History, Affiliations, and Rankings
The Kurkölnische Akademie Bonn, founded in 1777 by Maximilian Frederick of Königsegg-Rothenfels, prince-elector of Cologne, was the university's progenitor. The new academy was nonsectarian in the spirit of the Enlightenment. Theology, law, pharmacy, and general studies were all taught at the institution. Following the reunification of Germany in 1991, the German government decided to shift the capital from Bonn to Berlin, which resulted in considerable compensation for the city of Bonn. Three new research institutions linked with or closely interacting with the university were included in the compensation package, greatly raising the university's research reputation. The EUA, German U15, FGU, Erasmus, and Excellence Initiative are all linked with the university. The University of Bonn was placed 105th in the world in the Times Higher Education Rankings 2020.
Infrastructure, Campuses, and Courses
There is no main campus at the University of Bonn. The Kurfürstliches Schloss, the historic home palace of the prince-elector of Cologne in the city centre, is the major structure. From 1697 to 1705, Enrico Zuccalli designed the main structure for the prince-elector of Cologne, Joseph Clemens of Bavaria. It now houses the university administration as well as the faculty of humanities and theology. The Hofgarten, a huge park in front of the main building, is a favourite meeting, study, and relaxation spot for students. Modern structures to the south of the original building hold the school of law and economics, the major university library, and many other departments. There are almost 90 programs available in a variety of subjects. Mathematics, physics, law, economics, neuroscience, medical genetics, chemical biology, agriculture, Asian and Oriental studies, and Philosophy and Ethics are among the university's strong disciplines.
Accomplishments and Alumni
In the sciences and humanities, University of Bonn academics have made significant contributions. Researchers in physics invented the quadrupole ion trap and the Geissler tube, found radio waves, contributed to the description of cathode rays, and coined the term "variable star." Researchers in the field of chemistry made substantial advancements to the knowledge of alicyclic molecules and benzene. The lotus effect has been described by experts in the field of material science. The faculty of the University of Bonn made significant contributions to contemporary topology and algebraic geometry in mathematics. The German Science Foundation funds nine joint research centers and five research divisions at the institution, which receives about 75 million Euros in external research funding each year. Johann Peter Gustav Lejeune Dirichlet, a German mathematician who made significant contributions to number theory, the theory of the Fourier series, and other issues in mathematical analysis, is one of the university's most prominent graduates. Karl Heinrich Marx FRSA was a German philosopher, a critic of political economy, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist, and socialist revolutionary.
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
Bonn has a total student population of 38,844 students, including undergraduates, graduate students, and doctorate students. It also has 5,335 foreign students from 141 different countries. This raises the percentage to 13.7 per cent, compared to 86.3 per cent for domestic students. The Global Exchange Program was established to give foreign students from all over the world the opportunity to spend a semester or two of their studies in Bonn. It provides students with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to develop their international competencies while pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree by integrating them into daily life at a German institution and in the greater German community. The Global Exchange Program's emphasis on strengthening students' German language skills is a big draw, since exposure to a German-speaking workplace may increase a graduate's job prospects greatly.
