Many friends and sponsors constantly support the University of Greifswald through foundations.
One of the University’s particularly generous sponsors is the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Stiftung with the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Berthold Beitz. Together with the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the University of Greifswald, it founded the Stiftung Alfried Krupp Kolleg Greifswald, to promote science and research at the University of Greifswald. In particular, this includes the running of the Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg Greifswald (Institute of Advanced Studies) in the heart of the town centre. There, academics from different disciplines work together on interdisciplinary research projects. Special emphasis is placed on projects concerning the Baltic Sea Region.
The key field of research “Identity and Integration in the Baltic Sea Region” was extended thanks to the Zeit-Stiftung by the Chair of Civil Law, Comparative Law and Legal Harmonisation in the Baltic Sea Region and thanks to the Stiftung Mercator by the Chair of Public Law, European Law and Comparative Law (North-Eastern Europe). With the help of honorary senator, Michael Otto, and the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt DBU (German Federal Environmental Foundation) the key field of research “Landscape Ecology” was expanded by the three chairs of Landscape Economy, International Conservation and Environmental Ethics and has thus been transformed into one of the forefront addresses in Germany for this area of science.
Of course, not every supporter can finance an institute or professorship. Several smaller foundations also actively support research and teaching at the University of Greifswald in many specific areas. For example, the Greifenberg Stiftung supports historical research at the University, mainly with reference to the history of Pomerania. The Osthoff Foundation awards prizes to outstanding achievements in physics, in particular in plasma physics. A prize is awarded for outstanding scientific or practical work relating to textile materials or from closely related areas of material culture from money sponsored by the Rudolf Stundl Stiftung. The Hans and Lea Grundig Foundation was handed over to the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation at the beginning of 2011.