Research Projects

Clusters of Excellence

EXC 2051: Balance of the Microverse (2019-2032, 2nd funding period)External link

EXC 3078: Imaginamics: Practices and Dynamics of Social Imagining (2026-2032)

DFG Collaborative Research Centres funded in the last five years 

CRC/TR 294: Structural Change of PropertyExternal link (2021-2029, 2nd funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Silke van Dyk de

CRC 1375 NOA: Nonlinear Optics down to Atomic Scales (2019-2027, 2nd funding period) 
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Stefanie Gräfe

CRC/TR 234 CataLIGHT: Light-driven Molecular Catalysts in Hierarchically Structured Materials – Synthesis and Mechanistic Studies (2018-2026, 2nd funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Sven RauExternal link (Ulm University)
Co-Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Felix Schacher

CRC 1278 Polymer-based nanoparticle libraries for targeted anti-inflammatory strategies(2017-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert

CRC 1127 ChemBioSys: Chemical Mediators in Complex BiosystemsExternal link (2014-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Christian HertweckExternal link

CRC 1076 AquaDiva: Understanding the Links Between Surface and Subsurface Biogeosphere (2013-2025)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Kirsten Küsel

CRC/TR 124 FungiNet: Pathogenic fungi and their human host: Networks of interactionExternal link(2013-2025)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Axel Brakhage

Participations in DFG Collaborative Research Centres

CRC 1507 Protein Assemblies and Machineries in Cell MembranesExternal link (2022-2026, 1st funding period)
University of Jena collaborateur: Prof. Dr. Ute HellmichExternal link

CRC 1456 Mathematics of Experiment: The challenge of indirect measurements in the natural sciencesExternal link (2021-2025)
University of Jena collaborateur: Prof. Dr. Michael HabeckExternal link

CRC/TRR 306 Quantum Cooperativity of Light and Matter – QuCoLiMaExternal link (2021-2025)
University of Jena collaborateur: Prof. Dr. Ralf Röhlsberger

CRC 1412 Situational and functional aspects of linguistic knowledgeExternal link(2020-2028, 2nd funding period)
University of Jena collaborateur: Prof. Dr. Melanie Weirich de

CRC/TRR 212 A Novel Synthesis of Individualisation across Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution: Niche Choice, Niche Conformance, Niche ConstructionExternal link  (2018-2026, 2nd funding period)
University of Jena collaborateur: Prof. Dr. Holger Schielzeth

CRC 1288 Practices of comparisons: Ordering and changing the worldExternal link (2017-2025)
University of Jena collaborateur: Prof. Dr. Johannes GraveExternal link

Completed DFG Collaborative Research Centres 

Please find here the completed DFG Collaborative Research Centres of the University of Jena

 DFG Research Training Groups funded in the last five years 

RTG 3136 Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of Infectious Diseases -NEURINFECTExternal link (2026-2030, 1st funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Christian GeisExternal link

RTG 3040 COIN - Copolymer Informatics: Blending digital technologies and copolymer chemistry - from design to application (2025-2029, 1st funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert
Co-Spokesperson: Prof. Holger RuckdäschelExternal link (Uni Bayreuth)

RTG 3014 Phlnt - Photo-polarizable interfaces and membranes (2024-2028, 1st funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Indra SchröderExternal link

RTG 2792 Autonomy of Heteronomous Texts in Antiqity and the Middle AgesExternal link (2023-2027, 1st funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Katharina Bracht de
Co-Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Matthias PerkamsExternal link

RTG 2723 M-M-M: Materials-Microbe-Microenvironment: Antimicrobial biomaterials with tailored structures and properties (2023-2027, 1st funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Klaus Jandt de
Co-Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Bettina LöfflerExternal link

IRTG 2675 META-ACTIVE: Tailored metasurfaces – generating, programming  and detecting light(2022-2026, 1st funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Isabelle Staude

RTG 2522 Strong Dynamics & Criticality in Quantum and Gravitational SystemsExternal link (2019-2024)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Holger Gies

IRTG 2324 TreeDì – Tree Diversity Interactions: The role of tree-tree interactions in local neighbourhoods in Chinese subtropical forests (External link2018-2027, 2nd funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Helge BruelheideExternal link
Friedrich Schiller University is one of the applicant universities.

IRTG 2309 TransTiP: Geo-ecosystems in transition on the Tibetan PlateauExternal link (2018-2022)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Antje SchwalbExternal link (TU Braunschweig)
Friedrich Schiller University is one of the applicant universities.

RTG 2155 ProMoAge: Protein modifications—key mechanisms of agingExternal link(2016-2025)
Spokesperson MLU Halle: Prof. Dr. Andreas SimmExternal link 
Deputy Spokesperson University of Jena: Prof. Dr. Regine HellerExternal link

RTG 2041 Modell "Romantik". Variation-Reichweite-Aktualität de(2015-2024)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Stefan Matuschek de

RTG 1715: Molecular Signatures of Adpative Stress Responses (2012–2021)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Thorsten Heinzel

Completet DFG Reserach Training Groups

completed DFG Research Training Groups

please find here more informations on structured doctoral programmes at the University 

DFG Research Units funded in the last five years 

RU 5872 Chaperone-mediated regulation of the emergence of disease-causing amyloids inside biomolecular condensates (2025-2029, 1st funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Janine Kirstein

RU 5547 Deciphering the role of primary ciliary dynamics in tissue organization and functionExternal link (2023-2027, 1st funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Jay GopalakrishnanExternal link

RU 5301 FuncHeal – The next generation of artificial self-healing materials (2022-2026. 1st funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. SchubertExternal link

RU 5151 Quantifying Liver Perfusion-Funtction Relationship in Complex Resection – A Systems Medicine Approach (QuaLiPerF)External link (2020-2028, 2nd funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Uta DahmenExternal link

RU 5000 Biotic interactions, community assembly, and eco-evolutionary dynamics as drivers of long-term biodiversity-ecosystems functioning relationshipsExternal link (2019-2027, 2nd funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Nico EisenhauerExternal link (German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig)

RU 3004 SYNABS – Synaptic pathology in autoimmunie encephalitiesExternal link (2019-2027, 2nd funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Christian GeisExternal link

RU 2783 Probing the Quantum Vacuum at the High-Intensity FrontierExternal link (2019-2027, 2nd funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Holger GiesExternal link

RU 2518 Functional dynamics of ion channels and transporters (DynIon)External link(2017-2025)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Klaus BenndorfExternal link

RU 2285 Debris Disks in Planetary SystemsExternal link (2015-2025)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Alexander V. KrivovExternal link

RU 2179 MAD Soil – Microaggregates: Formation and Turnover of the Structural Building Blocks of Soil (2015-2023)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Kai Uwe Totsche

Colleague Research Group RU 1642 Land Acquisition, Acceleration, Activation. Dynamics and (de-)stabilisation of modern growth societiesExternal link (2011–2021)
Spokespersons: Prof. Dr. Klaus Dörre,  Prof. Dr Hartmut Rosa de

Completed DFG Research Units

completed DFG Research Units

DFG Priority Programmes funded in the last five years 

PP 2491 Interactive Switching of Spin States (2025-2028, 1st funding period)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Birgit Weber

PP 2240:  Bioelectrochemical and engineering fundamentals to establish electro-biotechnolgy for biosynthesis – Power to value-added products - eBiotech (2021-2027, 2nd funding period)External link
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Miriam Agler-RosenbaumExternal link (FSU Jena & Leibniz HKI)

PP 2248 Polymer-based Batteries (2020-2026, 2nd funding period
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert

Completed DFG Priority Programmes

Completed DFG Priority Programmes

Chemoproteomic strategies for probing outer membrane vesicles and their role in gut microbial interactionsExternal link (since 2023)
Applicant: Dr. Markus LakemeyerExternal link

Chemical Coevolution of Animals and PlantsExternal link (since 2020)
Applicant: Dr. Omer NevoExternal link

Imaging electronic structure changes in molecules using tailored laser fieldsExternal link (since 2020)
Applicant: Dr. Matthias Kübel-Schwarz de

Building quantum space-time: spin foams and the renormalization groupExternal link (since 2019)
Applicant: Dr. Sebastian Steinhaus

Neuprogrammierte SeideExternal link(since 2023)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Philipp Seib de, Institute of Pharmacy

Schritt für Schritt zum Ursprung des Lebens. Bildung komplexer organischer und präbiotischer Moleküle im WeltraumExternal link (since 2023)
Applicant: Dr. Alexey Potapov de, Institute for Geosciences

Gentransfer für globale Herausforderungen – Untersuchung von Polymer-Membran-Wechselwirkungen zur Effizienzsteigerung von neuartigen PolymerenExternal link (since 2023)
Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Anja Träger, Institute of Pharmacy

Anwendungen der Analytischen Ultrazentrifuge für die Nanotechnologien des 21. JahrhundertsExternal link(since 2023)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Ivo Nischang, Institute of Organic Chemistry and   Macromolecular Chemistry

Politiken der Gleichheit – Eine Ethnografie zur Gleichstellungspraxis im Feld der WissenschaftExternal link (since 2022)
Applicant: PD Dr. Victoria Hegner, Institute of Art and Cultural Studies

Phonetische Variabilität im sozialen KontextExternal link (since 2021)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Melanie Weirich de, Institute for German Linguistics

Starke Wechselwirkungen jenseits des Standardmodells: Confinement und Gauge-Gravity Dualitäten auf dem GitterExternal link(since 2020)
Applicant: PD Dr. Georg Bergner, Institute for Theoretical Physics

Kontrolle von transversale Modenwechselwirkung in hoch-Leistung FaserlasersystemeExternal link (since 2019)
Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Cesar Jauregui Misas, Institute of Applied Physics

Sprachkontakt, Sprachgeschichte und Arealtypologie im Kaukasus und angrenzenden GebietenExternal link (since 2019)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Diana Forker de, Institute of Slavic and Caucasian Studies

Folgen strukturell definierter DNA-Läsionen in Humanzellen: Reparatur und Bedeutung für die GentranskriptionExternal link (2019-2021)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Andriy Khobta de,  Institute of Nutritional Sciences

Nichtreduktive Lie-Algebren, ihre symmetrische Invarianten und Beziehungen mit der DarstellungstheorieExternal link (2018-2021)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Oksana Yakimova, Institute of Mathematics

Die holographische Dualität - Grundlagen und AnwendungenExternal link (2018-2020)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Martin Ammon, Institute for Theoretical Physics

Germanistische MediävistikExternal link (2018-2020)
Applicant: PD Dr. Wolfgang Beck de, Institute of German Literature

Vergleichende Untersuchungen von neuronalen Integrationsprozessen entlang der Hörbahn in einfachen SystemenExternal link (2017-2024)
Applicant:Prof. Dr. Manuela Nowotny, Institute for Zoology and Evolutionary Research

Affektive Entwicklung: Erleben und Kommunikation. Quer- und längsschnittliche Untersuchungen im Altersbereich von der Jugend bis ins hohe AlterExternal link (2015-2017)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Michaela Riediger, Institute of Psychology

Vergleichende Geschichte Gesamteuropas und Nordamerikas in der ModerneExternal link (2015-2017)
Applicant:Prof. Dr. Carola DietzeExternal link, Institute of History

Topologische, geometrische und probabilistische Aspekte Dynamischer SystemeExternal link (2014-2018)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Tobias Henrik Oertel-JägerExternal link, Institute of Mathematics

Ur- und FrühgeschichteExternal link (2013-2021)
Applicant: PD Dr. Tobias Mühlenbruch,  Institute of Near Eastern Studies, Indo-European Studies and the Archaeology of Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages

Ultrathin free-standing carbon heterostructuresExternal link (2012-2014)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Andrey Turchanin, Institute of Physical Chemistry

Der Einfluss vergangener Erfahrungen auf menschliche Wahrnehmung: elektrophysiologische, neuroimaging und Verhaltensexperimente. Thema- PsychologieExternal link(2011-2018)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Gyula Kovács, Institute of Psychology

SprachwissenschaftenExternal link (2011-2013)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Martin Joachim Kümmel, Institute of Near Eastern Studies, Indo-European Studies and the Archaeology of Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages

Konsequenzen des Artensterbens in komplexen NahrungsnetzenExternal link (2009-2016)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Brose de, Institute of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution

Semitische PhilologieExternal link(2009-2011)
Applicant: PD Dr. Peter Stein de, Faculty of Theology

Theoretische PhysikExternal link (2007-2015)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Holger Gies, Institute for Theoretical Physics

GenetikExternal link (2007-2010)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Berit Jungnickel, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics

PhilosophieExternal link (2007-2009)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Matthias Perkams de, Institute of Philosophy 

Extremale geometrische Lagerungsprobleme und approximationstheoretische AnwendungenExternal link (2004-2010)
Applicant: PD Dr. Christian Richter de, Institute of Mathematics

Function spaces on fractals, and envelopesExternal link(2003-2010)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Dorothee Haroske, Institute of Mathematics

BodenwissenschaftenExternal link (1999-2006)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Kai Uwe Totsche, Institute for Geosciences

Physikalische Chemie von PolymerenExternal link (1999-2003)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry

BiophysikExternal link (1998-2003)
Applicant: Prof. Dr. Stefan Schuster, Matthias Schleiden Institute

MolekularbiologieExternal link (1997-2002)
Applicant: PD Dr. Sabine Brantl, Matthias Schleiden Institute

Current funding opportunities from federal ministries (selection):

Clusters4Future
With the "Zukunftscluster-Initiative"External link, the BMFTR is supporting research-strong regions throughout Germany under the motto "Clusters4Future" with new and courageous approaches in the field of knowledge and technology transfer. 

Thuringian Water Innovation Cluster (ThWIC) (2021-2026)
Speaker FSU: Prof. Dr. Michael Stelter, Institute for Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry

Funding initiative "Innovative University"
The “Innovative University” funding initiativeExternal link focuses on the third mission – “transfer and innovation” – alongside research and teaching, and is aimed in particular at small and medium-sized universities as well as universities of applied sciences.

Nucleus Jena (BMFTR-Innovative Hochschule)External link (in german only) (2018-2027)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Oliver Pänke, Service Center Research and Transfer

Funding initiative "Research Campus – Public-Private Partnership for Innovation"
In August 2011, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMFTR) launched the “Research Campus”External link (in german only) funding initiative, thereby supporting long-term approaches to collaboration between academia and industry. The aim is to pave the way for cutting-edge research to rapidly give rise to innovative products and business ideas

Research Campus InfectoGnosticsExternal link(2015-2025)
Speaker FSU: Prof. Jürgen Popp, Institute of Physical Chemistry 

Twenty20 - Partnerships for Innovation
Since 1999, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research has been promoting innovation in the new federal states through regional networks. The “Unternehmen Region” initiative has forged many strong partnerships with a high level of expertise. Since 2012, “Twenty20”External link (in german only) has been connecting these stakeholders across regions and fostering open collaboration.

3DsensationExternal link(2015-2018)
Speaker FSU: Prof. Dr. Andreas Tünnermann, Abbe Center of Photonics

InfectControl2020External link(2015-2018)
Speaker FSU: Prof. Dr. Klaus JandtExternal link, Otto Schott Institute for Materials Research

Centres for Innovation Competences
The “Centres of Innovation Competence”External link (german only) is a funding programme run by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) that aims to strengthen outstanding research initiatives at universities and research institutions and systematically develop them into centres of excellence. 

SEPTOMICSExternal link(2016-2021)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Slavena VylkovaExternal link, Jena School for Microbial Communication

astrOOptics (2016-2020)
Speaker FSU: Prof. Dr. Andreas Tünnermann, Abbe Center of Photonics

Opticon (2017-2020)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Roland Ackermann, Institute of Applied Physics

Käte Hamburger International Centres
Since 2007, ten Käte Hamburger CollegesExternal link (german only) have been established at German universities with the support of the BMBF. During their 12-year funding period, they carried out interdisciplinary research on a wide range of topics, including religion, the philosophy of media, theatre and legal cultures, work and the environment.

Imre Kertész Kolleg JenaExternal link

Quantum Systems Research Programme
Photonics and quantum technologies hold great potential for the economy, science and society. The "Quantum Systems" funding programmeExternal link aims to foster innovation in both fields in order to address societal challenges such as those in medicine, climate protection and digitalisation.

PhoQuantExternal link (german only) (2022-2026)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Frank Setzpfandt, Institute of Applied Physics

QuantIm4LifeExternal link (german only) (2018-2024)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Frank Setzpfandt, Institute of Applied Physics

QOMPLEXExternal link (german only) (2021-2024)
Speaker FSU: Prof. Dr. Andreas Tünnermann, Abbe Center of Photonics

RUBIN – Regional Business Alliances for Innovation
The "RUBIN" programme initiativeExternal link (german only) enhances strategic cooperation between businesses, as well as with universities and research institutions. Regional business alliances are intended to develop innovations with high application potential.

UKPino(2021-2022)
Speaker FSU: Prof. Dr. Stefan Nolte, Abbe Center of Photonics

WIR! – Transformation through Innovation in the Region
The "WIR! – Transformation through Innovation in the Region"External link programme initiative provides the impetus for new regional partnerships and sustainable, innovation-driven structural change in all structurally weak regions of Germany.

WeCaRe de (german only) (2021-2028)
Speaker FSU:  Prof. Dr. Orlando Guntinas LichiusExternal link (University Hospital Otorhinolaryngology) ; Prof. Dr. Sebastian Henn de (Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences)

Small Disciplines - strong together
The funding guideline "Small Disciplines – strong together”External link aims to promote and network young researchers. In the selected projects, interdisciplinary research groups work on a topic of their own choice under the direction of the minor subjects. This is also intended to contribute to the structural strengthening of the minor subject.

ReDiCo de (german only) (2020-2025)
Speaker FSU: apl. Prof. Dr. Fergal Lenehan de , Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Junior research groups

HyQuSens - Quantum and hybrid light for sensingExternal link(2026-2031)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Vira Besaga, Abbe Center of Photonics

PicPhotMat - Strukturierte Materialien für picophotonisches analoges Computing (2026-2031)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Elena GoiExternal link, Abbe Center of Photonics

SINATRA: Py-Pho-Hybrid-Energy - Pyroelectric Enhanced Photocatalytic Hybrid-Energy-MembranesExternal link(2024-2030)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Sebastian EngelExternal link, Institute for Technical and Environmental Chemistry

SINATRA: SolSTEP - Zwei-Schritt Photokatalysatoren für die integrierte Produktion von solaren Energieträgern de (german only) (2024-2029)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Jacob Schneidewind , Jena Center for Soft Matter

flumen - Mentalitäten im Fluss (2019-2025)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Martin FritzExternal link, Institute of Sociology

NuCo - Nutritional Concepts de (german only) (2017-2024)
Speaker FSU: Dr. Christine Dawczynski de, Junior research group Nutritional Concepts 

ERC Starting Grants

MultiBonds - Understanding and designing inorganic materials properties based on two- and multicenter bondsExternal link (2025-2029)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Janine George, Institute of Condensed Matter Theory and Optics

CILCat - Nanocarbon-Ionic Liquid-Interfaces for Catalytic Activation of NitrogenExternal link (2022-2027)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Martin Oschatz, Institute for Technical and Environmental Chemistry

DAFNE - Discretization and adaptive approximation of fully nonlinear equationsExternal link (2021-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Dietmar GallistlExternal link, Institute of Mathematics

GlobalLIT - Global Literary TheroryExternal link
(2018 - 2024)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Diana Forker, Institute of Slavic and Caucasian Studies

PyraSig - Pyrazine Signalling in Commensal and Pathogenic BacteriaExternal link (2018-2023)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Kai PapenfortExternal link, Institute of Microbiology

BinGraSp - Modeling the Gravitational Spectrum of Neutron Star BinariesExternal link (2017-2022)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Sebastiano BernuzziExternal link, Institute for Theoretical Physics

PECS - Powerful and Efficient EUV Coherent Light SourcesExternal link (2009-2013)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Jens Limpert, Institute of Applied Physics

 

ERC Consolidator Grants

ORGANise-T - Dissecting the body-wide spatio-temporal organisation of human resident T helper cellsExternal link
(2025-2030)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Christina ZielinskiExternal link, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI)

TOUCHNET - Touch-induced brain network signatures for social processing and stress reductionExternal link (2025-2030)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Ilona Croy, Department of Clinical Psychology

STAIN-IT - Non-invasive computational immunohistochemical staining based on deep learning and multimodal imagingExternal link
(2023-2028)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Thomas BocklitzExternal link, Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology

ArtRNA - Artificial RNA regulators to probe, control, and design gene regulatory networks in bacteriaExternal link (2023-2028)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Kai PapenfortExternal link, Institute of Microbiology

APATHES - Assessing Philosophical Authors and Texts from Herculaneum and elsewhere on Early Stoicism: Insights into ancient logic, physics, and ethics towards a new von ArnimExternal link (2023-2028)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Christian Vassallo, ERC grantee has left Friedrich Schiller University Jena, taking their grant or sub-project with them.

InspiReM - Modeling binary neutron star from inspirals to remnants and their multimessenger emissionsExternal link (2023-2028)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Sebastiano BernuzziExternal link, Institute for Theoretical Physics

DiversiPHI - Predicting the evolution of complex phage-host interactionsExternal link (2021-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Bas Dutilh,External link Institute of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution

e-MICROBe - Energizing microbes with redox mediators for new bioproductionsExternal link
(2020-2025)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Miriam Agler-RosenbaumExternal link, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI)

SEED - Solvated Ions in Solid Electrodes: Alternative routes toward rechargeable batteries based on abundant elementsExternal link (2020-2025)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Philipp Adelhelm, ERC grantee has left Friedrich Schiller University Jena, taking their grant or sub-project with them.

QUEM-CHEM - Time- and space- resolved ultrafast dynamics in molecular-plasmonic hybrid systemsExternal link (2018-2023)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Stefanie Gräfe, Institute of Physical Chemistry

UTOPES - Unifying concepts in the topological design of non-crystalline materialsExternal link (2016-2022)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Lothar Wondraczek, Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research

ACOPS - Advanced Coherent Ultrafast Laser Pulse StackingExternal link (2014-2019)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Jens Limpert, Institute of Applied Physics

ERC Advanced Grants

BindingShadows - Repository-wide screening for bioactivity and protein binding using small molecule mass spectrometry dataExternal link (2026 - 2031)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Sebastian BöckerExternal link, Chair of Bioinformatics

AnoxyGen - Harnessing Specialized Metabolism from AnaerobesExternal link (2025-2029)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Christian HertweckExternal link; Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI)

HITHOR - Highly Ionized Trapped 229-Thorium: A New Paradigm Towards a Nuclear ClockExternal link (2024-2029)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Thomas StöhlkerExternal link; GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH

FutureBAT - Future storage systems for the energy transition: Polymer-based redox-flow batteriesExternal link (2023-2028)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert, Institute for Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry

AMP-Alarm - Diadenosine Polyphosphate Alarmones as Drivers for Protein AMPylationExternal link (2021-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Andreas Marx, President of the University of Jena; the ERC project is coordinated at the University of Konstanz.

SALT - High-Flux Synchrotron Alternatives Driven by Powerful Long-Wavelength Fiber LasersExternal link (2019-2024)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Jens Limpert, Abbe Center of Photonics

MIMAS - Multi-dimensional interferometric amplification of ultrashort laser pulsesExternal link (2015-2020)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Andreas Tünnermann, Abbe Center of Photonics

ERC Synergy Grant

ATHENS - Active Hybrid Photonic Integrated Circuits for Ultra-Efficient Electro-Optic Conversionand Signal Processing (2025-2031)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Carsten Ronning, Group "Physics of nano-scale solids"

USMILE - Understanding and Modelling the Earth System with Machine LearningExternal link (2020-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Markus ReichsteinExternal link, Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry
Project Participation: Prof. Dr. Joachim DenzlerExternal link, Institute of Computer Science

HistoGenes - Integrating genetic, archaeological and historical perspectives on Eastern Central Europe, 400-900 CEExternal link (2020-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Johannes KrauseExternal link , Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

ERC Proof-of-Concept Grant

enjulii - Entropic rejuvenation of thin glass products by liquid metal immersionExternal link (2021-2022)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Lothar Wondraczek, Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research

MSCA-DN

HARPNET – Harnessing Resolution Pharmacology for Next-Generation Therapeutics (2026-2030)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Oliver Werz de; Chair of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry

MetaTune - Reconfigurability using inversely designed metasurfacesExternal link(2026-2030)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Isabelle Staude; Abbe Center of Photonics

TESTAMENT - Testamentary practices in the periphery of the ius commune tradition: freedom and oppression (c. 1420-1620)External link (2026-2030)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Adrian Schmidt-Recla de; Faculty of Law

PhotoBrane - Photo-switchable ultra-thin membranes for molecular separationExternal link (2025-2028)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Benjamin Dietzek-Ivansic; Institute of Physical Chemistry 

SCALA - Spatial Communication and Ageing across LAnguagesExternal link (2024-2028)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Holger Diessel; Professorship of English Linguistics 

VoCS - Voice Communication SciencesExternal link(2024-2028)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Stefan Schweinberger; Institute of Psychology

ZooCELL - Tracing the evolution of sensory cell types in animal diversity: multidisciplinary training in 3D cellular reconstruction, multimodal data analysis and science outreachExternal link. (2024-2027)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Andreas Hejnol; Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research 

TACsy - Training Alliance for Computational Systems chemistryExternal link (2023-2027)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Peter DittrichExternal link; Insitute of Computer Sciences

HUMAN - Harmonising and Unifying Blood Metabolomic Analysis NetworksExternal link (2023-2027)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Sebastian BöckerExternal link; Insitute of Computer Sciences

ENERCAP - European Network to Empower Research on CAPacitorsExternal link(2023-2027)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Andrea Balducci; Institute for Technical and Environmental Chemistry

MSCA-SE

WE4STEM - Women Entrepreneurs for STEMExternal link (2024-2028)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Käthe Schneider; Chair for Adult Education

MSCA-PF

SPLINTER-PAHOTURI - Sociolinguistic Patterns and multi-Lingual INTERactions on the PAHOTURI riverExternal link(2026-2029)
Spokesperson: Dr. Adam Tallman / Prof. Dr. Volker GastExterner LinkExternal link; Institut für Anglistik/Amerikanistik

LiverAid - Perfusable 3D-Bioprinted Human Liver-on-a-Chip with Silk–dECM Bioink for BiopharmaceuticsExternal link(2026-2028)
Spokesperson: Dr. Amir Hashemi / Prof. Dr. Philipp SeibExterner LinkExternal link; Institut für Pharmazie

CtenoGerm - The evolutionary origin of β-catenin-dependent germ layer specificationExternal link (2026-2028)
Spokesperson: Dr. Tatiana Lebedeva / Prof. Dr. Andreas HejnolExternal link; Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung 

CARMESilk - Chemotherapy-induced Alopecia - Relief Managed by Engineered SilkExternal link(2025-2028)
Spokesperson: Dr. Francesca Agostinacchio / Prof. Dr. Philipp Seib de; Institut für Pharmazie

NeuroHost-IntAct - The role of neuropeptides in host-parasite interactions: From molecular signaling to behavioral responsesExternal link (2024-2024)
Spokesperson: Dr. Anika Wohlleben / Prof. Dr. Andreas HejnolExternal link; Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung 

coordinated MSCA-ITN

VIROINF - Understanding (harmful) virus-host interactions by linking virology and bioinformaticsExternal link (2020-2024)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Manja MarzExterner LinkExternal link, Institut für Informatik

POLYSTORAGE - European Training Network in innovative polymers for next-generation electrochemical energy storageExternal link (2019-2024)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert, de Institut für Organische Chemie und Makromolekulare Chemie

Global Challenges

Health

environMENTAL - Reducing the impact of major environmental challenges on mental healthExternal link
(2022-2027)
Spokesperson: PD Dr. Sören Hese de, Institut für Geographie

Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

INFINITY - Multidimensional knowledge-based annotation for ethical context-aware heritage data life cyclesExternal link
(2026-2029)
Spokesperson: Jun-Prof. Dr. Sander Münster, de PRO für Digital Humanities

META-MUSEUM - Moving Emotions towards confidence in the Transformative Appropriation for a Meaningful Understanding of cultural heritage: a neuroScientific approach to EUropean MuseumsExternal link
(2024-2027)
Spokesperson: Jun-Prof. Dr. Sander Münster,External link PRO für Digital Humanities

DIGICHer - Digitisation of cultural heritage of minority communities for equity and renewed engagementExternal link
(2024-2027)
Spokesperson: Jun-Prof. Dr. Sander Münster,External link PRO für Digital Humanities

Digital, Industry and Space

uCAIR - ULTRA-FAST CHEMICAL ANALYSIS IMAGING WITH RAMANExternal link
(2024-2027)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Joachim DenzlerExterner LinkExternal link, Lehrstuhl für Digitale Bildbearbeitung

MUSIC - Materials for Sustainable Sodium-Ion CapacitorsExternal link
(2023-2027)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Andrea Balducci de, Institut für Technische Chemie und Umweltchemie

INDUX-R - Transforming European Industrial Ecosystems through eXtended Reality enhanced with human-centric AI and secure, 5G-enabled IoTExternal link
(2024-2026)
Spokesperson: Jun-Prof. Dr. Sander Münster,External link PRO für Digital Humanities

GREENCAP - Graphene, MXene and ionic liquid-based sustainable supercapacitorExternal link
(2023-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Andrea BalducciExternal link, Institut für Technische Chemie und Umweltchemie

2DSPIN-TECH - 2D Heterostructure Non-volatile Spin Memory TechnologyExternal link
(2023-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Andrey Turchanin en, Institut für Physikalische Chemie

Climate, Energy and Mobility

SiGNE - Composite Silicon/Graphite Anodes with Ni-Rich Cathodes and Safe Ether based Electrolytes for High Capacity Li-ion BatteriesExternal link
(2022-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Andrea BalducciExternal link, Institut für Technische Chemie und Umweltchemie

European Innovation Council

EIC Pathfinder

SOLARUP - Advanced Strategies for Development of Sustainable Semiconductors for Scalable Solar Cell ApplicationsExternal link
(2022-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Silvana Botti de, Lehrstuhl für Theoretische Festkörperphysik

SMELLODI - Smart Electronic Olfaction for Body Odor DiagnosticsExternal link
(2022-2025)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Ilona Croy de, Institut für Psychologie

Carl Zeiss Foundation Center for Quantum Photonics Jena-Stuttgart-Ulm - CZS Center QPhotonExternal link
Directors:
Prof. Dr. Andreas TünnermannExternal link
Prof. Dr. Tilman Pfau (Uni Stuttgart)
Prof. Dr. Joachim Ankerhold (Uni Ulm)

AI Generalizability in Non-stationary Environmental Regimes: The Case of Hydro-climatic Extremes  (GENAI-X) en(2026-2031)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Alexander Brenning de, PRO für Geoinformatik

Synthetic therapeutic microbes for tailored antimicrobial therapies (SynThera)External link (2025 -2030)
Spokesperson: Prof. Papenfort de, PRO Allgemeine Mikrobiologie

nano@liver: Nanopartikelsysteme und innovative Makromoleküle zur selektiven Modulation des Mikromilieus der LeberExternal link(2025-2029)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Anja Träger,Externer Link de Jena Center for Soft Matter

Upgrading von Lignin für faire Rohstoffe (LignUp)External link(2024-2030)
Spokesperson: Prof. Oschatz de, Institut für Technische Chemie und Umweltchemie

Sensorisierte Chirurgie: Optisch geführte Präzisionschirurgie durch real-time KI-interpretiertes multimodales Imaging mit kontinuierlichem sensorischen FeedbackExterner LinkExternal link(2023-2029)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Orlando Guntinas-LichiusExternal link, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde

Interactive Inference (2022 - 2028)External link
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Joachim Giesen en, PRO Theoretische Informatik II

Identifizierung und Manipulation der physiologischen und psychologischen Uhren der Lebensspanne (IMPULS) (2021-2026) de
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Christoph EnglertExternal link, Institut für Biochemie und Biophysik

Intelligente Substrate: Schaltbare Grenzflächen auf Basis multiresponsiver HybridmaterialienExternal link (2020 -2025)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Lothar Wondraczek en, Abbe Center of Photonics

ADAM - Adaptive dynamische und biokompatible Mikrooptiken für Endoskopiesysteme mittels 5D-DruckExternal link(2026-2027)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Felix Schacher de, Jena Center for Soft Matter

Nano-Seismik – Geowissenschaftlich inspirierte, molekülspezifische 3D- Tiefenanalyse mit NanometerAuflösungExterner Link de(2024-2026)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Volker DeckertExternal link, Institut für Physikalische Chemie

INTACT - Erforschung einer intelligenten analytischen StomapumpeExternal link (2023-2024)
Spokesperson: Dr. Patrick Bräutigam, Institut für Technische Chemie und Umweltchemie

Quinone/carbon hybrid material architectures for energy efficient and sustainable electrochemical direct air capture of carbon dioxide (QuiCCoDAC)External link (2026-2030)
Spokesperson: Dr. Tilmann NeubertExterner Link, Institut für Technische Chemie und Umweltchemie

ReAlBatt - Design of carbon-derived electrode materials towards rechargeable Al-N2 batteriesExternal link(2024-2028)
Spokesperson: Dr. Desirée Leistenschneider-Link de, Institut für Technische Chemie und Umweltchemie

MetaNN - Metasurfaces for Diffractive Deep Neural NetworksExternal link (2024-2028)
Spokesperson: Dr. Sina SaraviExterner Link, Institut für Angewandte Physik

Navigating Anticipation Research to New Frontiers (2024-2028)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Rouwen Cañal Bruland de , Institut für Sportwissenschaften

Developing an e-lab for interfaces on demand - dandelion (2019-2025)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Silvana Botti de, Institut für Festkörpertheorie und Optik

ORIGINS-4D - Exploring the four-domain hypothesis: cultivating transitional forms to decipher the origin of life and eukaryote evolutionExternal link (2025-2030)
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Christian JoglerExternal link, Institut für Mikrobiologie

Information on projects funded by Thuringia from ERDF and ESF funds.