Key Takeaways
- Goal: “University of Excellence” title for FSU Jena
- Timeline: Expert visit in summer, decision in October 2026
- Investment: Over 80 million euros planned for construction projects
- Funding: Land Thüringen providing 4.43 million euros for junior researchers until 2028
Jena (10.02.2026) – Tension is rising in the halls of the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität. The year 2026 could go down as one of the most significant in the history of the Jena university. The reason is an ambitious goal: designation as a “University of Excellence.” After the university successfully positioned itself with two research clusters, it is now entering the critical phase for the overall title. Science Minister Christian Tischner (CDU) reaffirmed the state’s full support during his recent visit.
The Path to the “Champions League” of Research
The title “University of Excellence” is more than just a prestigious plaque at the entrance. It is linked to permanent financial support from the federal and state governments and enormously increases the attractiveness of the Jena location in the international competition for the brightest minds. To stay in the race at all, the university first had to demonstrate so-called Clusters of Excellence – internationally outstanding research networks.
This has been successful: with the “Balance of the Microverse” (microbiology) cluster and the new “Imaginamics” project (research into social imaginations), Jena has two strong contenders. This academic foundation is the entry ticket for the next round.
Cranes for Science
Anyone walking through Jena can see that these ambitions are also changing the cityscape. Excellent research needs excellent spaces. Later this year, the university plans to commission a new research building for the “Balance of the Microverse” cluster. The costs for this state-of-the-art laboratory building amount to approximately 56 million euros.
But plans are also being forged for the second cluster, “Imaginamics.” An existing university building is to be converted into a center for nearly 25 million euros. A corresponding funding application was submitted in December. If approved, the federal and state governments will share the costs – a common practice for projects of this magnitude aimed at securing Thüringen as a science location in the long term.
State Government Pledges Support
Science Minister Christian Tischner emphasized the strategic importance of the project in Jena. It is about securing Thüringen “a firm place on the map of excellent research locations.” The state is also putting money behind this commitment: by 2028, the Free State will provide a total of 4.43 million euros in additional funding. these funds are specifically intended for the support of junior researchers within the research networks – an investment in the next generation of scientists, who are often the engines of innovation.
The Roadmap to the Decision
What happens next? Most of the paperwork is completed; now comes the on-site evaluation. An international team of experts is expected in the Saalestadt in the summer of 2026. They will check whether the reality lives up to the glossy brochures. They will examine what the research conditions look like in practice, how networking functions, and whether the potential for world-class performance is actually present.
The final decision will then be made in October 2026. If Jena receives the contract, it would be a triumph not only for the university but for the entire city, which would further consolidate its reputation as the “Lichtstadt” and a center for science and optics.
We are crossing our fingers for the FSU for the final sprint in this scientific marathon.