LIGHT profile
Photonics and Quantum Technologies, Materials of the Future
Profile Areas
The three profile areas form the basic pattern of the interdisciplinary research profile of the Friedrich Schiller University
Flag LIGHT, LIFE, LIBERTY
LIGHT.LIFE.LIBERTY. – connecting people and ideas
The main research areas of the Friedrich Schiller University belong to three distinct profiles: LIGHT. LIFE. LIBERTY. Each of these profiles has evolved from a long-standing tradition of scholarship. They reflect the interdisciplinary research profile of the University of Jena and are a structural expression of the close cooperation within the university and with its non-university partners, which are given an appropriate perspective for continuity and development through the formation of centres and clusters. The triad LIGHT, LIFE, LIBERTY always reflects the connection between tradition and future orientation.
Strategic Development of the Profile Areas
The continued development of the university's profile areas is guided by a dedicated research governance structure. While LIGHT, LIFE and LIBERTY provide the framework for interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific excellence, their strategic advancement is supported by the Profile Board and the coordination teams of the three profile areas. Together, they help identify emerging research opportunities, foster new interdisciplinary initiatives and strengthen the university's long-term research profile.
Profile Board
The Profile Board is a central strategic advisory body for the further development of Friedrich Schiller University Jena's research profile LIGHT. LIFE. LIBERTY.
Bringing together researchers from across the university and distinguished external experts, the Board advises the Executive Board on emerging research fields, the development of new research priorities and the advancement of established areas of strength. It also contributes to strategic funding recommendations for larger interdisciplinary research initiatives and supports the long-term evolution of the university's research profile.
Composition
The Profile Board consists of 15 members, including 12 researchers from Friedrich Schiller University Jena and 3 external members from leading research institutions. Members represent the three profile areas LIGHT, LIFE and LIBERTY, ensuring a broad spectrum of scientific expertise and perspectives.
Current term of office: 2026–2032.
Profile-defining scientific centres of the Friedrich Schiller University
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- Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP)
- Aging Research Center Jena (ZAJ)
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the MicroverseExternal link
- Cluster of Excellence Imaginamics
- Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC)
- Center for Right-Wing Extremism Research, Democracy Education and Social Integration (KomRex)
- Center for Functional Polymers - Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM)
- Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research (ZLB))
- Jena Center for Romanticism StudiesExternal link
- Schumpeter Center for Research on Socio-Economic Change (JSEC)
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research iDivExternal link
Cross-profile formats
LIGHT, LIFE and LIBERTY profiles are actively linked through shared event formats. The L3cture and the L^3 Week create new spaces for interdisciplinary exchange, innovative teaching and dialogue with the public.
