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Various symbols and photos from research, displayed in a cloud against a black background. © UA Ruhr
Research funding in the Ruhr region

MERCUR: New phase for science funding in the Ruhr region

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  • UA Ruhr
  • Research
Rectors of the UA Ruhr universities together with representatives of the Mercator Foundation and MERCUR © Simon Bierwald​/​INDEED Photography
Happy about the success of MERCUR and the successful cooperation (from left to right): Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert, Prof. Dr. Martin Paul, Prof. em. Dr. Winfried Schulze, Dr. Markus Piduhn, Dr. Wolfgang Rohe, Prof. Dr. Manfred Bayer.
For 15 years, the Mercator Research Center Ruhr (MERCUR) has supported the collaboration between Ruhr-Universität Bochum, TU Dortmund University and the University of Duisburg-Essen. Now the three universities are continuing the proven funding model independently in the University Alliance Ruhr.

Black holes that tear stars apart; novel active substances for cancer therapy; suitable digital media for children: since its foundation in 2010, MERCUR has supported more than 300 research projects with around 60 million euros as part of the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr). Among other things, cross-university professorships have been established and several collaborative research centers have been initiated. The projects have enabled scientists to work on large, complex topics on an interdisciplinary basis. In addition, various research training groups have been established with the specific aim of promoting young researchers. The UA Ruhr is now continuing the success story.

"Thanks to MERCUR, our universities have been able to further develop important areas of research and provide targeted support to excellent scientists in setting up cross-university projects in the Ruhr region," explain Duisburg-Essen Rector Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert, Dortmund Rector Prof. Dr. Manfred Bayer and Bochum Rector Prof. Dr. Martin Paul. "Based on our positive experiences, we have decided to continue and expand the model independently from 2025."

Dr. Wolfgang Rohe, Chairman of the Management Board of Stiftung Mercator, adds: "We are delighted to be continuing this successful concept, which has significantly enriched the region's higher education landscape. MERCUR brings bright minds together. As a result, the Ruhr region has established itself as a center for innovative research and cooperation and improved its international visibility."

Catalyst for innovation and growth
Over the past 15 years, MERCUR has not only funded research projects, but has also been a key driver for new scientific initiatives. Dr. Manfred Prenzel, former Chairman of the German Council of Science and Humanities, who examined the impact of MERCUR as part of an assessment, emphasizes: "The Mercator Research Center Ruhr enabled promising projects to raise additional third-party funding, for example from the German Research Foundation, through start-up funding." These have often resulted in larger follow-up projects that have created sustainable structures. "Overall, MERCUR is unique in the German university landscape and a role model for the promotion of regional scientific cooperation."

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