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Close-up of a landmark in the Ruhr region against a red evening sky © Marcel R​/​stock.adobe.com
TEN-PART SERIES

Podcast of the Ruhr Innovation Lab launched featuring both presidents

Recording situation for a podcast: Three men are sitting at a round table. © Marquard​/​RUB
RUB Rector Martin Paul (center) and TU Rector Manfred Bayer (right) were guests on the podcast “Think. Try. Transform.” hosted by Sven-Daniel Gettys.
With the new podcast “Think. Try. Transform.”, the Ruhr Innovation Lab opens its doors and offers insights into the joint application of Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University in the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. In the first episode, host Sven-Daniel Gettys talks with both university presidents – Prof. Martin Paul from Ruhr University Bochum and Prof. Manfred Bayer from TU Dortmund University – about their big idea for a Consortium of Excellence, their special collaboration, and their journey toward a new form of university partnership. The two also share personal experiences from developing the joint proposal.

This first episode vividly demonstrates how both presidents work hand in hand toward a common goal – teamwork at eye level. The two universities are embarking on a path of cooperative development to bring science and society closer together. The Ruhr Innovation Lab serves as an experimental space for ideas that foster freedom in research and strengthen the Ruhr region as an innovation hub.

The conversation makes one thing clear: excellence here means not only top-level research but also responsibility. The alliance aims to ensure that information technology is reliable  and secure – for example through research on artificial intelligence or cybersecurity – while also building economic strength on a solid foundation of values. At the same time, the unique diversity of the Ruhr region plays a central role: it is considered a laboratory for social future topics such as participation, sustainability, and strengthening democracy.

How great things are created together

The podcast is intended for all interested parties, both within and beyond academia: students as well as researchers or staff members at both universities – and people from business, politics or culture across the Ruhr region. It’s for all who want to know how two major universities join forces for a shared vision – and what great things can come out of partnership.

Ten episodes planned

Future episodes will cover topics such as excellence clusters, support for doctoral candidates, and start-up activities. Under the lead of Ruhr University Bochum, a new episode will be released each month until funding decisions will be announced in early October 2026. After the site visit by reviewers in May 2026, both rectors will return to answer questions — which can already be submitted via email to: hochschulkommunikationruhr-uni-bochumde. Most of the episodes are in German.

The podcast “Think. Try. Transform.” is now available on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Deezer | Podigee

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