The aim of the Excellence Initiative was to promote and strengthen top-level research in order to enhance Germany’s international competitiveness and visibility as a leading research location.

The temporary Excellence Initiative has since been replaced by the permanent Excellence Strategy, ensuring stable funding structures for the future.

Graduate schools, and thus also the FSGS, are no longer funded under the current provisions of the Excellence Strategy.

Further information on current debates in higher education policy, as well as past reports and press releases on the role of graduate schools within the Excellence Initiative and the Excellence Strategy, can be found on our German website.