University of Jena improves in several subjects in THE Subject Rankings 2026

Friedrich Schiller University Jena has improved its position in the latest subject rankings published by Times Higher Education (THE). The University climbed further up the global rankings in four subject areas, including physics and the social sciences and humanities. Overall, the University of Jena is represented in eight of the eleven subjects assessed. The life sciences and physics are particularly well positioned.

Significant ranking improvements in four disciplines

In physics, the University of Jena rose from the 176–200 ranking group to 151–175 (out of 1497). The social sciences also improved from 201–250 to 176–200 (out of 1202). In the humanities, the University also achieved a ranking of 176–200 (out of 817, previously 201–250). The field of medicine also made a significant leap forward, improving from 301–400 to 251–300 (out of 1230). In the life sciences, the University has maintained its ranking of 126–150 since 2023.

Compared to other German universities, three disciplines are in the top 15: social sciences at 10–13 (out of 36), life sciences at 11–13 (out of 34) and physics at 13–14 (out of 50).

International perception of research strength

»The results of the Subject Rankings show that the University of Jena has been able to further expand its research strength internationally—both in the natural sciences and in the social sciences and humanities,« says Prof. Dr Andreas Marx, President of Friedrich Schiller University Jena. »The upward trend in several disciplines, which reflects the strategic development of the University, is particularly encouraging,« Marx continues.

The THE Subject Rankings evaluate universities worldwide based on indicators such as research performance, citation strength, teaching, internationalisation and knowledge transfer. Several thousand universities from over 100 countries are taken into account.