skip to main contentskip to main menuskip to footer Universität Bielefeld Play
  • Profile

    Hand holding large lattice model in front of a window
    © Universität Bielefeld

Transcending Boundaries

At Bielefeld University, research means transcending boundaries - between disciplines, between people and between science and society.

Our guiding principle of Transcending Boundaries is the impulse for top-level basic research at an international level. Four thematic strategic research areas define the University’s profile. These focus on the major questions of our time and have their applications in society and the economy. The research performance of Bielefeld University is essentially shaped by its young researchers at all career levels. The university regards the promotion of young researchers as a strategically important and long-term task.


  • Collage of two circles: On the left, an aerial view of a zebra crossing with a crowd of pedestrians; on the right, a microscopic image of cells.
    © v.l. adobe.stock/eyetronic; ebd./TatianaZorina

    Strategic Research Areas

    Four strategic research areas focus on the big questions of our time: The Socio-Technical World, The Material World, The Mathematical World, The Changing World.

  • Cube grid model
    © P. Pollmeier/Universität Bielefeld

    Research projects

    A variety of high-calibre research projects at Bielefeld University are funded by the German Research Foundation or the EU at national and international level, for example.

  • Guidance system on the campus of Bielefeld University
    © P. Pollmeier/Universität Bielefeld

    Central Academic Institutes

    The central academic institutes pursue their research topics across faculties in an interdisciplinary manner and embrace innovative approaches to research.

  • Prof'in Dr. Angelika Epple and Prof. Dr. Gerhard Sagerer stand at desks on a stage in front of an audience
    © Universität Bielefeld

    Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF)

    As an Institute for Advanced Study, the ZiF fosters outstanding interdisciplinary and innovative research projects and is open to scholars from all countries and disciplines.

  • Map made of pins on paper connected by red thread
    © pogonici/stock.adobe.com

    International Networks and Partnerships

    The University maintains international collaborations and partnerships with universities on all continents and participates in an impressive number of international research projects.

  • Applauding audience in a Lecture Hall
    © Universität Bielefeld

    Awards and Honours

    Numerous national and international awards attest to the excellence of our researchers. We will shortly be featuring the award winners here (page under construction).

Further topics at a glance.


back to top