In biology, chemistry, and physics Freie Universität was found to have high student mobility as well as a large number of academic publications. In addition, in biology the number of outstanding researchers and the Erasmus-Mundus master’s degree program were emphasized. The Erasmus-Mundus program in chemistry was also noteworthy. The European Research Council grants obtained by the faculty of the physics department were the decisive factor in determining the very good standing for physics. Overall, the universities were evaluated in eight criteria.

The president of Freie Universität, Prof. Dr. Peter-André Alt said that this very positive ranking documents the extraordinary substance of the basic scientific subjects. The clear strengths in these subjects are apparent not only in research, but also in education and the support of junior researchers.

The nonprofit Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE) is an independent organization committed to reform of the higher education system. Each year it creates the CHE university ranking of German universities and other higher education institutions abroad, aimed at new students. The CHE Excellence Ranking, a comparison of the best university research facilities in Europe, is intended for prospective graduate students.