University’s profile

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg is one of the most pioneering, diverse and innovative research universities in Europe. However, what makes our University truly unique is not what it does, but how it ticks. Curious, critical, passionate and always open to change, FAU sees itself as a platform of freedom, as a place where people come together to shape the future. It connects excellence with principles, impact with responsibility, thinking with actions. Its aim: research that benefits society, excellent teaching, and bold discourse.

Zwei junge Frauen mit Schutzbrillen führen ein Experiment im Labor durch.

What characterizes FAU

Excellence, diversity and innovation

At FAU, anything is possible: It breaks through boundaries, makes connections between concepts that seem to be a contradiction in terms, and lets ideas become reality. Here sciences and humanities meet technology, entrepreneurial spirit meets social responsibility and research meets impact. Where others come up against subject boundaries, FAU encourages new connections in surprising, creative, and pioneering ways.

With approximately 40,000 students and more than 6,500 employees, FAU offers the entire spectrum of academic disciplines and is one of the largest universities in Germany. Since 1743, it has taken a visionary approach to embrace change, with its roots in the region and connections across the globe. With more than 260 degree programs, five faculties, and locations in Erlangen, Nuremberg and beyond: FAU combines diversity with excellence.

Interdisciplinary research and networking

FAU’s strength lies in collaborations with over 500 international partners, with companies and research institutions: not in the excellence of its individual disciplines, but in combination, through pushing boundaries and building bridges. Whether it is in our Clusters of Excellence, the founders’ laboratory, or in dialog with society: FAU creates spaces for ideas to become solutions.

FAU moves knowledge Not only in laboratories and lecture halls, but out into the world in general. Driven by impact. Guided by: Freedom, curiosity and courage.