Bielefeld University combines classical academic tradition with innovative research and teaching. It was founded as a new type of university in 1969 with the aims of re-establishing the unity between research and teaching advocated by Humboldt, and of opening up the frontiers between the disciplines. The university has succeeded in maintaining and developing essential elements of this reform concept despite a considerable increase in student numbers. Bielefeld University has attained an outstanding position among national and international academic institutions on the strength of its research achievements and unique courses of studies, its technology transfer and further education programmes.