# Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics”, WWU Münster

> interdisciplinary research institution at the University of Münster as part of the excellence strategy of the German federal and state governments

**Wikidata**: [Q119441144](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q119441144)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cluster-of-excellence-religion-and-politics-wwu-munster

## Summary
The Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics” at the University of Münster (WWU) is an interdisciplinary research institution established under Germany’s Excellence Strategy, focusing on the dynamics of tradition and innovation in religious and political contexts. Founded in 2007, it conducts research at the intersection of religion, politics, and society, supported by the German Research Foundation. As part of WWU Münster, it fosters collaboration across disciplines to address complex societal challenges.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 2007 as part of Germany’s Excellence Strategy for promoting top-tier research.
- Hosted by the University of Münster (WWU), with sponsorship from the German Research Foundation (DFG).
- Gepris project ID: 390726036.
- Twitter handle: @religionpolitik (active since December 2019).
- Bilingual website: German (https://www.uni-muenster.de/Religion-und-Politik/) and English (https://www.uni-muenster.de/Religion-und-Politik/en/index.shtml).
- NFDI4Culture ID: E1893.
- Classified as both a "research institute" and a "Cluster of Excellence" under the DFG’s funding framework.
- Part of the Excellence Cluster initiative, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics”?
A: It is a research institute at the University of Münster focused on interdisciplinary studies of religion, politics, and their societal impacts, funded under Germany’s Excellence Strategy since 2007.

### Q: How is it funded?
A: The cluster is sponsored by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the federal and state governments’ Excellence Strategy to support cutting-edge research in Germany.

### Q: What makes it unique compared to other research institutes?
A: Unlike specialized think tanks or single-discipline centers, the cluster integrates theology, history, law, and social sciences to analyze the interplay of religion and politics across cultures and eras.

### Q: What are its primary research themes?
A: The cluster investigates how religious traditions influence political processes, governance, and social change, addressing issues like secularization, religious pluralism, and conflict resolution.

## Why It Matters
The Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics” plays a critical role in advancing understanding of how religious beliefs and institutions shape political systems, cultural identities, and global conflicts. By bridging humanities and social sciences, it provides insights into pressing issues such as religious extremism, migration, and human rights, informing policy debates and public discourse. As part of Germany’s Excellence Strategy, it exemplifies the country’s commitment to fostering world-class research with societal relevance, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical solutions for governance and coexistence in diverse societies.

## Notable For
- **Interdisciplinary Scope**: Combines theology, history, law, sociology, and political science to study religion’s role in politics.
- **Excellence Initiative Funding**: Recognized and supported under Germany’s competitive Excellence Strategy since 2007.
- **Global Relevance**: Addresses universal themes like secularization, religious pluralism, and conflict, with applications to contemporary global challenges.
- **Dual Identity**: Functions as both a research institute and a Cluster of Excellence, emphasizing collaborative, high-impact scholarship.
- **Digital Engagement**: Maintains an active Twitter presence (@religionpolitik) and bilingual online resources to disseminate research findings.

## Body
### History and Structure
The Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics” was established in 2007 at the University of Münster as part of Germany’s Excellence Initiative, a federal and state-funded program to strengthen the country’s international research standing. Hosted by WWU Münster, it operates as an independent research institute while maintaining close ties to the university’s academic departments. The cluster is sponsored by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and identified by the Gepris project ID 390726036.

### Research Focus
The cluster’s work revolves around the theme “Dynamics of Tradition and Innovation,” exploring how religious traditions evolve and interact with political systems. Key research areas include:
- **Secularization and Modernity**: Analyzing the role of religion in modern governance and public life.
- **Religious Pluralism**: Investigating coexistence and conflict among diverse religious communities.
- **Ethics and Law**: Examining the influence of religious norms on legal frameworks and human rights.
- **Global Contexts**: Studying religion’s impact on politics in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.

### Funding and Governance
As a DFG-funded Cluster of Excellence, the institution receives support through Germany’s Excellence Strategy, which aims to promote world-class research clusters. This funding model enables long-term, interdisciplinary projects that might not be feasible through standard grant cycles. The cluster’s governance structure emphasizes collaboration, with participation from over 50 researchers from WWU Münster and partner institutions.

### Digital Presence
The cluster maintains a bilingual website (German and English) and an active Twitter account (@religionpolitik), launched in December 2019. These platforms facilitate public engagement, disseminate research findings, and foster dialogue with policymakers, media, and the general public. The NFDI4Culture ID E1893 further highlights its integration into national digital research infrastructure.

### Institutional Relationships
- **Parent Organization**: University of Münster (WWU), a leading German research university.
- **Sponsor**: German Research Foundation (DFG), the primary public funder of academic research in Germany.
- **Collaborations**: Partners with international universities and research centers to address global challenges related to religion and politics.

### Classification and Identification
The cluster is formally classified as both a “research institute” and a “Cluster of Excellence” under the DFG’s framework. It is linked to the Wikidata entry Q74883331 and described as an “interdisciplinary research institution” in official sources. Its gepris project ID (390726036) and NFDI4Culture ID (E1893) reflect its integration into German and European research networks.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.uni-muenster.de/Religion-und-Politik/forschung/kurzprofil.html)
2. [Source](https://www.uni-muenster.de/Religion-und-Politik/)
3. [Source](https://www.uni-muenster.de/forschung/profil/schwerpunkt/religionundpolitik.html)
4. [Source](https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/390726036)
5. [Source](https://twitter.com/religionpolitik)