News from the University of Cologne Foundation
Current events, groundbreaking initiatives, and relevant developments
News about developments, exciting projects, and significant achievements that we accomplish together with our dedicated community of supporters and partners.
New 3D printing technology enhances hands-on training in dentistry
A PolyJet 3D printer at the University Hospital of Cologne provides realistic training conditions for dental students. With funding from the Cologne University Foundation, this enables the creation of practical learning environments for aspiring dentists.
Read More: New 3D printing technology enhances hands-on training in dentistry
New PhilLounge Creates Space for Socializing and Focus in Everyday University Life
With support from the Cologne University Foundation, a former kiosk has been transformed into a modern learning and social space at the Faculty of Philosophy. The new PhilLounge provides a space for concentration, interaction, and short breaks during the daily university routine.
Read More: New PhilLounge Creates Space for Socializing and Focus in Everyday University Life
German Foundation Day 2026
On May 20–21, we’ll be in Hamburg for the German Foundation Day and are looking forward to inspiring conversations.
Modern Event Technology for the Wienand House
Ein Projekt im Rahmen unserer Förderung „Technische Ausstattung“
The existing audiovisual equipment at the Wienand House has been extensively modernized. The learning and event room is now equipped with an interactive whiteboard and a 360° camera—for modern teaching, learning, and documentation.
InnoDom Cologne Honored as an Exemplary Building in 2025
The InnoDom Cologne was honored with the “Award for Exemplary Buildings in North Rhine-Westphalia 2025.” As the project sponsor, the Cologne University Foundation is delighted to receive this recognition for architecture that embodies character, quality, and a forward-looking vision.
Read More: InnoDom Cologne Honored as an Exemplary Building in 2025
Student Lab: Vanillin Synthesis with Support from the University of Cologne Foundation
In the University of Cologne’s student laboratory, high school students synthesized vanillin and gained insight into university-level experimentation. This was made possible by funding from the University of Cologne Foundation.
Read More: Student Lab: Vanillin Synthesis with Support from the University of Cologne Foundation
126 new housing units for students in Cologne:
The Cologne University Foundation is building a modern student residence in Cologne. Support this flagship project for affordable housing and help make education with a future a reality!
26 Projects Approved: The University of Cologne Foundation Supports Modern Research and Teaching with €2.5 Million
In its latest call for proposals on “Innovative and Modern Equipment,” the Cologne University Foundation has selected a total of 26 projects. The funded projects range from the modernization of student workspaces to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment.
"Celebrating Five Years of EUniWell" Conference
From October 22 to 23, 2025, experts from academia, politics, and civil society gathered at the University of Cologne to discuss ways to promote well-being.
Theme Night: “Planning Your Estate Properly” on November 13, 2025
DIE KÖLNER UNIVERSITÄTSSTIFTUNG LÄDT ZU EINEM INFORMATIONSABEND RUND UM DAS THEMA TESTAMENT UND NACHLASSGESTALTUNG EIN.
Many people want to make a difference that extends beyond their own lives. At the “Leaving a Legacy the Right Way” seminar, attorney Ralf Mangold, who specializes in this area, will explain how to properly draft a will and what to keep in mind to ensure that your final wishes are actually carried out.
Read More: Theme Night: “Planning Your Estate Properly” on November 13, 2025
KAW Summer School 2025: Fake² – Fake News and Deep Fakes
Die Kölner Universitätsstiftung unterstützt die 10. internationale Summer School von KölnAlumni WELTWEIT
The 10th KAW Summer School will take place from September 28 to October 2, 2025. Under the title “Fake² – Fake News and Deep Fakes,” international alumni will explore one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Read More: KAW Summer School 2025: Fake² – Fake News and Deep Fakes
InnoDom Cologne Receives the “Exemplary Building NRW 2025” Award
The InnoDom Cologne, built by the Cologne University Foundation, was awarded the prestigious “Exemplary Building NRW 2025” prize. The prize honors buildings that set new standards in terms of design, ecology, economics, and social impact.
Read More: InnoDom Cologne Receives the “Exemplary Building NRW 2025” Award
New 2023/2024 Annual Report Published
Unsere Förderung im Rückblick
Now online: The new annual report featuring projects, statistics, and impact from the past two years.
Kickoff of the 2025 Summer Schools
Internationale Perspektiven auf Generationengerechtigkeit
On July 21, the first of three funded summer schools will begin: the Cologne Summer School on Intergenerational Justice: Conviviality, Cooperation, and Sustainable Visions for the Future. Twenty international students on site and twelve participants joining digitally will explore the topic of intergenerational justice through seminars, workshops, and virtual field trips.
Faculty Club - Grand Opening
FACULTY CLUB Opens—a New Hub for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Action!
Executive Dialogue
Jetzt im Video
You can now find highlights from the Executive Dialogue on the website: https://executivedialogue.de/impressionen2025
German Foundation Day 2025
Wir waren dabei!
On May 21 and 22, the Cologne University Foundation was represented at the 2025 German Foundation Day in Wiesbaden. You can read our impressions of the event here.
The call for proposals has been launched – innovative equipment at the UzK
Jetzt bis zum 15.Juni bewerben!
The University of Cologne Foundation is once again supporting innovative projects aimed at improving teaching, student life, and research.
Faculties and central administrative units at the University of Cologne can apply starting now.
Funding is available for ideas that provide new impetus through modern equipment.
Read More: The call for proposals has been launched – innovative equipment at the UzK
Digital Teaching – Virtual Biochemistry Lab at the Institute of Biochemistry
A new digital infrastructure has been created at the Institute of Biochemistry. The “Virtual Biochemistry Lab” enables interactive teaching formats, modern laboratory work, and networked learning—from undergraduate studies through doctoral programs.
Read More: Digital Teaching – Virtual Biochemistry Lab at the Institute of Biochemistry
First Executive Dialogue at the University of Cologne
Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Politik im Austausch
A dialogue between cutting-edge research, business practice, and politics—the Executive Dialogue took place for the first time on April 3 and 4, 2025.
Read More: First Executive Dialogue at the University of Cologne
A Warm Welcome to Professor Mona Mensmann
Neues Mitglied des Kuratoriums
The Cologne University Foundation welcomes Professor Dr. Mona Mensmann as a new member of its Board of Trustees.
State-of-the-art hardware for the Digital Lab at the Faculty of Economic Sciences
The University of Cologne now has another project funded by the Cologne University Foundation: the Digital Lab and a project space for interactive courses at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences.
Read More: State-of-the-art hardware for the Digital Lab at the Faculty of Economic Sciences
Great Interest in the Theme Night "Leaving a Legacy the Right Way"
Am 13. November 2024 fand im InnoDom Cologne der Themenabend „Richtig vererben“ statt, organisiert von der Kölner Universitätsstiftung.
Specialist attorney Ralf Mangold briefed the large audience on the most important aspects of inheritance, bequests, and will drafting.
Read More: Great Interest in the Theme Night "Leaving a Legacy the Right Way"
Information Session: “Planning Your Estate Properly” on November 13, 2024
Möchten Sie, dass Ihr Erbe nach ihrem Tod ganz oder teilweise für gemeinnützige Zwecke verwendet wird? Dann nutzen Sie gerne unseren Infoabend „Richtig vererben“ am 13. November 2024.
At our information session, “Planning Your Estate Properly,” you’ll learn what you need to consider to ensure that your last will and testament is carried out exactly as you wish.
Read More: Information Session: “Planning Your Estate Properly” on November 13, 2024
Will Day: Doing Good Beyond Your Lifetime
Am 14. September 2024 ist bundesweiter Tag des Testaments.
Did you know that you, too, can use your assets to make a positive difference even after you’re gone?
University Foundation Supports CeMIT VR Lab at the Department of Surgery
Dreizehn Virtual Reality-Plätze und ein Robotik-Raum
The CeMIT VR Lab is a cutting-edge initiative of the Department of Surgery. The Cologne University Foundation funded the equipment for the VR lab.
Read More: University Foundation Supports CeMIT VR Lab at the Department of Surgery
Nearly 200 guests tour the InnoDom
Tag der offenen Tür
Beach flags in front of the entrance and the aroma of freshly baked waffles guided the approximately 200 visitors to the InnoDom Cologne on Open House Day.
InnoDom Wins German LIGHTING DESIGN AWARD
InnoDom erhält Deutschen LICHTDESIGN-PREIS 2024 in der Kategorie Büro/ Verwaltung!
InnoDom Wins the 2024 German Lighting Design Award in the Office/Administration Category!
Christoph Kahl Appointed to the Board of Directors
Christoph Kahl bringt eine Fülle von Erfahrungen und Kompetenzen mit, die unser Vorstandsteam bereichern werden.
Christoph Kahl is the new vice chair of the Cologne University Foundation. He was appointed by the Board of Trustees at the end of March 2024.
Read More: Christoph Kahl Appointed to the Board of Directors
We mourn the loss of Dr. Dietrich Gottwald
Vorstand, Kuratorium und Geschäftsführung der Kölner Universitätsstiftung trauern um Dr. Dietrich Gottwald.
The Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and Executive Board of the Cologne University Foundation mourn the passing of Dr. Dietrich Gottwald.
InnoDom Christmas Venture
Dreizehn Virtual Reality-Plätze und ein Robotik-Raum
On December 14, 2023, we celebrated the "InnoDom Christmas Venture" with guests from Cologne’s startup ecosystem and friends of the University Foundation.
Invitation to the InnoDom Christmas Venture
Am 14. Dezember 2023 ab 17:30 Uhr wird es so richtig weihnachtlich im InnoDom Cologne.
You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating the InnoDom Christmas Venture on December 14, starting at 5:30 p.m.!
The “Planning Your Estate Properly” event was well received
Fachanwalt für Erbrecht Ralf Mangold erläuterte die Thematik
The event organized by the Cologne University Foundation on November 8 was well attended, with about 20 participants.
Read More: The “Planning Your Estate Properly” event was well received
Theme Night: "Planning Your Estate Properly" on November 8, 2023
Was gilt es bei der Erstellung meines Testaments zu beachten?
The topics of wills and inheritance raise many questions. At our information evening, “Inheritance Done Right,” on November 8, 2023, you can ask all your questions about this sensitive topic.
Read More: Theme Night: "Planning Your Estate Properly" on November 8, 2023