Jena, October 5, 2026. – Just days after the official decision to grant it status as a University of Excellence, the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (FSU) officially inaugurated the new Microverse Center Jena (MCJ) on the Beutenberg-Campus on Monday. In addition to University President Prof. Dr. Andreas Marx, Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär, Thuringia’s Minister-President Mario Voigt, Thuringian Science Minister Christian Tischner, and around 140 invited guests gathered for the ceremony at Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5.
- Event: Official opening of the Microverse Center Jena (MCJ)
- Date: Monday, October 5, 2026
- Location: Beutenberg-Campus, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5, 07745 Jena (Google Maps)
- Investment: 55.6 million euros
- Usable area: Approx. 5,000 square meters for around 200 employees
The new research building provides a central home for the internationally recognized Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse.” The scientific work focuses on complex microbial communities and the question of how their delicate balance is created, maintained, or disrupted. Experts from the life sciences, chemistry, medicine, computer science, geosciences, and physics work closely together here.
Modern architecture and high investment volume
A total of 55.6 million euros was invested in the modern research building. The funding was provided by the Free State of Thuringia with 27.8 million euros, the federal government with 20.6 million euros, and the University of Jena with 7.2 million euros. On a gross area of around 5,000 square meters, laboratories for microbiological, biochemical, and optical analyses are now available, along with communication and conference areas. Around 200 permanent workstations as well as additional capacities for doctoral candidates and international visiting researchers have been created.
Innovative standards were also applied in the realization of the building. The hybrid structure combines reinforced concrete with a sustainable wooden facade and features a green roof, a photovoltaic system, and large heat storage units. Planning was carried out digitally using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean Management, which allowed for precise coordination of construction processes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 / 5
Robust laboratory notebook in A4 format
Ideally suited for notes, protocols, and scientific sketches in everyday laboratory life.
Background: Significance for the University of Excellence
The opening of the Microverse Center marks a milestone for Jena as a science hub. Following its designation as a University of Excellence in the autumn of 2026, the research center underscores the ambition of Thuringia’s first University of Excellence to link international top-level research with regional networking. The MCJ is intended to serve as a focal point for finding interdisciplinary answers to global future questions in the fields of health and the environment.
Contact and Outlook
Following speeches by political representatives and university leadership, the program concluded with panel discussions on the future of the science hub and a symbolic tree dedication. Those interested can find information about the work of the Cluster of Excellence directly on the website of the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse.
Contact for inquiries:
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Kirsten Küsel
E-mail: kirsten.kuesel@uni-jena.de
Phone: +49 3641 9-49461
Source:
Microverse Center opened
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.