Jena, 15.05.2026. Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena is set to receive extensive funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The approved Collaborative Research Centers (SFB) focus on developing new tools for virus research and the sustainable production of green hydrogen.
- Funding Body: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
- New Collaborative Research Center: „VirusREvolution“ (Universität Jena)
- Research Goal: Faster detection and analysis of viruses through AI and bioinformatics methods
- Extended Collaborative Research Center: „CATALIGHT“ (Universities of Jena and Ulm, 3rd funding phase)
- Research Goal: Utilization of sunlight for chemical processes, including the production of green hydrogen
AI against viruses: The new SFB „VirusREvolution“
With the approval of the new Collaborative Research Center „VirusREvolution“, the Universität Jena is strengthening its expertise in the fields of microbiology and infection research. The goal of the network is to develop entirely new tools to detect viruses faster and more precisely and to analyze their behavior. In doing so, the scientists are relying heavily on modern technologies: Artificial Intelligence and highly complex bioinformatic methods are intended to help evaluate the enormous amounts of data and find new approaches for diagnostics and potential therapies.
Sunlight for green hydrogen: „CATALIGHT“ continues
Parallel to the new addition, an already established research project can also look forward to a continuation. The „CATALIGHT“ Collaborative Research Center, jointly supported by the Universität Jena and the Universität Ulm, is entering its third funding phase. Here, researchers are concentrating on one of the most important topics of the energy transition: How can sunlight be efficiently harnessed for chemical processes? A central area of application is the climate-neutral production of green hydrogen, which is considered a crucial energy carrier of the future.
Background: Jena as a Research Location
The approval of Collaborative Research Centers is considered a special seal of quality from the DFG and usually brings with it significant financial resources in the millions over several years. Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena thus consolidates its reputation as one of the leading research locations in Mitteldeutschland. Historically, disciplines such as optics, photonics, and life sciences are particularly strongly represented in Jena. The close integration of basic research with pressing societal issues – such as pandemic prevention and the energy transition – is a central component of the university strategy of the Lichtstadt.
Source:
DFG strengthens Jena research on viruses and green hydrogen
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