New structure for central research institutions

Information on the new organizational structure

New structure

With a resolution passed by the Senate on September 30, 2020, FAU’s central research institutions were restructured with the aim of establishing an agile future-oriented structure based on academic centers focusing on the key research priorities at FAU that will help cultivate our particular research profile and to expand these strong areas of research in a targeted manner.

According to the new concept, the central research institutions at FAU are divided into two areas: as FAU Profile Centers in the area of research or as FAU Research Centers and FAU Competence Centers in the area of research, infrastructure and services.

Due to the rapidly changing topics in research, the central research institutions will be set up using a target agreement for an initial period of seven years with the option to extend this period.

Summary of institution types

FAU Profile Centers

Profile Centers shape the research profile of FAU with a wide range of cutting-edge research projects, both in collaborative research and excellent individual research. They are limited to a duration of seven years, in order to effectively support the University’s strategic objectives.

FAU Research Centers

Research Centers have close links with the higher-level key research priorities at FAU and are involved in at least one collaborative project. Research Centers are also limited to a duration of seven years and have the opportunity during this time to establish their research which may be extended as a Profile Center.

FAU Competence Centers

A Competence Center has a cross-sectional function and provides expertise and support from basic research to the development of methods and instrumentation for the entire range of research carried out at FAU. FAU Competence Centers are permanent institutions that are subject to evaluation every seven years.

Resolution and legal basis

On September 30, 2020, the Senate adopted the statutes for the establishment of central research institutions pursuant to Section 20a of the University Constitution. The statues came into effect on January 1, 2021.