Lack of Outstanding Research Endeavor at MV - Controversy Surrounds It - Criticism mounts against outstanding research project from MV
MV Misses Out on Funding in Excellence Strategy, Sparking Criticism
Criticism has been directed towards Science Minister Bettina Martin (SPD) following the announcement that no additional research funding was allocated to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV) under the Excellence Strategy. Out of the 109 universities in Germany, 43 have been chosen for significant funding for excellence clusters for the following seven years.
The Excellence Strategy, initiated a few years ago to enhance the international reputation of German universities, has selected projects in 13 federal states for extra funding. From 2026, 539 million euros will be provided annually for this purpose. However, MV is not among the selected states.
The primary objective for universities involves being involved in at least two clusters or a consortium of at least three clusters to compete for the title of "Excellence University" in a subsequent funding competition. This competition is linked to 10 to 15 million euros per year.
The science politician of the AfD faction, Paul Timm, expressed concern that MV risked falling behind. The state is missing out on million-dollar research funding designed to promote innovation, scientific excellence, and regional development. He mentioned a lack of state start-up financing for applications within the Excellence Strategy.
The CDU faction, as stated by Hoffmeister, calls for a more focused and targeted approach to funding outstanding research consortia. She proposed that the state government should collaborate with universities and research institutions to develop strategic concepts with realistic chances of being funded.
While the absence of a cluster from MV may seem like a missed opportunity for the title, politicians from the opposition argue that it is about more than just a title. It's about the future of the state, innovation, jobs, and competitiveness. They believe Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has the necessary know-how, but it now requires the political will.
The lack of funding in the Excellence Strategy may impact Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's research and development sector, including limited access to prestigious research funding, reduced international visibility, and potential impact on research focus areas. Alternative strategies, such as regional collaboration, cross-border projects, and partnerships with industry, may need to be employed to sustain research and innovation in the region.
- The lack of research funding allocated to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern under the Excellence Strategy has sparked concern over the state's future in terms of innovation, scientific excellence, and regional development, particularly in the realms of research and development, and community aid.
- The absence of a cluster from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the Excellence Strategy may hinder its research focus areas, affecting health-and-wellness, general-news, medical-conditions, finance, business, politics, and crime-and-justice sectors.
- Critics argue that the competition for the title of "Excellence University" is not just about winning a title, but about supporting the state's competitiveness, job creation, and overall economic growth, which are crucial elements in the political and business landscape.
- To compensate for the lack of funding in the Excellence Strategy, the state might consider collaboration with neighboring regions, industrial partnerships, and cross-border projects to boost research and innovation for the science and medical-conditions fields, thus ensuring the continued health-and-wellness and well-being of the community.
