FAU Erlangen: Tops in sustainability and innovation in a global comparison!

FAU Erlangen: Tops in sustainability and innovation in a global comparison!

The Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) has once again defended its leading position as the most innovative university. In the current THE Impact Ranking, which evaluates the contribution of universities to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, FAU 2025 not only takes first place nationally in the area of ​​“Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” (SDG 9), but also achieves an excellent international rank of 23. Das reports fau.de.

FAU's strong position is the result of numerous success factors. The university can point to a large number of industrial collaborations, high levels of third-party funding and numerous patents that have resulted from research at FAU. The university also supports start-ups through initiatives such as the Digital Tech Academy and the FAU start-up office. These measures make a crucial contribution to promoting a creative and innovation-friendly climate.

Achievements in various categories

In the category “Sustainable Consumption and Production” (SDG 12), FAU achieved first place nationally and 23rd internationally. Through its programs for the efficient use of resources in terms of food consumption and waste disposal, the university shows that it is implementing concrete measures for sustainable development. FAU also achieved first place nationally and 55th internationally in the category “Affordable and Clean Energy” (SDG 7). This is due in particular to the significant research results in the FAU “Solar” profile center.

FAU also achieves high rankings in the areas of “Health and Well-Being” (SDG 3), where it ranks second in Germany, and in “High Quality Education” (SDG 4), where it ranks fifth. With regard to “Sustainable Cities and Communities” (SDG 11), the university is also in fifth place in the national ranking. Programs such as “FAU Gesund” and the exchange of knowledge through events such as “#FAUwissenwollen” underline the university’s commitment to these goals.

A network for innovation and collaboration

FAU stands out through its strong transfer network and innovative platforms. The JOSEPHS Open Innovation Lab and the Digital Health Innovation Platform are examples of creative collaboration within the university and with external partners. In Germany, FAU is the only candidate for a “Startup Factory”, which underlines its ambitions in the area of ​​university development. These innovative approaches are part of the strategic direction set by Vice President Prof. Dr. Kathrin Möslein is highlighted as essential for future innovative strength.

The THE Impact Ranking 2025 included a total of 2,526 universities from 130 countries. FAU specifically applied for six categories of the SDGs, thereby demonstrating not only national but also international relevance. Despite the strong competition, German universities are particularly well represented in the area of ​​“Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” (SDG 9). FAU is one of the few institutions that is a leader in this area both nationally and internationally.

These continuous progress and successes illustrate FAU's efforts to make an active contribution to sustainable development. The FAU remains one of the leading institutions in the area of ​​sustainability and innovation in higher education, as well kooperation-international.de emphasized.