- Goal: Title as “University of Excellence” starting in 2027.
- Requirement: Two funded research clusters (“Microverse” & “Imaginamics”).
- Timeline: Expert jury visit in the summer, decision in October 2026.
- Investments: New construction for approx. €56 million (Microverse) and renovation for approx. €25 million planned.
Jena (09.02.2026) – It is an ambitious goal that could permanently change the scientific landscape in Thüringen: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena aims to rise to the absolute top tier of German universities. As the Thüringen Ministry of Science has confirmed, the application for the “University of Excellence” title is in full swing. Following the success of two major research clusters at the beginning of the year, all eyes are now on the upcoming summer and autumn.
Two Clusters as the Entry Ticket
The path to becoming a University of Excellence is rigorous and tied to strict conditions. However, Jena has already cleared the most significant hurdle: a university must have at least two funded Clusters of Excellence to even enter the race for the overall title.
Jena scores high in this regard. The following are being funded:
- Balance of the Microverse: A cluster dedicated to the study of microorganisms. This focuses on the smallest living organisms that have a major impact on our environment and health.
- Imaginamics: A humanities cluster dealing with the study of social imaginaries and their dynamics.
These two beacons of research form the foundation upon which the university’s overall application rests. Minister of Science Christian Tischner (CDU) emphasized during his visit to the Saalestadt that the goal is to secure Thüringen “a permanent place on the map of excellent research locations.” The state is supporting this project until 2028 with approximately €4.43 million for early-career researchers alone.
Construction Projects Shape the Cityscape
Excellence requires space. Anyone walking through Jena will soon be able to perceive the changes physically. According to the Ministry, a significant milestone is to be reached this year: the new research building for the “Balance of the Microverse” cluster is expected to go into operation. The costs for this state-of-the-art laboratory building amount to around €56 million.
But that is not all. Plans are also being forged for the second cluster, “Imaginamics.” An existing university building is to be converted into a center for the study of social imaginaries for nearly €25 million. A corresponding funding application was submitted in December. If approved, the federal and state governments will share the costs of the renovation—a standard procedure for buildings of supra-regional scientific importance.
Decision Expected in Autumn
The tension at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität will rise in the coming months. An international commission of experts is expected in Jena in the summer of 2026. This visit is considered a “quality audit” for the application: the evaluators will check on-site whether the strategic orientation, infrastructure, and scientific potential meet the high requirements of the Excellence Strategy.
The final decision is then expected in October. Should Jena receive the title, it would not just be a matter of prestige. Status as a University of Excellence is associated with permanent, massive financial grants that would allow the university to attract world-leading scientists and further improve study conditions. For the city of Jena as a business and science location, this would be a significant locational advantage.
We keep our fingers crossed for the university and everyone involved during this critical phase of the application.