The Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) was established in 1962 and is one of Germany's leading public research universities. With over 43,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in Germany. Located in the heart of the Ruhr region, Germany's largest urban area, the RUB campus offers a unique blend of urban and suburban elements, with modern facilities surrounded by green spaces. The university is situated in close proximity to Kemnade Lake and the River Ruhr, which provide a picturesque backdrop to the campus. RUB offers a comprehensive range of academic programmes across 20 faculties, encompassing disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and medicine. The university is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching, with a strong focus on collaboration across different fields. The RUB is home to several renowned research centres, including the Centre for Religious Studies, the Ruhr Centre for Macroeconomics and the Research Department of Neuroscience.

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the RUB was placed in the 351-400 range worldwide. The university has also been successful in the German Excellence Initiative, a competition for top-level research funding, with two Clusters of Excellence awarded in 2019. Notable RUB alumni include German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who studied physics at the university in the 1970s. A unique feature of the RUB is its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. The university has implemented various measures to reduce its carbon footprint, such as using renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable transport. The RUB is also known for its vibrant student life, with over 100 student organisations and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities on campus.