Researching for tomorrow's world

Germany has always ranked among the best when it comes to researching and developing new technologies. Its strengths lie in mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics, medicine, mathematics and humanities. Germany leads the world in nanotechnology, environmental research, automotive construction and engineering sciences. In recent years, industrial research has focused ever more strongly on advanced technologies that promise ideal growth prospects. Its core competencies are pharmaceuticals, electronic engineering, nanotechnology, information and communication technology and medical technology.

More than 250,000 scientists conduct research in Germany – at universities and internationally acknowledged research institutes. Many of them work closely with companies and industry. This cooperation has enabled success stories such as the development of the "Greenfreeze" CFC-free refrigerator, the MP3 digital playback format, and TWIN elevators. Every year more than 13,000 German research and development experts register patents on their innovations – and the figure is growing. That means: One quarter of all European patents are based on innovations developed by German scientists. Such inventive talent has earned a total of 64 Nobel Prizes for Chemistry, Physics and Medicine/Physiology. Over the last 15 years, eight German researchers have received the highest honor awarded by the scientific world. Scientists from all over the world make use of the outstanding research conditions at 85 universities, 287 colleges and 259 research institutes. For example, 34 foreign scientists who have been awarded a Nobel Prize since 1955 lived and conducted research in Germany for at least six months.

Germany has one of the best university systems in the world. In recent years degree courses across the country have been extended to include the international Master's/Bachelor's system. This makes it easier to transfer knowledge internationally. Well-known universities and colleges, such as the universities in Mannheim, Heidelberg and Munich, and the technical universities in Darmstadt, Aachen and Karlsruhe rank among the best at international level.