»We are a University of Excellence«
The University of Jena has been awarded University of Excellence status, as announced by the Excellence Commission on 2 October 2026.
University of Excellence
LIGHT. LIFE. LIBERTY. – Connecting People and Ideas
A film about the University of Jena's excellent research, committed teaching and dynamic network
Friedrich Schiller University Jena has been awarded University of Excellence status. With its two Clusters of Excellence, »Balance of the Microverse« and »Imaginamics. Practices and Dynamics of Social Imagining«, the University had qualified to apply for funding as a University of Excellence. Its proposal, »Light. Life. Liberty.—Connecting People and Ideas«, has now been successful as well. The decision of the Excellence Commission was announced on 2 October 2026.
We are a University of Excellence—and I am absolutely delighted. This decision is a tremendous recognition of how far our University has come and of all the people who have made this journey possible together. They can all be proud of what they have achieved over the past decades.
Prof. Dr Andreas Marx, President of the University of Jena
-
Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
LIGHT. LIFE. LIBERTY. – Connecting People and Ideas
With its application, the university builds on its three profile areas – LIGHT, LIFE and LIBERTY – as well as on the distinctive culture of collaboration within Jena’s science and innovation ecosystem. The focus is on five strategicgoals for shaping the University of Excellence from 2027 onwards.
General questions
-
What is the difference between Clusters of Excellence and a University of Excellence?
- Clusters of Excellence are research networks in which researchers from different disciplines and institutions work together on a shared field of research. Each funding period lasts seven years; to be funded for a further period, clusters must succeed again in a new competition. The selection process is run by the German Research Foundation (DFG) The University of Jena has two Clusters of Excellence: »Balance of the Microverse« and »Imaginamics: Practices and Dynamics of Social Imagining«.
- The Universities of Excellence funding line, by contrast, strengthens the University as a whole, on the basis of a university-wide institutional strategy. Applicants must have at least two Clusters of Excellence. Funding is awarded on a permanent basis and is evaluated every seven years by the German Science and Humanities Council.
-
How much funding does the University receive, and what is it used for?
- Universities of Excellence funded as individual universities receive between 10 and 15 million euros per year, provided jointly by the federal and state governments. The exact amount will be set after the funding decision. Funding begins on 1 January 2027.
- The funds are earmarked for the projects outlined in the institutional strategy: for research, learning and teaching, transfer and research infrastructures, as well as for career paths and staff development, equal opportunities, internationalization, collaboration and institutional development.
- A large share of the funds will be awarded through open calls across the University.
-
How was the institutional strategy developed?
- The institutional strategy was developed through a multi-stage participatory process that began in 2024. It started with a university-wide survey on where the University of Jena should stand in ten years' time, followed by workshops with members of the University community to further develop the University's profile.
- In 2025, a second university-wide survey asked members of the University about their vision for a University of Excellence. In the Participation FORUM, they then developed ideas in open workshops under the motto »Let’s build our University of Excellence«.
- The results have been incorporated into the application and continue to shape the University's future development.
What does the University of Excellence mean for …?
-
students and prospective students
- The new Academy for Research-oriented Interdisciplinary Studies and Education will offer you research internships, mentoring, summer schools and mini-grants during your studies.
- The existing Honours Programme for research-oriented students will be expanded, and new interdisciplinary and English-taught degree programmes will be added.
- If you want to develop your own ideas or launch a start-up, the new Innovation Academy will support you; pre-doctoral fellowships are planned to ease the transition to doctoral research.
-
researchers in Jena
- A university-wide career framework will give you clear and predictable routes from the doctorate to a professorship. Its core element will be a tenure-track model offering permanent career prospects for postdoctoral researchers beyond the traditional route to a professorship.
- New funding lines—seed funding for collaborative projects, Idea Labs and Pioneers' Grants—will give you greater freedom to pursue new research ideas; they will be open to applicants from across the University.
- The Graduate & Leadership Academy, currently being established, will bring together guidance, mentoring and leadership development for researchers at all career stages.
-
researchers coming to Jena
- A tailored Welcome Service and the expanded Dual Career Service will make it easier for you and your family to settle in Jena.
- To support the recruitment of outstanding academics, the University plans to establish a strategic recruitment fund, accelerate appointment procedures and create more joint professorships with non-university research institutes.
- The new Global Researchers in Residence programme will allow you to spend between one month and several years in Jena as a visiting researcher.
-
staff in administration and professional services
- The aim is to make administrative processes simpler and more digital, supported in part by artificial intelligence. In cross-functional Impact Teams, you will be able to help shape these processes.
- A university-wide participation forum and the new Campus Dialogue will create permanent opportunities for discussion and participation.
- The existing CommUNIty Office will expand the advice and training it offers to you.
-
residents of Jena and the region
- The FORUM, a new building in the heart of the city, will create a new space where people can meet, engage with research and enter into dialogue with researchers. Its construction is funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.
- Public discussion series and lifelong learning opportunities open to everyone are also planned.
- New participatory formats will also enable you to take part in research projects yourself.
-
companies and founders
- The Transfer Hub, currently being established, will connect you more closely with researchers, non-university research institutes and investors; innovation scouts will help identify research with potential for practical or commercial application.
- A new IP strategy with standardized licensing models and fast-track procedures is intended to give you greater certainty when planning licensing agreements and equity investments.
- For start-ups, the University plans deep-tech makerspaces, incubators and coaching, while the new Innovation Academy will provide the necessary skills.
-
partners from culture and civil society
- The new Centre for Research and Societal Impact (CRSi) will provide a permanent framework for the University's collaboration with the City of Jena, cultural institutions, associations and civil society initiatives.
- In the EngagementARENA, you will be able to work with researchers to identify issues of shared interest and develop new collaborations, including participatory research projects.
- The FORUM in the city centre will provide space for collaboration as well as for dialogue and co-creation formats.
-
alumni, friends and supporters
- You can draw on your professional experience to give early-career researchers insights into career paths outside academia; the Graduate & Leadership Academy will work with alumni networks to make this possible.
- As ambassadors, supporters or in advisory roles, you can support research, teaching and dialogue with society.
- The University will strengthen its relationships with alumni, friends and supporters worldwide. The University of Jena's Friends' Association plays a central role in this.
Contact for general enquiries:
Coordination Office University of Excellence (Head: Dr Katja Daube)
- Link to download vCard
- vCard
Contact for media enquiries:
University Communications and Marketing (Head: Katja Barbara Bär)
- presse@uni-jena.de
- Link to download vCard
- vCard