The Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg () (Short: OVGU) is a public research university founded in 1993 and is located in Magdeburg, the Capital city of Saxony-Anhalt. The university has about 13,000 students in nine faculties.
The university is named after the physicist and former mayor of Magdeburg Otto von Guericke. The main research areas of the university are in the neurosciences, biosystems technology, disease prevention, automotive research, digital engineering and renewable energies.[8]
One of the best-known alumni and professors is the Leibniz Prize winner Axel Ockenfels.
The university was founded in 1993 and is therefore one of the youngest universities in Germany. The roots of the university lie in the three higher education institutions that previously existed in the city of Magdeburg: Technical University, University of Education and Medical Academy. Due to the three predecessor institutions, there are still three campuses today: "Universitätsplatz", "Universitätsklinikum" and "Zschokkestrasse". Since 2022, Otto von Guericke University has been part of the European university network "EU Green" along with eight other universities. This is intended to promote international cooperation in order to adequately meet future social challenges.[9]
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings of 2024, the university is placed at 601-800 globally and 46-48 within the country.[10]
IKUS[11] is an inter-cultural association for international students. It contributes to cultural synergies between the countries. Students actively participate in and celebrate cultural festivals frequently. A large number of foreign students organize the days for each country.
MIPS[12] (= Magdeburg International PhD Students) is the network for international PhD students at OvGU. This association helps to create and enhance the contact between international PhD students in order to promote the social and academic integration of young scientists. MIPS offers support and advice in various areas, e.g. to learn about Magdeburg and the German language, to give information about scholarships and job opportunities.
Studentenwerk Magdeburg[13] is a student organization which provides a mensa (canteen) and dormitories for students. There are more than 10 dormitories near or on the university's campus.
A sample of alumni and lecturers of the university includes:
