Plane Wreck: Ikarus Aircraft Meeting unfortunate fate in accident

The University of Konstanz is currently swimming in a storm of confusion after losing its elite university status, and the swarm researchers are the unwitting catalysts. A conversation with university representatives feels more like a disaster movie script than an academic discussion. The shock, horror, and devastation are palpable, but there's no tragic death – merely the loss of a prestigious title that can't be bought back: from 2027, the university will no longer be recognized as an Excellence University, a badge it's worn proudly since 2007. It's managed to fend off competitors like Tübingen and Freiburg up until now.

The slide down academic rankings

The reasons behind this ignominious fall are, as is typically the case in such academic circles, complex. To remain on the elite podium, a university needs to impress two clusters (research consortia). In Konstanz, only the cluster "Politics of Inequality" succeeded, focusing on social inequality. Meanwhile, the cluster focusing on collective behavioral forms, like those exhibited by animals in large groups, couldn't seal the deal. This group, currently boasting 10,150 students, researches animal swarms and human responses to danger based on animal flight instincts. The cluster had gained attention recently due to its public-facing work, potentially with the novel "The Swarm" by Frank Schätzing playing a role in its popularity.

Joy for top research: Several southwest universities have managed to impress in the nationwide competition for millions in funding for special projects. Who's made the cut?** The spokesperson for this active group of scientists is the Scot Iain Couzin. The university was particularly proud of him, as he was one of the brightest minds on campus. Professor Couzin is highly regarded in the academic world, ranked among the most cited experts in his field globally. Just a few days ago, he was elected to the Royal Society – shortly afterwards, his cluster plummeted from grace.

The disappointment amongst this research group (ornithologists, behavioral scientists, computer scientists) is enormous. Icarus, the beacon of hope, has fallen. A source within the university suspects that the evaluation panel saw little future in this cluster and, thus, denied it excellence. There's been a significant investment in this research, with a specialized building constructed for the swarm researchers. The "Image Hangar", a windowless tower, provides a unique European environment for conducting experiments with animals or robots. "This is unique in Europe," says Dirk Leuffen, the pro-rector for research, remains hopeful despite the disappointment: "We remain an excellent university even without the title." Nevertheless, the reality is stark: The lost competition means not only a tarnished reputation but also financial implications. Annual funding of €18 million would have been secured had the cluster been recognized, but now that money is nowhere to be found. Young talents will depart, while careers will be determined elsewhere. However, Iain Couzin will stay, Leuffen is convinced: "He knows what he has in us."

In the wake of losing its elite university status, the University of Konstanz is grappling with a shift in focus from research areas like health and wellness, education and self-development, and neurological disorders to those centering on social inequality.
The disappointment among the swarm researchers, a multidisciplinary group of ornithologists, behavioral scientists, and computer scientists, is profound, as they had previously received recognition for their innovative research into animal swarms and human responses to danger.
The loss of excellence status not only tarnishes the university's reputation but also jeopardizes its finances, as annual funding of €18 million would have been secured had the swarm research cluster been recognized.
Despite the setback, the university's pro-rector for research, Dirk Leuffen, remains optimistic, affirming that the institution will continue to thrive without the title, and expressing confidence that star researcher Iain Couzin will remain committed to the university.