Research with impact—from Jena to the world

Friedrich Schiller University Jena has submitted its full proposal in the new round of the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. Under the title »Light. Life. Liberty.—Connecting People and Ideas«, it has formulated a comprehensive strategy for the future based on scientific excellence, social responsibility and a culture of dialogue.

Over the past decades, Jena has developed into a highly networked chub for science and innovation. The University forms the centre of a powerful ecosystem that connects Jena University Hospital (JUH), non-university research institutions, the University of Applied Sciences Jena, businesses and the urban community. With the application for excellence, the University is now taking the next step in further developing its role as a catalyst for innovation, education and social transformation—regionally rooted, globally networked and future-orientated.

»Especially in times of growing scepticism towards science, it is our our goal to highlight the importance of research and education«, says President Marx. »Science needs trust—and this trust is created through openness, responsibility and the courage to think innovatively together.«

On 25 November 2025, printed copies of the proposal will be handed over to the German Science and Humanities Council and the German Research Foundation (DFG), thus officially completing the submission process. The next step envisaged by the German Science and Humanities Council and the DFG is an evaluation process, which will involve an international panel of experts visiting Jena in the summer of 2026. During this visit, the University management, together with representatives of the University and partners from the city, the region and its international network, will present the jointly developed strategy for the future.