Profile Areas

The three profile areas form the basic pattern of the interdisciplinary research profile of the Friedrich Schiller University

Flag LIGHT, LIFE, LIBERTY

Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
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.

  • LIGHT profile

    Photonics and Quantum Technologies, Materials of the Future

    Versuchsanordnung in einem Praktikumslabor der Abbe School of Photonics in Jena
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

  • LIFE profile

    Microbiom and Infection Biology, Biodiversity, Ageing

    Microbial cultures in Petri dishes, front: Streptomyces lividans
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

  • LIBERTY profile

    Cultures of Imagination, Democracy under Stress

    LIBERTY profile
    Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
Slideshow controls Slide 1 of 32

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 provides strategic advice to the Executive Board on developing the University's researchprofile and on outstanding research projects. Its focus lies on new thematic fields, in particular those spanning several profile areas, and on establishing and advancing areas of potential and research focal areas – together with the coordination teams of the three profile areas.

    High-rise building at the Inselplatz Campus with illuminated lettering reading “University of Jena” and “LIGHT.LIFE.LIBERTY.”
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)

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. 

Slideshow controls Slide 1 of 53

Profile-defining scientific centres of the Friedrich Schiller University

Coordination of the profile areas

LIGHT.LIFE.LIBERTY.

Universitätshauptgebäude, Room 1.21
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena

Mobile phone
+49 3641 9-401106
Link to download vCard
vCard

Explore our research profile