H_CORE: Strong alliance in Central Hesse competing for the title of “University of Excellence”
Universities of Giessen and Marburg submit joint application
Outstanding research, the development of talents and the transfer of knowledge to society – all brought together in a powerful alliance in Central Hesse. Two of the most established universities in Hesse are jointly applying for the prestigious title of “University of Excellence” through an innovative initiative. Justus Liebig University Gießen (JLU) and Philipps University Marburg (UMR), submitted in November 2025 the consortium application “H_CORE – Hessian Collaboration for Research Excellence” for the second competition round of the “Excellence Strategy” funding programme of the German Federal Government.
The H_CORE application builds on a multi‑decade success story in Central Hesse: At the Research Campus Central Hesse (FCMH) the JLU, the UMR and the Technical University Central Hesse (THM) collaborate on many levels – and this collaboration is clearly visible. Consequently, the THM is involved as an associate partner in the H_CORE project. The University Hospital Gießen-Marburg (UKGM) and four non‑university research institutes are strong partners as well.
“H_CORE rests on a solid foundation that we build upon in our joint application for funding as an Excellence University,” says JLU President Prof. Dr. Katharina Lorenz. “The proof that scientific excellence with renowned partners is not confined to metropolitan areas or megacities has been provided by the universities of Gießen and Marburg through four successful excellence clusters.”
Read more in this Press Release (in German).
LINK auf PM
Here you can find more information about JLU’s research strategy (in English).