The University of Bonn has advanced in the 2025 CEWS rankings, which assess universities on various aspects of gender equality. Rising from Group 6 to Group 3 in the overall rankings, the University now ranks within the top 25 percent of all German universities. It stands out as a top performer in five of the six evaluated categories. Compiled every two years by the Center of Excellence Women and Science (CEWS), the rankings are based on official higher education statistics.

“This is a very encouraging result that highlights our continued commitment to advancing gender equality in both research and teaching,” says Professor Irmgard Förster, Vice Rector for Equal Opportunity and Diversity. “At the same time, we recognize that there is still work to be done, particularly in appointing women to W2 and W3 professorships. However, the progress we’ve made in recent years shows we’re on the right path.”

The University of Bonn has seen a positive long-term trend, significantly increasing the proportion of female professors as part of its Excellence Strategy. When including assistant professorships (W1), the percentage has risen from about 21 percent in 2019 to roughly 30 percent today. “This progress is a strong signal and the result of targeted efforts to support women in research,” adds Professor Förster. “We are committed to staying the course and building on this momentum.”

University Central Gender Equality Officer Gabriele Alonso Rodriguez agrees: “The latest CEWS University Rankings confirm the University’s strengths in promoting women researchers and the strides we’ve taken in this area. Still, the continued underrepresentation of women in professorships shows that embedding gender equality throughout academic careers remains a key challenge. That’s where we’ll be directing our next efforts—enhancing work–family compatibility and implementing transparent, gender-sensitive hiring practices.”

First published in 2003 and released every two years, the CEWS rankings have become a vital tool for quality assurance in gender equality policy. The most recent edition features a refined methodology to better reflect developments in gender equality discourse and gender representation in higher education.

Source: https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/120-2025