As previously reported, Germany is investing EUR 1.9 billion until 2011 to create ten centres of excellence in German higher education (see ACA Newsletter - Education Europe January 2007).

To enhance teaching at universities, the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the German Länder (KMK) and the “Stifterverband” launched yet another excellence initiative on 23 January. The aim is to award and highlight concepts and strategies at universities which emphasise academic teaching. The funds amount to EUR 10 million. Single concepts can be awarded with a maximum of EUR 1 million.

It may be true that the reputation of scientists is built both on research and teaching. But is the latter really only worth a fraction of the first?

Excellence in teaching