German research institutions offered more money in return for reform
German Minister for Education and Research, Edelgard Bulmahn, has offered the country's research institutions more money in exchange for restructuring. Speaking at a conference on 26 January, Ms Bulmahn stressed the urgency of boosting research in Germany, but said that more money alone is not the solution. 'The modernisation of the research system must be implemented quickly. We desperately need more money for research, but also better quality for our money,' said the minister. She also said that it is precisely during times of economic restraint that the government and industry must invest in the future. The government plans will be discussed with research organisations in February. In line with the new strategy, Ms Bulmahn announced a new competition aimed at pinpointing Germany's top universities. The competition is also intended as a catalyst for increasing excellence within institutions, using the reward of up to 50 million euro per year as motivation for change. A jury of national and international experts will be allocated the task of finding Germany's top five universities, using scientific excellence, modern management, support for students, an international outlook and cooperation with non-university research organisations as criteria. The competition will result in Germany hosting top universities with an international reputation within a few years, said Ms Bulmahn.
Kraje
Germany