Jena University might achieve the status of East German University of Outstanding Academic Achievement - East German University Poised for Exceptional Status: Jena on the Rise
Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena in Eastern Germany stands a chance to join the ranks of outstanding universities in the region, following the German Research Foundation's (DFG) decision. The university has been granted funding for two interdisciplinary research projects, known as excellence clusters, as part of the Federal Government and Länder's "Excellence Strategy."
These projects, supported financially for seven years, are the foundation upon which universities can apply for the status of an excellence university. According to the DFG, up to 15 universities with at least two clusters can do so nationwide.
The success of Jena's clusters has been hailed as a significant step forward by Thuringia's Minister President, Mario Voigt (CDU). In a statement, he described the selection as a powerful signal for innovation, research, and the future, while emphasizing it as a major triumph for Thuringia's science and innovation location.
The university will receive funding for its excellence cluster "Balance of the Microverse," focusing on research on microorganisms, and the newly-funded "Imaginamics," which delves into conflict and debate culture in contemporary societal coexistence. The substantial funding—a total of 539 million euros annually for 70 clusters nationwide—will come from the federal government and the Länder.
Thuringia's Minister of Education, Christian Tischner (CDU), was equally enthusiastic, stating, "Thuringia is double-excellent—this is a milestone for our Thuringian science location." He also expressed optimism that the two clusters would contribute to the growth of Thuringia, not only in rankings but in terms of social relevance and scientific excellence. Tischner expressed support for the university's aspiration to become a German excellence university, encouraging it to aim for the stars.
Jena's university president, Andreas Marx, sees the success as a testament to the university's international competitiveness. He expressed hope that the significant funding for the two clusters would significantly boost Thuringia's appeal as an international hub for top-level research. In the autumn of 2025, the university plans to apply for the title of excellence university. Confident about the opportunity, Marx stated that they would work tirelessly to achieve the prestigious status.
The German Research Foundation will make funding decisions for new excellence universities from 2027 onwards next year. Currently, only a Berlin university consortium and TU Dresden hold this status in Eastern Germany.
In order to secure the status of a German excellence university, a university must:- Submit and secure successful funding for multiple Clusters of Excellence via a rigorous, international peer-review process.- Demonstrate outstanding research quality, as verified by peers and scientific bodies.- Meet the formal eligibility criteria established by the Excellence Strategy, governed by the German federal and state governments and overseen by bodies such as the DFG and Wissenschaftsrat.
This competitive, prestigious process centers on research excellence and peer-reviewed funding success, focusing on top-notch research achievements and strategic research networks within the university. No additional teaching requirements apply for the university to achieve this status.
Community aid and vocational training initiatives, facilitated by the financial backing of the excellence clusters, could potentially be a significant part of Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena's strategy as they strive towards becoming a German excellence university. In alignment with the focus on education-and-self-development and learning underpinned by the excellence strategy, these programs could serve to enhance the community's access to knowledge, fostering innovation and bolstering the university's reputation as an international hub for top-level research.
