Jena, April 02, 2026. The Free State’s most innovative young researchers met in Jena this week for the state final of the competition „Jugend forscht“. Previously, the participants had successfully qualified for the final round in regional preliminary rounds.
- Event: Thuringian State Final „Jugend forscht“
- Location: Jena
- Participants: The best young researchers from originally over 450 Thuringian participants
- Age group: 4 to 21 years
- Preliminary stage: Qualification via regional competitions
The Best from all over Thüringen Compete
After more than 450 young people from Thüringen had competed and defended their projects in regional competitions across the state, the best now competed against each other in Jena. The age range of the inquisitive participants spanned from four to 21 years. This wide range illustrates the broad promotion of scientific interests across all age groups. In the state final, the young talents had to present their developed projects once again and hold their own in direct competition with other regional winners.
Background: Jena as a Traditional Science Location
The fact that the Thuringian state final of „Jugend forscht“ is being held in Jena fits perfectly with the city’s historical and current significance. Known as the „City of Light,“ Jena looks back on a long and influential tradition in research and development. Historical figures such as Ernst Abbe, Carl Zeiss, and Otto Schott once laid the foundation for the modern optics and precision mechanics industry here.
Today, the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, the Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule, and numerous renowned non-university research institutes (such as the Max Planck and Leibniz Institutes) shape the city’s academic life. Competitions like „Jugend forscht“ are an essential tool for inspiring young talent for STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) at an early stage. Often, the submitted projects and the experience gained serve as a first stepping stone for a later academic or professional career in local high-tech companies and research institutions.
Source:
Smart minds at the state final of „Jugend forscht“ in Jena | MDR.DE
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.