Lower Saxony is investing 1.3 billion euros in science!

Lower Saxony is investing 1.3 billion euros in science!

Something is happening in Lower Saxony: Over 1.3 billion euros are available for the modernization of the scientific infrastructure by 2031. This is intended to remedy a situation in research institutions and universities that is in need of renovation. Under the direction of Ministry of Science and Culture These investments will flow from the draft budget for 2026 of the federal special fund “Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality”.

Particular attention is paid to the medical facilities, with around 850 million euros being invested in the expansion of university medicine in Hanover and Göttingen alone. NDR reports that the Göttingen University Medical Center (UMG) will receive around 480 million euros to build a diagnostics and research center as well as a new teaching building. At the Hannover Medical School (MHH), around 370 million euros are being invested in the construction of a parent-child center and a research building.

Renovation measures and non-university institutions

But not only new buildings are on the agenda. A total of 500 million euros is earmarked for the renovation of university buildings, with 50 million euros available for urgently needed immediate measures. These immediate measures include, among other things, the renovation of the Audimax at the University of Hildesheim and the modernization of the thermal power plant at the University of Göttingen.

In addition, 20 million euros will flow into the construction work of non-university research institutions. Particularly noteworthy is the new building of the German Primate Center (DPZ) in Göttingen, which will also receive 1.2 million euros for the renewal of an MRI machine. NDR informs that from 2026, additional annual grants of 750,000 euros will be made available for these facilities, which will increase to 1.25 million euros annually from 2027.

Focus on scientific innovation

In addition to infrastructural modernization, Lower Saxony is also at the forefront when it comes to scientific funding. All 20 state universities in Lower Saxony are taking part in the “Strategically developing potential” initiative. Numerous applications were submitted, which were evaluated by an international panel of experts according to criteria such as the degree of innovation and the promotion of skilled workers.

A look at some funded projects shows that the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg is receiving 22.5 million euros to strengthen research in the humanities and social sciences. The Technical University of Braunschweig will also receive 22.5 million euros for its “Ecoversity” project, which aims to network research and society. The Leuphana University of Lüneburg also received 18.5 million euros to promote transformation processes in various areas of society.

These extensive investments and initiatives show that Lower Saxony is the science location of the future. With strong financial support, the region is making a big leap into modernizing education and research.