In the European finance metropolis Frankfurt are many private universities and technical colleges, but also Goethe University that is well known for its research. As a trust university it is financed like other Hessian universities by the state, but nevertheless disposes of a unique independence. It was founded 100 years ago by local citizens as the first trust university in Germany. Today it is with over 45,000 students in winter term 2013/14 Germany’s third biggest university.

During past 100 years the university has changed a lot though. The buildings have been almost completely renewed. The new building at Westend campus where the faculty of arts, society, culture and social sciences is accommodated is constructed around the historical ensemble made by architect Hans Poelzig and planned for completion in 2017. „Science City Riedberg“ unites scientific departments with two Max-Planck's institutes that are in immediate neighbourhood. The medical campus Niederrad with attached university medical centre is completely renewed.

Highly qualified studies and research as well as reinforcement of cooperation with external partners are part of the university’s content reformation. Some scientists at Goethe University are holders of Nobel Prize. Research that is done in the subjects of natural and social sciences is of international level:

• Important basis for the development of chemotherapy by Paul Ehrlich
• Change in quantum physics by Star-Gerlach-Experiment
• Worldwide acknowledged achievements of the „Frankfurt School“

Today the traditional lines are continued in three excellence clusters which could be worked-in within the scope of the initiative of excellence in the natural sciences, life sciences and arts.

Total budget of the university with its 16 departments amounts to 537 million Euros. Compared to the basic budget of 337 million Euros the amount of additional financial sources is with 162.5 million Euros nearly 50 percent (See www.uni-frankfurt.de). Goethe University focuses nowadays on its citizenry roots and thus considers it important to strengthen the civil dialogue and to make science useful for society. It describes itself the following:

Autonomous: Like no other state college Goethe University disposes of a maximum in institutional autonomy.
Extensive: On the basis of a wide range of professional courses Goethe University aims the educational ideal of Humboldt.
Well connected: Exchange in various national and international networks regards the university as self-evident.
Realistic: Close contacts to industry and practice contribute to the solution of political, social, economical and cultural relevant problems.
Quality-conscious: Highest demands in research and study make Goethe University a leading one among German universities.

Further details: www.uni-frankfurt.de

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