will report on JLU's successes in the excellence strategy and challenges for THM and the university hospital.
Giessen's universities triumph: excellence despite savings!
In Giessen, the universities are enjoying remarkable successes in 2025, although they are facing major challenges due to recent developments. The Justus Liebig University (JLU) in particular can celebrate several successes in the nationwide excellence strategy. At a time when universities' reserves are dwindling, this is a small ray of hope. The awarding of various projects that were already launched as part of the Excellence Initiative in 2016 underlines Giessen's continued importance as a German science location. Three applications from JLU were recently approved in the nationwide excellence strategy, including the projects “Cardio-Pulmonary Institute” for research into cardiopulmonary diseases, “The Adaptive Mind” on the adaptability of the human brain and innovative research in the area of “Post Lithium Energy Storage” for batteries. [BMF Tr] reports that the Excellence Strategy not only supports top-level research, but also increases the visibility of universities.
This may seem like a triumph to many, but President Katharina Lorenz says the successes have exceeded expectations, but universities must now do everything they can to meet the challenges of financial savings.
Economic framework conditions
A new university pact forces the THM and JLU to save millions, which led to protests at universities. Despite the positive double award in the excellence ranking, both the THM and the JLU have to make savings. The situation at the University Hospital of Gießen and Marburg (UKGM) is viewed particularly critically: Here, clinic directors and professors complain about a significant investment backlog and unequal treatment compared to the Frankfurt clinic. This not only raises questions about the future of medical care, but also shows how important it is that additional resources are made available for the support and development of universities.
At the same time, the THM reports successes in the start-up ranking and sets an example in supporting its students. The university was voted the most popular educational institution in Hesse and is also preparing to open its new natural and life sciences branch library in April.
Research & Commemoration
The Holocaust Literature Office (AHL) also does important work in the community and is conducting a study on school names to promote memorial work. The project “Anchored History(s), Strong Democracy” will receive 300,000 euros in funding. In order to underline the importance of a culture of remembrance, the cooperation between the AHL and the Central Hesse Police Headquarters is being consolidated - a step that is also linked to an excursion to Lodz in May.
Aside from these projects, JLU also has successes in the field of veterinary medicine, such as raising quintuplets in its veterinary clinic, which were born this February. Another indicated step in the diversification of training offerings is the new specialist center for New World camels: Here, knowledge about llamas and alpacas is collected and imparted. Gießener Anzeiger reports on the diverse challenges that universities continue to face, especially in connection with the changed financial framework of the Excellence Strategy.
In summary, it can be seen that the JLU and the THM maintain their place at the top of the German university landscape even in difficult times and at the same time find new ways to overcome financial and social challenges.