Oldenburg: Major funding for groundbreaking clusters of excellence!

Oldenburg: Major funding for groundbreaking clusters of excellence!

It is with great pleasure that the University of Oldenburg received the funding decision for all three clusters of excellence applied for as part of the excellence strategy of the federal and state governments. This was announced on May 22, 2025. The successful application includes funding that will be made available over a period of seven years.

Of particular interest is the “Hearing4all” cluster of excellence, which is funded with 53.5 million euros. This cluster is the result of close collaboration between the University of Oldenburg as well as the Hannover Medical School and the Leibniz University of Hannover. The aim of the cluster is to significantly improve the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. Further developments focus on genetic approaches and AI-supported systems that are intended to better take into account the realities of those affected.

Research with social relevance

In Germany, over 15 million people are affected by hearing loss. In many cases, the main causes are noise-induced hearing loss and age-related hearing loss. These causes often lead to isolation, depression and insomnia, which makes the goal of the Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all” all the more urgent. Around 350 employees from various disciplines work together here to develop innovative solutions for those affected. Progress and projects are published in an accompanying university magazine, including customized hearing systems and new therapeutic approaches.

In addition, the “NaviSense” cluster of excellence received funding worth 54.7 million euros. This cluster, which deals with the navigation mechanisms of animals, is being funded for the first time and employs around 80 scientists from the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and social sciences. Here, mechanisms of magnetic perception and quantum physical phenomena are researched in order to develop conservation strategies and design robots for animal research.

Marine research in the “Ocean Floor” Cluster of Excellence

The third Cluster of Excellence, “Ocean Floor”, will receive 54.2 million euros and will focus on the role of the ocean floor in material cycles and biodiversity under the influence of climate change. Around 160 scientists are active here in close cooperation with the University of Bremen. Her interdisciplinary research is crucial to better understand climatic changes and their effects on marine ecosystems.

In a remarkable initiative, the universities of Oldenburg and Bremen are also planning a joint application for the title of University of Excellence, which can be applied for from 2027. This is supported by the “Northwest Alliance”, founded at the beginning of the year, which aims to create a common research and transfer area in the northwest region.

While the selection criteria for the Clusters of Excellence set high scientific standards, the relevance of research for society is increasingly coming to the fore. The success of the University of Oldenburg not only illustrates its excellent research performance, but also the need to find innovative solutions to pressing social problems. Further information about the DFG's excellence strategy can be found on the DFG website can be viewed.