Jena, 08.05.2026 – This weekend, the 3sat “Ländermagazin” is dedicated extensively to the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena. The 30-minute report, produced by Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR), highlights the historical path of the city’s history and takes a detailed look at current research projects with Europe-wide impact.
- Program: Ländermagazin – Today from Thüringen: Jena and its University
- Broadcaster: 3sat (available in the ARD Mediathek)
- Broadcast: Saturday, 09.05.2026, 12:00 to 12:30 PM
- Topics: History of the university and current Clusters of Excellence
From Wine-Growing Village to European Research Site
In the current edition, the Ländermagazin explores the beginnings of the Jena university in the 16th century. Before the academic institution, with its professors and students from all over Europe, shaped the cityscape, Jena was primarily a small town of winegrowers. The television documentary traces how craftsmanship flourished through the influx and how the university became the heart of the city.
On the Way to Becoming a University of Excellence
Alongside the historical review, the focus is on modern science. The university is the setting for one of Europe’s largest interdisciplinary research projects, involving nearly 20 institutions and research facilities across Europe. The aim of these efforts is to finally solidify its status as a University of Excellence.
Two central Clusters of Excellence are presented in the program: Balance of the Microverse researches microbial communities and seeks solutions for the pressing problem of antibiotic resistance, among other things. The cluster Practices and Dynamics of Social Imagining, on the other hand, examines from a humanities and social science perspective what holds societies together at their core through shared ideas, narratives, and visions of the future.
Background: The Friedrich-Schiller-Universität
Opened in 1558, the “Salana” is considered the oldest still existing, purely Protestant university foundation. It is often referred to as a “hidden champion” in the academic landscape. Today, the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität (FSU), with thousands of students, significantly shapes the young cityscape and urban life in Jena. While historical buildings such as the University Main Building are located in the city center, the natural sciences are increasingly concentrated on the Beutenberg-Campus, which has developed into an internationally recognized center for optics, photonics, and microbiology.
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Preview: Ländermagazin • Today from Thüringen: Jena and its University – Excellence from Tradition
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.