Five researchers have gathered around a table and are discussing a redox flow battery.

Excellence Strategy

How the University of Jena strengthens its cutting-edge research

Five researchers have gathered around a table and are discussing a redox flow battery.

Image: Anna Schroll (Universität Jena)

Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas "Light. Life. Liberty.", which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments.

With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, the University defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation. It attracts scholars, scientists, and students of all disciplines from around the world. Together with its local and international partners, the University of Jena has achieved research excellence in its key profile research areas. In this respect, the University’s Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse" (funded since 2019) represents a hallmark project.

Information

The Excellence Strategy adopted by the federal and state governments in 2016 promotes cutting-edge research at German universities. The aim is to sustainably strengthen Germany's position as a centre of science in international competition. The funding initiative is not only intended to enable top scientific results, but also to sharpen the profiles of the participating universities and provide impetus for cooperation in the science system.

There are two funding lines – the Clusters of Excellence, executed by the German Research Foundation (DFG), and the Universities of Excellence, executed by the German Council of Science and Humanities (WR).

More on the Excellence StrategyExternal link

Excellence at the University of Jena

The University of Jena is participating in the current Excellence Strategy call with two projects. The existing Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse" is applying for further funding. In addition, one of three new draft proposals was selected by an international panel of experts for the final round of the competition. In May 2025, it will be announced which Clusters of Excellence will receive new or further funding.

Image: Anna Schroll

Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse" The cluster is dedicated to microorganisms and has set itself the goal of researching the dynamic balances of microbial communities from the molecular level to complex ecosystems.

Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Kirsten Küsel
Image: Anna Schroll

Cluster Initiative "Imaginamics" The humanities and social sciences project "Imaginamics: Practices and Dynamics of Social Imagining" aims to contribute to a better understanding of social conflicts and debates.

Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Johannes Grave
Co-Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Christina Brandt
Co-Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Joachim von Puttkamer

Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

University of Excellence
If both Cluster of Excellence proposals are successful, the next step will be for the Friedrich Schiller University to apply to become a University of Excellence.

News

10 April 2025
- Liberty
- Research
How do societies develop common images?
Research Training Group for the study of social imagining starts at the University of Jena
Image: Nicole Nerger/Universität Jena
25 March 2025
- Life
- Knowledge Transfer and Innovation
- Research
Tipping points in the microcosmos
The latest issue of the research magazine LICHTGEDANKEN is dedicated to microorganisms and their influence on global processes
Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
2 February 2024
- Liberty
- Research
University of Jena in the final round of the Excellence Competition
One new University research project selected
Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

All short news

Researching Together

The University of Jena nurtures a distinctive culture of collaboration that drives discoveries vital to our society, our health, and our cultural heritage. No other German city has more research institutions relative to its population than Jena (Städteranking 2023, IW Consult). From Leibniz Prize winner to undergraduate, all members of the University of Jena's community are engaged in the creation of knowledge.

Shaping Transformation

The University of Jena connects researchers, teachers, and students with the common goal of shaping a thriving society. Members of the University community are agents of change and committed to finding new pathways to a healthier and sustainable future. In doing so, they are guided by shared values.

Image: Jürgen Scheere (University of Jena)
Mission Statement What does the University of Jena stand for?
Image: Rawpixel, istock
Information portal ‘fair.miteinander’ How the University of Jena promotes equality and diversity
Image: Jürgen Scheere (University of Jena)
Third Mission How the University helps shape society through knowledge
Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
Sustainability Sustainable development at the University of Jena
Image: Alex Knight
Digitaliziation as a recipe for success The University of Jena on its way to digital leadership
Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
International The University of Jena as part of a global network

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Educating and Qualifying People

The University of Jena is devoted to excellence in teaching and research. Faculty, young researchers, and students are engaged in groundbreaking and interdisciplinary scholarship. With its Graduate Academy, the University of Jena plays a pioneering role in the promotion and support of early career researchers nationwide.

Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)

Studying and Teaching Diverse study opportunities, dedicated lecturers, early support for gifted students and innovative ideas
Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

Early Career Researchers From studying to professorship – top-notch support at all academic career stages

Reflecting on Achievements

Continuously reassessing its international positioning, deriving impulses from data collection, and making success visible – this is how the University of Jena drives its strategic development forward. Its academic community as well as the city of Jena motivate the University to perform at the highest level.