Jena, July 29, 2026 – The Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena (EAH) is making academic history: it is the first university of applied sciences in Thuringia to be granted the independent right to award doctoral degrees. Starting October 1, 2026, the university will be authorized to independently confer doctoral degrees in the interdisciplinary research field of “Technologies for Industry, Health, and Society.”
- Event: Granting of the first independent doctoral degree-awarding rights to a Thuringian university of applied sciences
- Institution: Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena (EAH)
- Validity: Starting October 1, 2026, for an initial period of eight years
- Focus areas: Medical technology, photonics, digitalization, and modern energy systems
- Outcome for Thuringian universities: Jena received approval directly; Schmalkalden received conditional approval; Nordhausen and Erfurt were rejected for the time being
A historic milestone for EAH Jena
The decision by the Thuringian Ministry of Science marks a turning point in the development of the state’s universities of applied sciences. Previously, doctoral studies at universities of applied sciences (HAW) could only be conducted in cooperation with a university. Now, the newly established doctoral center at EAH Jena is authorized for an initial period of eight years to accept doctoral candidates, appoint reviewers, and independently confer academic titles.
Kristin Mitte, interim head and Vice President for Research and Development at EAH Jena, described the decision as a historic milestone for the institution. The award underscores the growing research strength of the Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule and sends a clear signal for the Jena location, where scientific tradition and cutting-edge technology go hand in hand. Those interested in learning more about the development of the location can experience history and high-tech on a guided tour of Jena.
Focus on highly relevant scientific future fields
The doctoral center focuses specifically on application areas with a high need for social and economic innovation. Under the umbrella of the “Technologies for Industry, Health, and Society” focus area, EAH Jena bundles research achievements in key future fields:
- Medical technology: Development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Photonics: Optical technologies and sensor technology within the traditionally strong Jena network.
- Digitalization: Networking, data analysis, and smart systems for industry.
- Modern energy systems: Solutions for the energy transition and sustainable infrastructures.
By enabling independent doctoral studies, EAH Jena significantly increases its attractiveness for young researchers from Germany and abroad.
Selection process: The varying starting positions of the four universities
A total of four Thuringian universities of applied sciences applied in the statewide selection process for the establishment of doctoral centers. The results of the review commission varied significantly:
Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena: Received the green light unconditionally, making it the pioneer in the state.
Hochschule Schmalkalden: Also received approval in principle, but must meet a follow-up requirement. As President Gundolf Baier announced, two additional teaching staff members must be provided. Once this requirement is met, the doctoral degree-awarding right will be granted without further review.
Hochschule Nordhausen: Experienced a significant disappointment. The review commission found that the formal requirements are not yet met. Vice President for Research Viktor Wesselak described the rejection as a “real blow” after the university had worked toward this goal for about 15 years. About ten prospective doctoral candidates had already been registered.
Fachhochschule Erfurt: Also did not receive approval for the time being. The university management announced that it would analyze the provided report in detail. Both Erfurt and Nordhausen have the option to submit a new application at a later date.
Background: The reform of doctoral rights at universities of applied sciences
For decades, the right to award doctoral degrees in Germany was reserved exclusively for universities. With the gradual reform of higher education laws in various federal states, research-intensive universities of applied sciences (HAW) are now gaining the opportunity to establish their own doctoral centers. The condition for this is proof of the particular research strength of the participating professors in their respective disciplines. With this step, Thuringia is catching up with other federal states and strengthening practice-oriented top-level research.
Source:
Promotion at the FH: Jena’s Abbe-Hochschule allowed to award doctoral titles
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.