Both want to deliver

He is focussed on the future of the University, she on organizing events and catering to bring people together—and both see daily, just how closely in Jena the city and University are intertwined. Andreas Marx and Dana Jacob-Verständig talk about what connects the city, University, and the surrounding area of Jena: short distances, joint projects and the University Summer Festival. A conversation about visions and responsibility, and what symbiosis between the University and the city really means.

How does a day start in which everything goes great?

Andreas Marx: With a wonderful cup of coffee. And a view over the rooftops of Jena.

Dana Jacob-Verständig: Funnily enough, my day doesn’t typically start with work, but with my children. Once everyone’s off to their respective schools, the day can really begin. Then I head out into Paradiespark. Sometimes the sun is just rising over the Saale—it looks absolutely beautiful. And that's the start to my day. It’s actually very relaxed.

Jena is known as a city of short distances. Which place could you find your way to with your eyes closed—and what do you associate with it?

Andreas Marx: Outside of work, I could certainly find my way to the Jenzig blindfolded. It's the highest mountain here in the Saale valley. From there, you have a spectacular view of the whole city, of Jena's skyline. It’s a unique place where many university philosophers have pondered. In Jena, hiking and contemplating the  world are surprisingly closely linked.

Dana Jacob-Verständig: I could find my way to Paradiespark with my eyes closed, because I spend so much time there. But actually, I'd be more likely to find the Fuchsturm and the Kernberge blindfolded. That’s where I love to go hiking.

When was the last time you felt that the city and the University were working together on something that neither could achieve on its own?

Andreas Marx: I experience this on my many walks with the Lord Mayor, working on projects that are certainly challenging. Our communication centre, the FORUM—a building right in the heart of Jena—would not be taking shape as it currently is without the joint efforts of the city and the University. It's going to be a spectacular building.

Dana Jacob-Verständig: The University Summer Festival comes to mind right away. It’s the event of the year in Jena—people from all over the city come together in the Botanical Garden: Students, university employees, partners from business, culture and the wider community. You meet acquaintances, strike up conversations and experience the University in a completely different light. A personal invitation from Schiller.

When did you feel that you had really delivered—and what is the most valuable package you've moved across the city today?

Andreas Marx: For me, the Excellence Strategy proposal that we have now submitted was a major milestone. Now it’s time to prepare for the evaluation. If successful, this is something that will shape not only the University, but also the city and the Free State of Thuringia.

Dana Jacob-Verständig: I certainly do make deliveries. But yesterday I bought loads of equipment. Among other things, a huge number of wine glasses, which I first had to take to our warehouse.

If Jena is selected as a University of Excellence—what are your hopes for the shared future of the city and the University?

Andreas Marx: I hope that we will continue to develop together, in a symbiosis that is truly unique in Germany. This works so well in Jena because academia and the city constantly intermingle  in everyday life. Not in meetings, but in the morning in a café, at the weekly market, at the gym or in the evening in Paradiespark. What I hope for is a sense of pride in what we have achieved here in Jena over the last few decades. And a strong statement of what the University stands for: openmindedness, freedom of thought and freedom of science.

Dana Jacob-Verständig: There are two things I would like to see. Firstly, that the University focuses strongly on innovative degree programmes. The topic of AI is truly valuable and forward-looking. I believe it will be a major part of our lives for decades to come. These are the degree programmes that will really be in demand. And secondly: I was a student in Jena myself and really enjoyed student club life. Unfortunately, that has fallen by the wayside. I would very much like to see that revived.

I am part of the university city of Jena because...

Andreas Marx: I am part of the university city of Jena because, as President, I believe the University and the city are inseparable. Every day, as I make my way through the city, I see just how closely academia, students and city life are intertwined—in cafés, on the tram, in the market square.

Dana Jacob-Verständig: I am part of the university city of Jena because... I actually bump into people from the University everywhere—in my café, during the day in the institutes that I supply and in the evenings at the gym. In Jena, University and everyday life are incredibly close together.