Science Management (Archive)
Basic Conditions for Excellent Research
In the course of the Excellence Initiative, the University has developed and strengthened various measures for research funding. One of the first measures was the establishment of a project office in the Research Department to support the setup of subprojects of the Institutional Strategy, of Clusters of Excellence and graduate schools, and to coordinate their activities. This office handles the administrative implementation of the Excellence measures and supervises the use of funding. In addition, the office staff generate quantitative and qualitative data on Excellence projects.
The University was also able to extend the scope of the "Heidelberg Research Service" that advises scientists on appropriate funding programmes, helps them apply for funding and supports them in managing large research projects. By enhancing its quality management system, the University will be able to improve existing research structures and support the Heidelberg Excellence institutions in developing and implementing their own quality management systems.
Governance
Besides the statutory organs of the University – Rectorate, Senate and University Council – there are additional bodies involved in developing, implementing and supervising the Institutional Strategy:
The Academic Advisory Council (AAC) supports the implementation of the Institutional Strategy and advises the Rectorate on the University's general development. The Council consists of renowned scientists of international universities and research institutions and also includes outstanding representatives of business and industry and experienced Heidelberg researchers.
The University Commission advises the Rectorate in all matters regarding the implementation of the Institutional Strategy. It also evaluates applications for funding through the "FRONTIER" innovation fund – with the support of additional experts, if need be. In the second funding phase of the Excellence Initiative, the University Commission will be transformed into a Commission for Research and Strategy, which, in addition to its other tasks, will supervise and change the University’s strategy as needed.
The Steering Committee ensures a close cooperation between the University Council, the Rectorate and the Senate. Its members analyse the developments in the Excellence Initiative so that decisions made jointly by the various bodies can be implemented without delay. The Steering Committee consists of representatives of the Rectorate, the Senate and the University Council.
Arbeitsgemeinschaft (AG) Zukunft is a working group that joined efforts with the Rectorate to develop the University's Institutional Strategy and prepare the renewal application for the Excellence Initiative II from 2012 onward. Its members represent all scientific areas of Heidelberg University. AG Zukunft is also supported by other researchers and by members of the administrative staff who have formed subgroups to deal with specific subject areas.
