Brochure for new citizens

World-class research | 37 World-class research Heidelberg is one of the most important centers of science worldwide. Heidelberg is one of the world‘s top locations for up-and-coming industries such as biotechnology and organic elec- tronics. Excellent cutting-edge research clusters and renowned research insti- tutes such as the European Laboratory for Molecular Biology (EMBL), the Ger- man Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and three Max Planck Institutes contribute to Heidelberg‘s outstanding worldwide reputation as science hub. As Heidelberg Mannheim Health & Life Science Alliance , the two medical faculties and university hospitals as well as the renowned research institutions in the region form a unique alliance in Germany. The goal: to make the Rhine-Neckar region an international center of excellence in life sciences, medical technology and health care industry. This should also raise the already first-class patient care onto a new level. Since 1901, 57 personalities whose lives are connected to Heidelberg, have re- ceived the Nobel Prize. The most recent one, the Nobel Prize of Chemistry, was awarded to Professor Dr. Stefan W. Hell for his development of super-resolution microscopy. 34 percent of all those who work and pay statutory social security contribu- tions in the city hold a degree. Both Heidelberg and the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region are characterized by close cooperation between science and business. This is reflected in a large number of interdisciplinary research centers such as the Heidelberg Tech- nology Park, the “Industry on Campus“ projects between Heidelberg University and different companies or in the office and laboratory buildings SkyLabs and SkyAngle in the new Bahnstadt district. The exceptional role of science in Hei- delberg also benefits other aspects of Heidelberg life: enabling daycare centers and schools to offer special ac- tivities, creating exciting local jobs and profiting those working in the creative industries. The city wants to leverage this effect further: The International Building Exhibition Heidelberg (IBA) is dedicated to building and exploring the knowledge city of the future with its motto “Knowledge | creates | City“. With the new “Heidelberg Congress Center” in the Bahnstadt district, con- gresses in science and business will find a new home. This will enable the “Stadthalle” in the old town to concen- trate on its strengths as a concert and cultural center again. The “Stadthalle” is currently undergoing extensive ren- ovation. Founded in 1386, the University of Heidelberg is the oldest university in Germany. Its leading role in the academic scene in Germany and abroad is reflect- ed in its classification and promotion by central and state government as an “university of excellence”. According to the Shanghai ranking, Ruperto Carola is reg- ularly the best-ranked German university and counts among the world’s Top 50. 38,000 students take advantage of the courses offered by the various universi- ties, cooperative education institutes and other higher-education establishments in Heidelberg – including the Heidelberg University of Education (PH Heidel- berg), the private SRHUniversity and the University of Jewish Studies . 36 | World-class research The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), one of the world‘s best-known biological research laboratories, has its headquarters in Heidelberg.