Your update on city life, tips, and upcoming events in Jena.
Jena, 02.04.2026 – In the second trial involving the right-wing extremist martial arts group “Knockout 51,” the Higher Regional Court (OLG) Jena has delivered its verdicts. Three men received prison and probationary sentences for membership in and support of a criminal organization.
Jena, April 02, 2026 – Resistance is forming in Jena against the current requirements of the Thüringer Schulgesetz. Parent representatives, the city administration, and local politicians are demanding a quick and reliable solution from the state for the allocation of school places for the upcoming first and fifth grades.
A new art project in the Jenaer Paradiespark aims to protect birds from fatal collisions with the glass pavilion. Students from the UniverSaale-Schule will be creating a colorful installation inside the building over the coming weeks.
Jena, 02.04.2026 – The Lichtstadt Jena is currently the venue for an international conference on optical sensing and biophotonics. Leading research figures are discussing how modern sensor technology from the laboratory can be applied in medicine and everyday life in the future.
Jena, 02.04.2026 – The forward-looking real-world laboratory JenErgieReal is entering the structural implementation phase. By 2027, networked systems for the intelligent control of electricity, heat, and electromobility will be established in various districts of Jena.
The Higher Regional Court (OLG) Jena has declared the use of automated facial recognition in digital exams inadmissible, awarding compensation to a student from the Universität Erfurt.
Jena, 02.04.2026. In the Jena district of Wenigenjena, vacant commercial premises are increasing. In addition to current closures of commercial spaces, two local sports clubs are now also threatened with the loss of their long-standing clubrooms due to expiring leases.
Jena, April 02, 2026 – Member of the Bundestag Donata Vogtschmidt informed herself about pressing issues and current developments in the healthcare sector during an on-site visit to Universitätsklinikum Jena and the WeCare agency. The focus was on innovative approaches such as research into phages to combat multi-resistant germs and the expansion of medical care through telemedicine.
The most innovative young researchers from the Free State of Thüringen gathered in Jena this week for the state final of the „Jugend forscht“ competition.
Kommunalservice Jena (KSJ) is expanding its commitment to environmental education with a new, specially designed environmental house. Located next to the service building, this new learning site aims to provide children with practical knowledge on handling waste and resources.