Jena, 15.05.2026. The University of Jena is pleased to receive double research funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The focus is on a new major project for computer-aided virus research and the continuation of successful work in the field of sustainable solar energy.
- What: Approval of two DFG Collaborative Research Centers (SFB)
- Who: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (in cooperation with the Uni Ulm)
- Topics: Bioinformatics in virology (“VirusREvolution”) & sustainable energy production (“Catalight”)
- Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
New Tools Against Virus Outbreaks
The newly approved Collaborative Research Center (SFB) at the Universität Jena is titled “VirusREvolution”. The goal of this project is to develop innovative computer-aided tools. These are intended to enable virologists in the future to detect viruses significantly faster and characterize them more precisely. The analysis and tracking of potential virus outbreaks are also to be decisively improved and accelerated through modern bioinformatics approaches.
Green Light for Sustainable Energy
In addition to the new virus project, the existing SFB Transregio “Catalight” is entering its third funding phase. This research consortium is operated by the Universität Jena in close cooperation with the Universität Ulm. Here, sustainable energy production is the focus of the laboratory work. The researchers are investigating catalytic processes driven by light to create the scientific basis for novel and green solar energy concepts.
Background: Research in Jena
The Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena is one of the most traditional and research-intensive universities in Thüringen. The close integration of disciplines – such as microbiology with the Center for Bioinformatics – makes the location internationally competitive. Collaborative Research Centers (SFB) of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft are long-term research facilities at universities where scientists work across disciplines on highly complex topics. They are funded for a maximum period of twelve years and are considered an absolute seal of quality for excellent and forward-looking science in the academic world.
Source:
Two in one go: Uni Jena receives money for research on viruses and solar energy
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.