Universität zu Köln: Press releases

06/05/2026 | Research , English

Extreme Aridity in the Hyperarid Core of the Atacama Desert Began Around 45 Million Years Ago

A new study provides evidence that extreme aridity in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert began approximately 45 million years ago, thus significantly earlier than previously assumed. The findings refine current models of desert formation and offer new perspectives on the long-term evolution of one of Earth’s most extreme environments.

06/03/2026 | Research , English

Politics plays a role in finding a partner

A new sociological study shows that party affiliation matters when it comes to dating in the U.S. – but not just for political reasons

06/01/2026 | New facility , English

The University of Cologne lays the cornerstone for the new chemistry building

The new building brings together research and teaching infrastructure in one location. The construction project, which will run through 2034, is one of the largest university construction projects in North Rhine-Westphalia

06/01/2026 | Research , English

People who are aware of the advantages for both parties are more likely to ask for advice

When one person asks the other for advice, both sides stand to gain because the person being asked feels valued and has access to new insights themselves. This knowledge also benefits companies in the long term

05/18/2026 | Research , English

Links discovered between mitochondrial lipid deficiency and inflammation of the gut

Researchers from the CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research found that the lipid known as cardiolipin is crucial for keeping the immune response in the gut under control. These findings offer a new perspective on inflammation and may shed light on why diseases progress very differently in different patients

05/15/2026 | Research , English

Follow-up funding for two Collaborative Research Centres at the University of Cologne

The German Research Foundation has announced that two Collaborative Research Centres in medicine and plant genetics are entering their second funding period.

05/15/2026 | Research , English

A new framework for multimodal data collection in language and communication sciences

An interdisciplinary research team has developed a workflow that aims to improve research into language and communication by integrating multimodal phenomena

05/07/2026 | Research , English

When nerve cells form new connections: approach to treating spinal cord injuries developed

In a mouse model, a new approach has led to the formation of new neural connections in the injured spinal cord, partially restoring lost function. However, further steps and studies are needed before potential treatments can be developed for humans

05/04/2026 | Research , English

Reducing social inequality: why the scope of measures is crucial

A sociological study by the University of Cologne shows that measures to compensate for social or professional disadvantages can be effective in experiments – and yet barely contribute to reducing social inequality. The decisive factor is who and how many people are actually benefitting from the measures in reality

04/30/2026 | Funding , English

Around 9.9 million euros for high-performance AI computers in North Rhine-Westphalia

Minister Ina Brandes hands over the funding approval notice for ‘hpcBasisCluster2.nrw’ at the University of Cologne / New high-performance computing capacities provide a university consortium with AI resources for research and teaching

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