Excellence Strategy

How the University of Jena strengthens its cutting-edge research
A film about the excellent research, committed teaching and vibrant network of science, business and
Preview image: André Gräf (jenaparadies) · Video: University of 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 will be represented on the map of the German research landscape with two Clusters of Excellence in the future: As announced today (22 May) by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German Science and Humanities Council (WR), the "Balance of the Microverse" Cluster, which was established in 2019, and the new "Imaginamics" Cluster proposal will be funded over the next seven years in the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. The University of Jena has thus prevailed with its two full proposals in the final round of the competition. With two approved Clusters of Excellence, the University of Jena now fulfils the requirements for an application in the Universities of Excellence funding line and can apply for the title of "University of Excellence" in autumn 2025.

  • Excellence Cluster Balance of the Microverse Jena
    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
  • Researchers from the Cluster of Excellence initiative "Imaginamics" sit and stand around a table and work together on a flipchart.
    Image: Anna Schroll
    Cluster of Excellence "Imaginamics" The Cluster of Excellence "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
  • A flag with the slogan "Light. Life. Liberty" in front of the main university building
    Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
    University of Excellence

    With two successful Clusters of Excellence, the University of Jena can apply to become a University of Excellence and prove itself as a future-oriented and innovative center for top international research. Here you can find out everything about the University of Jena's application as a University of Excellence and how you can participate!

News

    • Light
    • Life
    • Liberty
    • Research
    Jena receives two Clusters of Excellence

    Friedrich Schiller University has been successful in the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments with its "Balance of the Microverse" and "Imaginamics" Clusters. It therefore fulfils the requirements for an application to become a University of Excellence.
    Flag with the profile lines ‘Light. Life. Liberty.’ in front of the main building of the University of Jena.
    Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
    • Liberty
    • Research
    How do societies develop common images?

    Research Training Group for the study of social imagining starts at the University of Jena
    The spokesperson of the Imaginamics Research Training Group Prof. Dr Johannes Grave (2nd from left) and the coordinator Dr Claudia Schroth (centre) with the new scholarship holders.
    Image: Nicole Nerger/Universität Jena
    • 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
    A person holds a petri dish with bacterial cultures (Staphylococcus aureus).
    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.

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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.

  • Three students are chatting on their way to the Ernst-Abbe-Platz campus.
    Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
    Studying and Teaching Diverse study opportunities, dedicated teaching staff, innovative ideas and early promotion of gifted students
  • Young researchers analyse a water sample in front of one of the water basins at the central sewage treatment plant in Jena-Zwätzen.
    Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
    Supporting early career researchers Excellent support for researchers at all academic career stages based on the principles of transparency, reliability and permeability

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.

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Office of the Vice-President for Research and Innovation

Universitätshauptgebäude, Room 1.23
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link