Jena, April 28, 2026. The Wissenschaftsrat has issued a far-reaching funding recommendation for top-level research in Mitteldeutschland. Of the 271 million euros earmarked nationwide for new research buildings starting in 2027, the university locations of Jena and Dresden are set to benefit significantly.
- Event: Funding recommendation for new research buildings from 2027
- Funding volume: 271 million euros (nationwide)
- Assessment: Four out of seven evaluated projects received the rating “outstanding”
- Beneficiaries in Mitteldeutschland: Projects in Jena and Dresden
Three “outstanding” projects in Mitteldeutschland
The current recommendations of the Wissenschaftsrat are considered a central indicator and an important milestone for the further development of the regional higher education landscape. Out of a total of seven plans for new research buildings submitted and reviewed nationwide, the experts rated four as being of such high quality that they received the top grade “outstanding.” Particularly pleasing from a regional perspective: three of these four top-rated projects are going to locations in Mitteldeutschland, specifically to projects in Jena and Dresden.
With the pledged funds, the universities can further develop their structural and technical infrastructure for pioneering scientific projects, thereby increasing their attractiveness for international research teams.
Background: Building for Science in Jena
The Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (FSU) and the non-university research institutes closely linked to it significantly shape the urban development of Jena. Historically grown through pioneers such as Carl Zeiss and Ernst Abbe, modern top-level research in Jena today focuses primarily on the fields of optics, photonics, microbiology, and aging research. To be able to conduct research at a world-class level, modern science requires specialized laboratory and technical buildings. Construction projects such as the steadily growing Beutenberg-Campus in the south of the city or the city-center Inselplatz-Campus are examples of how the infrastructure of the Saalestadt is continuously adapting to the needs of international top-level research.
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Wissenschaftsrat recommends millions in funding for top-level research in Jena and Dresden
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