On-site visit University of Excellence application

International panel of reviewers visits the University of Jena as part of its application to become a University of Excellence

A view into the great Rosensaal during a site visit by an international panel of experts as part of the Excellence Initiative.

Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
A view into the great Rosensaal during a site visit by an international panel of experts as part of the Excellence Initiative.
  • Excellence

Published: | By: Katja Daube

Reviewers from Sweden, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, Hungary and Germany visited Friedrich Schiller University Jena on 10 and 11 June 2026. As part of the on-site evaluation, they assessed the University of Jena’s application for the title of University of Excellence.

The first day featured presentations, tours and discussion sessions at central university locations. On the second day, the evaluation continued with discussions and interviews with representatives of various university status groups and key university officeholders at the Rosensäle.

More than 250 members of the University and cooperation partners were involved in the wide-ranging programme and contributed to presenting Friedrich Schiller University Jena, its strategic development and its research priorities in an impressive way.

Impressions from the on-site visit

  • Prof. Dr Bärbel Kracke, Vice-President for University Community and Engagement at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, in conversation.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • A view into the great Rosensaal during a site visit by an international panel of experts as part of the Excellence Initiative.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Dr Thomas Nitzsche, Lord Mayor of the City of Jena (left), in conversation with Prof. Dr Karina Weichold, Vice-President for Learning and Teaching at the University of Jena, and Christian Tischner, Thuringia’s Minister for Science.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Prof. Dr Ilona Croy, Professor of Clinical Psychology, in conversation during the site visit.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Prof. Dr Kirsten Küsel, spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”, in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • A view of the small meeting room in the Rosensäle during the site visit
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • A view of the foyer of the CEEC II (Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry) during the site visit
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • A view of the foyer of the CEEC II (Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry) during the site visit
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Prof. Dr Anika Klafki, Professor of Public Law, Administrative Science and Comparative Law, in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • The Centre for Research into Right-wing Extremism, Democratic Education and Societal Integration at the University of Jena is presenting itself at the Griesbach Garden House.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Prof. Dr Ulrich S. Schubert, Professor of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry at Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Prof. Dr Christoph Ohler, Professor of Public Law, European Law, International Law and International Commercial Law, in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Prof. Dr Hartmut Rosa, Professor of General and Theoretical Sociology, in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Prof. Dr Uwe Cantner, Professor of Microeconomics and Managing Director of the Schumpeter Center, in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Dr Elena Goi, head of a junior research group at the Institute of Applied Physics, in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • People are chatting in the foyer of the Rosensäle
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Prof. Dr Isabelle Staude, Professor of Photonic Nanomaterials, in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Prof. Michael Bauer, Director of the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine at Jena University Hospital, in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Prof. Dr Silke van Dyk, Professor of Political Sociology, in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • A view of the great Rosensaal during the site visit
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • People are standing in small groups around standing tables in the small meeting room of the Rosensäle, chatting.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Students are standing at bar tables, chatting amongst themselves.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • University President Prof. Dr Andreas Marx in conversation
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Students are standing at bar tables, chatting.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Students are standing at bar tables, chatting.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Students are standing at bar tables, chatting amongst themselves.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
  • Following the site visit, Christian Tischner, Thuringia’s Minister for Education, Science and Culture, expressed his thanks to the Executive Board and staff of the University of Jena.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)