Millions invested in cutting-edge research and young talent

With funding running into the millions, the State of Thuringia is paving the way for the continued training of the next generation of researchers at the two Thuringian Clusters of Excellence. In doing so, the Free State is also sending a clear signal in support of Friedrich Schiller University Jena’s application to become a University of Excellence.

Christian Tischner, Minister for Science, today received a briefing on the work of the Clusters of Excellence, which have been receiving funding since 1 January 2026. In May 2025, the Excellence Commission had made the decision to include the Jena-based research projects »Balance of the Microverse« (continuation) and »Imaginamics« (new application) in the joint research funding scheme of the federal and state governments. The federal government covers 75 per cent of the costs, whilst the host state covers 25 per cent.

Support for the next generation of researchers

In addition to co-funding the research projects, the state supports the successful Clusters of Excellence through postgraduate initiatives. The state is making a total of 4.43 million euros available specifically for the promotion of early-career researchers until 2028. Tischner: »Cutting-edge research and the promotion of early-career researchers go hand in hand. This additional state funding ensures that Thuringia remains an international magnet for young top researchers.«

During his visit, Minister Tischner presented a grant notification for 3.6 million euros for postgraduate programmes at the Cluster of Excellence »Balance of the Microverse« and 835,000 euros for the promotion of early-career researchers at the Cluster of Excellence »Imaginamics«. At the same time, Tischner received an on-site briefing on the University of Jena’s application to become a University of Excellence: »The successfully secured research networks are a requirement for the University’s application in the competition for University of Excellence status. The state is also giving its full support to this proposal. Together, we aim to be successful in the selection process in October and secure Thuringia a firm place on the map of centres of research excellence.«

Today’s visit began at the construction site of the Microverse Center, where Minister Tischner was briefed on the final stages of work on the new research building. The building, with a total cost of approximately 55.6 million euros, will be taken into use by the University of Jena before the end of this year.

Another item on the agenda took the delegation to the former University Main Building at Fürstengraben 23, which is set to house the Imaginamics Center for interdisciplinary research in the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences. In December 2025, a full proposal for funding was submitted to the German Science and Humanities Council and the Federal Ministry of Research for the conversion and refurbishment of the building into a modern research facility, with a planned total budget of approximately 24.7 million euros. Tischner: »Here, too, we aim to secure co-funding from the federal government. If this is successful, the federal government will cover half of the costs incurred.« The state will cover the other half.

Support for the »University of Excellence«

During his discussions with the University Executive Board, Minister for Science Christian Tischner emphasized: »With its outstanding research achievements, Friedrich Schiller University Jena impressively demonstrates why it ranks among the world’s best. The Thuringian state government is fully committed to supporting this endeavour, as success in the Excellence Competition not only strengthens the University but also provides a lasting boost to Thuringia as a centre of science. Today, we are sending a clear signal that we stand firmly by the University’s side so that its strategic vision of becoming a University of Excellence becomes a reality.«

The Minister’s visit coincides with intensive preparation for the review of the University of Excellence application by the German Science and Humanities Council. Following the submission of the University’s full application for University of Excellence status in November 2025, an on-site visit by an international team of reviewers will take place in the summer of 2026. The final funding decision will be made in October 2026.