Welcome to Hamburg - the knowledge hub in northern Europe

Hamburg’s Scientific Excellence Needs Bright Minds

In Hamburg and the metropolitan region, science, business and committed people work hand in hand to drive innovation and actively shape the future. Discover why Hamburg is the ideal location for research, knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration.

With five clusters of excellence, over 40 renowned research institutions, leading universities and a thriving startup scene, Hamburg stands out as a leading centre of innovation. Whether digitalisation, life sciences, green tech or innovative materials - Hamburg is developing solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.

Research, education, knowledge transfer - excellently connected in Hamburg

Hamburg is a dynamic science and innovation hub with international reach and reputation. Here, universities, research institutes, companies, and startups collaborate closely to foster progress. The following institutions and initiatives turn Hamburg into a place where knowledge grows and the future takes shape.

Science City
Hamburg Bahrenfeld

A district dedicated to science

Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld combines cutting-edge research, academic excellence, urban living, and forward-thinking development on one visionary campus. DESY, the University of Hamburg, pioneering startups and innovative urban development come together here in an innovative neighbourhood.

X-ray Laser Centre European XFEL

Insights into the structure of life

The European XFEL is the most powerful X-ray laser centre on the planet. Scientists from all over the world use it to visualise the finest structures of molecules, cells and materials.

Desy Research Centre

World-class Research

DESY is one of the world’s leading accelerator research centers. Scientists here explore groundbreaking materials, medical innovations, and cutting-edge technologies—from fundamental science to real-world applications. This is where international research excellence meets tangible impact.

Cluster of Excellence in Hamburg

Driving Global Scientific Impact

Hamburg is home to five clusters of the federal government's Excellence Strategy - a powerful sign of outstanding scientific quality. New findings are being made here in areas such as photonics, climate research, mathematics, materials science and infection research, with global relevance.

Research Institutes in Hamburg

Science in Great Diversity

Hamburg is home to more than 40 renowned research institutions, covering the full spectrum from basic research to applied application. Whether Max Planck Society, Helmholtz, Leibniz or Fraunhofer: the Hanseatic city unites scientific excellence and expertise across disciplines, with strong international networks and close ties to industry.

Universities in Hamburg

Strong in Teaching and Research

With the University of Hamburg, HAW, TU Hamburg, HafenCity University and private universities such as Bucerius Law School, Hamburg offers a diverse and dynamic higher education landscape. Over 100,000 students and researchers from all over the world benefit from an outstanding academic environment.

Startup City Hamburg

Setting Ideas in Motion

In Hamburg, scientific insights are transformed into practical innovations. With strong transfer structures, targeted spin-off funding and platforms such as PIER PLUS or the tecHHub, the city offers ideal conditions for startups, spin-offs and technology-driven innovations.

PIER PLUS

Putting Ideas into Practice

PIER PLUS is Hamburg's innovation platform that connects science, startups and businesses. It’s where knowledge transfer comes to life: research findings are rapidly translated into real-world applications through strong partnerships, targeted funding and a practice-orientated culture of innovation.

Hamburg combines Quality of Life and Science

© Mediaserver Hamburg / Christian Brandes

Science in Hamburg is more than just Research.
It is about social added value, shaping solutions for tomorrow and fostering spaces where academia, city life, science and business work together as equals. Hamburg creates space for knowledge, change and impact - and invites you to be part of it.

An world-class Location with Quality of Life.
Hamburg impresses with its outstanding infrastructure, diverse funding opportunities and an inspiring environment with a high quality of life and international flair. Whether you’re building a startup or leading high-level research - Hamburg gives your ideas space and your team finds connections here.

Science needs Space - for thinking, living and connecting.
Between the Elbe River, parks and urban life, Hamburg offers not only state-of-the-art labs, but also a place to call home: a welcoming, tolerant city with short distances to international schools, cultural highlights or a stroll along the Alster.

A living Environment that inspires and connects.
With green neighbourhoods, sustainable mobility, family-friendly infrastructure and a diverse, international community, Hamburg offers the best conditions for excellent science. Here, research is part of everyday urban life and that’s what makes Hamburg truly special.

Future Hamburg Talks: Innovation, Future Topics and Perspectives from Hamburg

Future Hamburg Talks

Future Hamburg Talks meets Harry Evers of New Mobility Solutions

Mobility expert on UITP Summit 2025 and Hamburg as a model of mobility

Future Hamburg Talks

Future Hamburg Talks meets Carsten Joost from Blu by Aug. Prien

"We learn by doing," Hamburg construction company now focussing on sustainable buidling

Future Hamburg Talks

Future Hamburg Talks meets Mark Hoppe of Skysails Power

Green energy with kites and high-altitude winds - interview with Mark Hoppe, Vice President of Skysails Power

Future Hamburg - Platform for Science, Innovation and Talent

Future Hamburg is the gateway to the knowledge metropolis of the next generation

The platform is aimed at anyone who wants to combine science, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in a liveable, open city. Researchers, start-ups and international talents will find direct access to Hamburg's excellent universities, over 40 renowned research institutions, five clusters of excellence and strong innovation networks such as PIER PLUS, DESY and Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld.

Future Hamburg networks knowledge, projects and opportunities

The platform bundles location information, future projects, events and funding offers - and makes visible what characterises Hamburg: a modern science location that lives knowledge, welcomes people and offers space for real future solutions.

Experience science: Events in Hamburg

From international conferences and business congresses to innovation fairs – Hamburg brings science to life.

As a host city for high-level events, Hamburg offers a stage where bold ideas emerge, knowledge is exchanged, and future solutions are co-created. In an open, international, and practice-oriented atmosphere, researchers, companies, and talents meet at eye level.

Conference on financial services June 5-6, 2025
Discussions on fair financial services and consumer protection.

UITP Global Public Transport Summit June 15-18, 2025
The world’s leading public transport congress with a focus on innovative mobility solutions.

Sustainability Summit June 25-26, 2025
From SMEs to global enterprises, sustainability experts discuss trends, strategies, and technologies for sustainable corporate transformation. The exhibition area features top IT solutions for ESG and green innovation.

Solutions Essentials June 26, 2025
A hands-on "makers’ summit" offering fresh ideas through knowledge transfer, co-creation, and expert exchange – via talks, workshops, and masterclasses.

Green World Tour Hamburg June 27-28, 2025
This trade fair showcases sustainable products and concepts on topics like e-mobility, renewable energy, green lifestyle, carbon-neutral heating, and eco-friendly offices.

11. International Granulation Workshop July 2-4, 2025
Hosted by Hamburg University of Technology, this specialist conference on agglomeration technologies brings together international science and industry.

NEIS Conference 2025 September 15-16, 2025
Focus on renewable energies, energy storage and smart grids with international experts.

Open Science Conference 2025 October 8-9, 2025
International platform for discussing current and future developments in the open science movement.

AI Summit October 21, 2025
Hosted by AI.Hamburg, this summit explores artificial intelligence in all its diversity with a special focus on machine learning and practical use cases for SMEs.

Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe October 21-23, 2025
The leading international expo on hydrogen and fuel cell tech. The full value chain comes together in Hamburg to discuss production, storage, and distribution for a low-carbon hydrogen future.

Carbon Capture Technology Expo October 21-23, 2025
The world’s largest event on carbon capture, utilization, and storage. This expo showcases breakthrough technologies driving the transition to net-zero emissions – featuring engineers, suppliers, energy companies, and research institutions.

Get started in Hamburg with the Support of the Welcome Centre

Whether you're coming to Hamburg for a research project, a guest professorship, or to kick off your academic career – the Hamburg Welcome Center is your central point of contact as an international scientist.

From visa requirements and city registration to housing tips, health insurance, and childcare : the Welcome Center offers personalized, multilingual guidance and supports you at every step of your relocation. So you can focus on your research – and we’ll take care of the rest.