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“Think.Try.Transform.”

Rectors Answer Questions About the Ruhr Innovation Lab

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Photo: TU Rector Manfred Bayer and Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum, are standing on a landscaped terrace on the Ruhr University Bochum campus. © Wiebke Becker
The two rectors of TU Dortmund and Ruhr University Bochum, Prof. Manfred Bayer and Prof. Martin Paul (right), are guests on the “Think.Try.Transform.” podcast.
Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University are jointly applying as a University Consortium of Excellence in the Excellence Strategy of the federal government and the states. As Ruhr Innovation Lab, the two universities aim to create new opportunities for top-level research and contribute to a sustainable and resilient society. From 19 to 21 May, a panel of international researchers visited the universities to evaluate their joint concept. In the podcast, Prof. Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum, and his Dortmund counterpart Prof. Manfred Bayer talk about the on-site visit and answer questions from university members about the Ruhr Innovation Lab.

On 2 October 2026, it will be announced which new universities or university consortia will receive the Excellence title. In addition to the Ruhr Innovation Lab, ten other universities and consortia are competing for up to five available positions. In the new episode of “Think.Try.Transform.”, the two rectors discuss what comes next for Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University following the on-site visit. What will happen if the Ruhr Innovation Lab is selected as an Excellence Consortium? And what will happen if the application is not successful?

Under the motto “Ask Us Anything,” the rectors answer questions submitted in advance by members of both universities. In conversation with host Sven-Daniel Gettys, they describe how the on-site visit unfolded, which measures the universities have planned, and how they intend to continue working together until 2 October and beyond. They also emphasize that the Ruhr Innovation Lab is not only about top-level research in an ivory tower, but also about how excellent research can have an impact on society—helping to maintain prosperity, ensure trustworthiness in the digital age, and safeguard democratic values.

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About the Podcast

The podcast “Think. Try. Transform.” showcases major ideas behind the joint application of TU Dortmund University and Ruhr University Bochum as university consortium of excellence and discusses them with those who know best: Rectors, researchers, founders and advisors. Hosted by Sven-Daniel Gettys, each episode covers topics such as clusters of excellence, support for doctoral candidates, and start-up activities. Under the lead of Ruhr University Bochum, new episodes are released monthly—accompanying the application phase until the announcement on October 2. Most of the episodes are in German.

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