Osnabrück University

Interdisciplinary research

The outstanding research undertaken at the University is only possible due to close interdisciplinary cooperation:
The AI Campus is the result of many years of specialization in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The campus brings together the research intensive, yet application-related departments of Computer Science, Cognitive Science and Information Systems, as well as Mathematics research units. Around 20 professors and 80 research assistants or research fellows currently work at the AI Campus. Four of the professors hold endowed
chairs funded by industry or by the city and rural district of Osnabrück.
The Center of Cellular Nanoanalytics Osnabrück (CellNanOs) interdisciplinary research center, the only one of its kind in Germany, develops new approaches in modern cell biology. The research approach pursued builds on the experience gained in the Collaborative Research Center (CRC 944) “Physiology and Dynamics of Cellular Micro-compartments”, which is characterized by cooperation between research groups from the fields of
Biology, Physics and Mathematics.

• The Institute of Migration Research and Intercultural Studies (IMIS) is an interdisciplinary research center. Its research focuses on the diverse aspects of spatial mobility and intercultural experiences past and present.
• Early childhood education and development has been an area of specialization at Osnabrück University for many years; researchers from five schools collaborate in this field at the Center for Early Childhood Development and Education Research (CEDER) research center.
• The renowned Institute of Early Modern Intercultural Studies (IKFN), supported by nine departments, is one of the few research centers in Germany that focus explicitly on conducting interdisciplinary research into the early modern period.
• Another beacon of interdisciplinary cooperation is the Institute of Cognitive Science (IKW), which addresses issues of higher cognitive functions. Two Research Training Groups funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) – “Situated Cognition” and “Computational Cognition” – have been established at the institute. Within these groups, young scholars work on research issues to gain a better understanding of human and machine intelligence.
• At the Institute of Environmental Systems Research (IUSF), interdisciplinary research is conducted on changes in environmental systems, resulting problems and potential solutions.
• The European Legal Studies Institute, one of Europe’s most important research facilities in the field of comparative law and the harmonization of law, is firmly anchored at Osnabrück University.
• The prevention of occupational skin diseases is one of the research areas of international importance addressed at the Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm).
• Interdisciplinary research is also undertaken by the Lower Saxony Lab at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI).

One of the University’s core tasks is to train and develop young scholars. The PhD/Postdoc Career Center (ZePrOs), among other facilities, is committed to addressing this task.

High standards in academic supervision and support

The University offers 181 attractive, cutting-edge degree programs. The wide range of subjects comprises future-oriented Bachelor and
Master’s programs in

• Social Sciences and Human Sciences
• Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences
• Law and Economics
• Language, Literary and Cultural Studies
• Theology, Art, Music, Sports

The programs prepare graduates excellently for the national and international labor market, offering them outstanding job prospects. The 14,000 or so students currently enrolled at Osnabrück University agree that: it is easy for new students to find their way round campus and the City of Osnabrück; teaching staff are ready to listen; the degree programs offer a wide range of interestingoptions. We enjoy studying here.

Osnabrück University attaches great importance to supervising and supporting its students. A total of 1000 professors, lecturers, research assistants and research fellows teach and do research across nine schools. Another strong point of Osnabrück University is the scientifically based education and training of teachers for virtually all school types, ranging from all kinds of secondary and grammar schools to vocational schools. The University offers degree programs in Electrical Engineering, Metals Engineering, and Nutritional Science and Home Economics in cooperation with Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, enabling students to take a broader view.

A university in the heart of the city

A special feature of Osnabrück University is its location: many of its buildings are in the immediate vicinity of the historic Old Town, and are easy to reach on foot or by bicycle. This is where the Humanities and Social Science subjects and Psychology are located. The President’s Cabinet and the administration are housed in the former prince-bishop’s castle. Its bold yellow façades make the castle a hallmark and flagship of the University. The Natural Sciences – Biology, Chemistry and Physics – are located on a rapidly developing, attractive campus in the Westerberg district, alongside Mathematics, Computer Science, Cognitive Science and Environmental Systems Science. A stroll through Osnabrück University Botanical Garden, itself a teaching and research institution, provides a relaxing break.

A strong partner for the region

With 1,750 employees and a budget of around €169 million (2018), Osnabrück University is one of the city’s biggest employers and a vital contributor to the local economy. Numerous cooperative agreements with businesses and institutions give students the opportunity to gain practical experience at an early stage. The high regard in which the University is held by businesses and society is also reflected in the very successful acquisition of endowed chairs. Another example of the University’s strong ties and public outreach is the Erich Maria Remarque Peace Center. This institution, named after the world-famous writer born in Osnabrück, is supported jointly by the City and the University. As the City of the Peace of Westphalia of 1648, Osnabrück and the University also join forces to call for peace and tolerance within the nationally renowned Osnabrück Peace Forum.