Jena, 19.07.2026. The Jena University Hospital (UKJ) is one of the central locations of a large-scale Central German research cluster at the German Center for Mental Health. By 2030, a total of 130 million euros will flow into the region to fundamentally improve the diagnostics and therapy of mental illnesses, particularly depression.
- Topic: Major research project on depression treatment
- Funding amount: 130 million euros by 2030
- Participants: UKJ, University of Halle-Wittenberg, University of Magdeburg, Leibniz Institute Magdeburg
- Core technology: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Innovative therapeutic approach: Magnetic stimulation instead of just medication
According to Prof. Martin Walter, Director of the Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the UKJ, conventional therapies and medications are only fully effective in about half of those affected, which is why research is seeking new paths. A central approach is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). In this process, a magnetic coil is used to induce a weak current flow in the brain to specifically activate or balance nerve cells.
The goal is to understand the brain as a complex network of regions with varying levels of activation. Through TMS, under-regulated areas can be specifically strengthened and over-regulated areas dampened – individual adaptation to the patient’s anatomy is at the heart of the research in Jena.
🛡️ Prevention & Guide: Help in mental health crises
Mental illnesses are not a taboo. In Thüringen, numerous counseling services are available to those affected and their relatives. Here you will find a selection of support services:
- Emergency pastoral care & crisis intervention: 112
- Telephone counseling (24/7): 0800 111 0 111
- Information for young people: Counseling centers often offer anonymous support for acute stress.
- Research & Clinics: Further information on day-patient treatment can be found at uniklinikum-jena.de.
Source:
Research against depression: Jena University Hospital benefits from funding injection
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.