Excellence Strategy

LIGHT. LIFE. LIBERTY. – Connecting People and Ideas
A film about the excellent research, committed teaching and vibrant network of science, business and
Preview image: André Gräf (jenaparadies) · Video: University of Jena

Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in its profile LIGHT. LIFE. LIBERTY., which provides pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments.

With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, the University defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation. It attracts scholars, scientists, and students of all disciplines from around the world. Together with its local and international partners, the University of Jena has achieved research excellence in its key profile research areas. In this respect, the University’s Cluster of Excellence »Balance of the Microverse« (funded since 2019) represents a hallmark project.

On the Path to Becoming a University of Excellence

  • The University of Jena is applying

    Under the title »Light. Life. Liberty. – Connecting People and Ideas«, the University of Jena has submitted its application. In summer 2026, an international panel of experts will visit Jena for the on-site review, and on 2 October 2026 the Excellence Commission will announce its decision.

    Inselplatz campus at night: The name "University of Jena" and the claim "light. life. liberty." are illuminated on the façade of the high-rise building.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)

  • University City Jena: Connected by short distances

    Jena is a city where the University is never far away. And university life doesn't end on campus. Where lecture theatres meets backyards. Where lab coats meet trainers. Jena isn't a city of lone geniuses—we are a city of intersections.

    Students walk through the Botanical Garden in Jena, on top is a transparent colour gradient from yellow to blue with white, dotted circles that overlap.
    Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)

Latest News

  2. Jena receives two Clusters of Excellence

    Friedrich Schiller University has been successful in the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments with its »Balance of the Microverse« and »Imaginamics« Clusters. It therefore fulfils the requirements for an application to become a University of Excellence.

    • Light
    • Life
    • Liberty
    • Research
    Flag with the profile lines ‘Light. Life. Liberty.’ in front of the main building of the University of Jena.
    Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
All short news

Our Clusters of Excellence

  • Cluster of Excellence »Balance of the Microverse«

    The cluster is dedicated to microorganisms and has set itself the goal of researching the dynamic balances of microbial communities from the molecular level to complex ecosystems.

    Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Kirsten Küsel

    Excellence Cluster Balance of the Microverse Jena
    Image: Anna Schroll

  • Cluster of Excellence »Imaginamics«

    The Cluster of Excellence »Imaginamics: Practices and Dynamics of Social Imagining« aims to contribute to a better understanding of social conflicts and debates.

    Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Johannes Grave
    Co-Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Christina Brandt
    Co-Spokesperson: Prof. Dr Joachim von Puttkamer

    Researchers from the Cluster of Excellence initiative "Imaginamics" sit and stand around a table and work together on a flipchart.
    Image: Anna Schroll

Researching Together

The University of Jena nurtures a distinctive culture of collaboration that drives discoveries vital to our society, our health, and our cultural heritage. No other German city has more research institutions relative to its population than Jena (Städteranking 2023, IW Consult). From Leibniz Prize winner to undergraduate, all members of the University of Jena's community are engaged in the creation of knowledge.

  • LIGHT, LIFE, LIBERTY – connecting visions

    The three profile areas LIGHT, LIFE and LIBERTY bundle the main research areas of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. They reflect the interdisciplinary research profile of the University of Jena and are an expression of the close cooperation within the University and with its non-university partners.

    Profile areas

  • Research Focal Areas

    The FSU´s research priorities are guided by its profile LIGHT.LIFE.LIBERTY. to integrate cutting-edge research across the natural life sciences as wel as the humanities and social sciences.

    Interdisciplinary Research

  • Network University

    In Jena, the University, non-university research institutions, University Hospital, University of Applied Sciences, foundations and high-tech industry work closely together to form a vibrant and highly visible science and business region with partners all over the world.

    Cooperation

  • Awards

    Science prizes, awards and memberships honour scientists for their research work and are an important part of promoting science and research. Whether it's the Leibniz Prize, Future Prize, ERC Grants or the Thuringian Research Prize – many excellent researchers work at the University of Jena.

    Prizes

  • Projects

    In addition to both Clusters of Excellence the University of Jena is home to renowned scientific centres, Collaborative Research Centres, Research Training Groups and Research Units and further third-party funded projects.

    Research

  • Jena Excellence Fellow Programme

    Lecturers at the University of Jena invite researchers from abroad to promote scientific dialogue. In addition, postdocs as well as established researchers from abroad and members of the University can advance projects and establish international collaborations.

    Support

Shaping Transformation

The University of Jena connects researchers, teachers, and students with the common goal of shaping a thriving society. Members of the University community are agents of change and committed to finding new pathways to a healthier and sustainable future. In doing so, they are guided by shared values.

  • Third Mission

    How the University helps shape society through knowledge

    Panorama Jena
    Image: André Gräf (jenaparadies)

  • Community

    Sustainability, Diversity and Public Engagement at the Uni Jena

    View of community life at Ernst-Abbe-Platz
    Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
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Educating and Qualifying People

The University of Jena is devoted to excellence in teaching and research. Faculty, young researchers, and students are engaged in groundbreaking and interdisciplinary scholarship. With its Graduate Academy, the University of Jena plays a pioneering role in the promotion and support of early career researchers nationwide.

  • Studying and Teaching

    Diverse study opportunities, dedicated teaching staff, innovative ideas and early promotion of gifted students

    Three students are chatting on their way to the Ernst-Abbe-Platz campus.
    Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)

  • Supporting early career researchers

    Excellent support for researchers at all academic career stages based on the principles of transparency, reliability and permeability

    Young researchers analyse a water sample in front of one of the water basins at the central sewage treatment plant in Jena-Zwätzen.
    Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

Reflecting on Achievements

Continuously reassessing its international positioning, deriving impulses from data collection, and making success visible—this is how the University of Jena drives its strategic development forward. Its academic community as well as the city of Jena motivate the University to perform at the highest level.

  • International Rankings

    The University of Jena's current results in international rankings

    Large blue letters form the name "Uni Jena" on the Ernst-Abbe-Platz campus.
    Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)

  • Facts and Figures

    Key figures and statistics on the University of Jena at a glance

    Hand and index finger pointing to an illuminated screen with a table of numbers in the background and a line and bar chart in the background
    Image: AdobeStock_586352183

  • Young City Jena

    From student paradise to family paradise

    Two persons push their bikes over a bridge in the park.
    Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
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Office of the Vice-President for Research and Innovation

Universitätshauptgebäude, Room 1.23
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

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