print
Language Selection
Breadcrumb Navigation
Content

Strategy processes: LMUinnovativ and 50-40-10

In order to sharpen its research profile permanently, LMU Munich initiated the LMUinnovativ process in 2004. In this process the University defined focus areas in its four subject groups – Humanities and Cultural Studies; Law, Economics and Social Sciences; Natural Sciences, and Medicine. On the basis of proposals submitted, which were subsequently reviewed with significant input from external experts, the University Governing Board selected a number of excellent projects in the focus areas for targeted support. In 2004 and 2005, this led to the reallocation of some 150 staff positions. LMU Munich’s success in the Excellence Initiative is largely due to this process.

Building on the LMUinnovativ process and the results of the first phase of the Excellence Initiative, LMU Munich implemented another strategy process in 2008 and 2009 – the so-called “50-40-10” process. The term is based on a guideline adopted by the University Governing Board at the start of the “50-40-10” process. It specified that about 50 percent of all professorships becoming vacant before 2016 should be refilled by candidates with the same thematic orientation and 40 percent should be redesignated to cover new research areas, while the remaining 10 percent should be used for follow-up funding of the Excellence Initiative.

LMU Munich has established a three-phase model for developing its research profile, which is based on Focus Areas, Areas of High Potential and Top-level Individual Research. Thus, LMU Munich has substantially enhanced its research profile and ensured the financial sustainability of the structures established in the first phase of the Excellence Initiative. From 2011, funding measures to the amount of 15 million euros per year will be incorporated into the University‘s core budget.

Furthermore, LMU Munich has identified potential projects (Graduate Schools, Clusters of Excellence) and has supported them in preparing applications for the next phase of the Excellence Initiative.  New research approaches that have emerged within projects already funded in the first phase of the program have also received support.