With the founding of the Berlin University Alliance, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin are aiming high: The four institutions’ long-term goal is nothing less than to turn Berlin into an integrated research environment and one of Europe’s leading science hubs. By crossing boundaries of personal networks, institutions, and disciplines, the Alliance will be the nucleus and driving force in an outstanding ecosystem of universities and other research institutes, scientific collections, museums, cultural and political institutions, and start-ups and industry partners.

In order to reach this goal, the Alliance has defined five Objectives: (1) developing Berlin-wide joint research agendas focusing on societal issues of global importance, (2) fostering a Berlin-centered network of research and knowledge exchange, (3) bundling Berlin expertise for assessing and developing general standards for research quality and value, (4) establishing a Berlin-wide integrated space for careers and recruitment, and (5) creating a Berlin-wide network of research services and infrastructures. Three additional Cross-Cutting Themes shape the joint agenda: supporting diversity and gender equality, promoting research-based teaching and learning, and advancing strategic internationalization.