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University of Hamburg Research Profile

At the University of Hamburg—University of Excellence, we conduct top research. We place special value on comprehensive, interdisciplinary collaboration in our regional and international networks and on cutting-edge infrastructure. Together, we tackle the most urgent research questions of the day.

Die Wissenschaftlerin Dr. Cristina Palencia Ramírez untersucht eine Flüssigkeit.

Photo: UHH/von Wieding

Focus on research topics

Success stories

Wissenschaftlerin betrachtet ein wissenschaftliches Experiment.

Photo: DESY/Gesine Born

An international focus on molecules

Arwen Pearson and her research group in Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld use cutting-edge imaging procedures to unlock the workings of biological molecules. She is part of the Cluster of Excellence CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter and is active in interdisciplinary exchange in numerous regional and international networks, for example, PIER Plus and the Baltic Science Network.

Arwen Pearson

Porträtfoto von Prof. Dr. Thorsten Logge.

Photo: Sinje Hasheider

Where history meets society

From the individual experience of corona and history content on TikTok to the way Hamburg’s athletics association deals with its problematic past, Public History, headed by Thorsten Logge, fosters a variety of citizen-science history projects with Hamburg residents.

Thorsten Logge

Prof. Edinger-Schons spricht auf einer Bühne

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

Sustainability in research and practice

How can we successfully navigate sustainable transformation? For Laura Marie Edinger-Schons, this question is not just the focus of her professorship for sustainable economics, which is funded within the scope of the Excellence Strategy; as the University’s chief sustainability officer, she also supports the entire University on its path towards sustainability.

Laura Marie Edinger-Schons

Porträtfoto von Prof. Dr. Chris Biemann.

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

Designing new technologies

At our University, sustainability and digitalization go hand in hand. Chris Biemann looks at how AI is changing our world and how we can make the most of these innovations. He is particularly focused on interdisciplinary collaborations and creating networks to exchange knowledge and data.

Chris Biemann

Research areas

To purposefully address current global challenges, we consolidate our expertise in centralized, or core research areas. These interdisciplinary core research areas are based on previously established cooperation and they benefit from long-standing collaboration and shared findings and achievements.

Clusters of excellence

Intensive funding for the core research areas have led to the development of 4 alliances that are also being funded through the Excellence Strategy. These internationally renowned research clusters work on complex issues by taking an interdisciplinary approach.

Exzellenz E in Bibliothek PferdestallExzellenz E in Bibliothek Pferdestall

Photo: UHH/von Wieding

Emerging fields

Uni Hauptgebäude mit Schriftzug "Der Forschung"

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

Funding and linking promising research

Possible new research areas are developed in “emerging fields.” The researchers enjoy special support to build upon networks and to realize their ideas for path-breaking, sustainable advances in their fields.

Dr. Felicitas Hengel (l.) und Priv.-Doz. Dr. Nicola Martin Tomas von der III. Medizinischen Klinik und Poliklinik des UKE am Laser-Scanning-Mikroskop.

Photo: Axel Kirchhof/UKE

Kidney Health

Millions of people all over the world suffer from kidney problems. Researchers in this emerging field want to promote personalized prevention, improve kidney health care worldwide, and relieve the health system. To do so, they analyze cells and use methods from AI and molecular biology.

Emerging field

Hand bewegt Schachfigur

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

Grounds, Norms, Decisions

How do we make decisions? And what norms guide us in our democracies? This emerging field unites philosophy, political science, and economics, etc. to understand connections and to develop innovative approaches to designing vital institutional structures.

Emerging field

Eine Gruppe von Menschen, die in einem Gespräch im Gesundheitskontext vertieft sind

Photo: HCHE/Schläger

Health Economics

The German health system is not alone in facing change. Thus, this emerging field also looks at topics such as health funding, public health, and digital health. The research is based at the Hamburg Center for Health Economics, one of Europe’s largest interdisciplinary research centers for health research.

Emerging field

Alte Bücher in einer Bibliothek

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

The Early Modern World

For a long time, the period between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries was seen primarily as transitional. The researchers in this emerging field work in interdisciplinary projects to analyze cultural, political, and societal processes during this era and to trace their influence into the present.

Emerging field

Gesetzesbücher auf einem Tisch, im Hintergrund arbeitende Studierende.

Photo: UHH/Dingler

Law in Global Contexts

International, private, or criminal law: In a global world, a rich variety of law is practiced and discussed in an international context. The research in this emerging field takes an interdisciplinary look at the special challenges this poses.

Emerging field

Research infrastructure

Eine Person in Laborkittel und Handschuhen bedient eine Maschine mit mehreren Messgeräten und Ventilen in einer Laborumgebung.

Photo: UHH/Stelling

Our researchers’ outstanding work is made possible by comprehensive, needs-based research infrastructure. This includes centuries-old scientific collections alongside large, state-of-the-art facilities in the emergent Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld. Special technology platforms facilitate the effective, sustainable use of computing power for analyses, for example, in the digital humanities, or sophisticated microscope systems for biochemical studies.

Research centers

Innenansicht eines modernen, lichtdurchfluteten Gebäudes mit mehreren Etagen und offenen Galerien. Ein breites Treppenhaus in der Mitte führt nach oben, umgeben von großen Glasfenstern und weißen Wänden. Menschen sitzen und unterhalten sich im Erdges

Photo: UHH/Dingler

Interdisciplinary cooperation at the University takes place in different projects and in our numerous centers. This makes it possible both across institutions as well as within faculties to coordinate scientific activities and create synergies. Often, the research centers include external research institutions, further intensifying cooperation.

Research centers

Excellent career support

Die Zeichnung zeigt eine Frau, die eine Karte mit dem Titel "Karrierewege" hält.

Photo: UHH/Vogiatzis

The University of Hamburg, with all of its infrastructure, provides researchers with excellent working conditions from the very start of their careers. Prospective doctoral researchers, current doctoral researchers, postdocs, and early career research group leaders receive earmarked support and funding, including through extensive programs that offer further qualifications, mentoring, or networking opportunities. We also offer a variety of support to help early career researchers acquire their own research projects and funding.

Academic career opportunities

Extensive
support

Sonniger Frühlingstag an der Alster mit Würfel des UHH-Logos

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

We believe that top research is possible only if administrative offices and processes are coordinated to best ensure support and funding. Whether you are applying for a grant, have a business idea, or want to gain a foothold in Hamburg— the University is a trustworthy partner, with a variety of programs and opportunities for researchers at every stage of their careers.

Service and advice

Who does research on what at the University of Hamburg?

Das Bild zeigt verschiedene Ikons aus dem Forschungskontext auf einem lilablauen Farbverlauf.

Photo: UHH/Schatz

The Research Information System (FIS) provides a comprehensive overview of researchers, research projects, co-operations and scientific activities at the University of Hamburg. Thanks to a wide range of search and filter options, information on individual projects can also be researched specifically.

Research Information System

Our research makes an impact

Blick über die Stadt Hamburg bei Sonnenaufgang

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

We want our research and institutions to lead the way to transformation—whether with regard to climate change and sustainability, digitalization, or New Work. We enjoy close exchange with our partner institutions in academia, science, industry, and society. Our findings are not ends in themselves. They are always the starting point for practical answers to today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.