Science

A Science Master Plan for Dortmund

The Science Master Plan Dortmund was launched in 2021 and brings together stakeholders from the fields of science, business, culture, politics, civil society and administration who work together closely and strategically in order to strengthen Dortmund’s profile as a science and innovation hub. Following the successful evaluation of the Master Plan, the concept was developed further in 2021 and an agile Science Master Plan 2.0. was created.

Anwesende des ersten Demografieforums im Dortmunder Rathaus

Europe

Germany

Dortmund

Funding period: 2011-2013, 2020-2024

As part of this Science Master Plan 2.0, projects and measures are being designed and implemented in a collaborative process, focusing on four thematic areas (city of science and cultural metropolis, excellence and networking, knowledge economy, experimental city):

Focus group City of Science and Cultural Metropolis
Focus group Excellence and Networking
Focus group Knowledge Economy
Focus group Experimental City

Dortmund is a city of science!

More than 52,000 students at seven universities and higher education institutions, 19 scientific research institutes (including institutes of the Leibniz Association, the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft), more than 10,000 staff and the innovation hub TechnologieZentrumDortmund make Dortmund one of Germany’s largest university and science locations.

Award-winning cooperation

In 2015, the Master Plan project, unique in its kind in Germany, received the University Communication Prize, awarded by the German Rectors’ Conference, the ZEIT publishing house and the Robert Bosch Foundation. This exemplary collaboration as part of an extensive network was recognised in 2021 when Dortmund was the first German city to win the European iCapital Award in the Capital of Innovation competition for its holistic innovation model under the motto “Innovation Next Door: Future from the Neighbourhood”.

Kinder bedienen einen humanoiden Roboter — The offers of the Science Night in Dortmund are aimed at all generations - from experiments to lectures, everything is included. Photo: City of Dortmund, Credit: Roland Gorecki

Junge Menschen mit VR Brillen — Visitors can become active themselves at various stations. Photo: City of Dortmund, Credit: Roland Gorecki

Bringing science to the city!

Public events such as the traditional Science Day, science conferences focusing on different subjects and various low-threshold events such as “City in Transition” or entertaining science slams are recurring formats that bring science to the city. On 27 September 2024, the Dortmund Science Night was held for the first time, attracting more than 2,500 visitors who take an interest in science. More than 40 partners from the fields of science, education and culture organised a varied and exciting programme targeting all age groups. The Science Night was a vibrant event, showcasing scientific work in Dortmund through experiments, science shows and fascinating lectures and presentations.

The Wilo-Foundation – a strong partner

The Wilo-Foundation has been supporting the development of the Science Master Plan right from the start and is an active member of its different bodies and working groups.

It also supports the work of the Science Master Plan through different projects. For instance, the foundation invited 120 scientists and economists to the “Science – innovation driver for the economy and society” forum, which took place at Westfälischer Industrieklub in Dortmund in 2023. In 2017, it supported a design competition at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, where students developed a concept for a billboard campaign for the city of science

Photo Header: Stadt Dortmund, Credits: Roland Gorecki

Our funding partner

Within 30 years, the city of Dortmund has developed into one of the leading research and technology metropolises in the Ruhr region. The numerous internationally renowned university and non-university research institutions and initiatives from a wide variety of disciplines ensure the flow of new scientific findings and qualified young talent.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forms the global framework for action for socially, economically and ecologically sustainable development. Our funding commitment also supports these sustainability goals. With this project, we are making a contribution to achieving the following SDGs:

What are the SDGs`?