Eastern German University Potentialized for 'University of Excellence' Status, with Jena in Contention - East German University Prospectively Recognized as a University of Excellence – Potential for Jena
The Frederick Schiller University of Jena stands poised to ascend as the next leading university in eastern Germany, following a decision by the German Research Foundation (DFG) within the framework of the "Excellence Strategy of the Federal Government and the Länder," as announced in Bonn.
This decision grants funding for two interdisciplinary research projects, commonly known as Clusters of Excellence, for seven years. Universities that secure two or more such projects can subsequently apply for the status of a top university in the following phase. According to the DFG, a total of 15 universities nationwide will have this opportunity.
Thuringia's Minister President, Mario Voigt (CDU), currently in the U.S. with a delegation, hailed the selection of two Jena clusters as "a strong signal for innovation, research, and the future." He views it as a significant achievement for Thuringia's science and innovation sector.
The university has received funding for its Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse," specializing in microorganism research, for a second time. The newly funded Cluster of Excellence "Imaginamics," focusing on conflict and debate culture research in contemporary societal coexistence, marks its first time receiving the grant. Funding, totaling 539 million euros annually for 70 clusters nationwide, is provided by the federal government and the Länder.
Education Minister Christian Tischner (CDU) proclaimed, "Thuringia is doubly excellent – this is a milestone for our Thuringian science location." Tischner believes that Thuringia will grow through the two clusters – not only in rankings but in societal relevance and scientific excellence. He pledged the Friedrich Schiller University's support from the state: "An application as a German top university is the next step towards the stars. The decision for two clusters has demonstrated the potential that lies in Jena – now it is a matter of consistently using this opportunity."
Jena's university president, Andreas Marx, explained that the success reflects the national and international competitiveness of the university. "Through the multi-million euro funding of the two clusters, the entirety of Thuringia receives an additional boost," Marx said. "It makes us as a location of international top research even more attractive and visible." In autumn 2025, the university can submit an application for the "University of Excellence" title. Marx affirmed that the university moves forward with confidence. "Now we are working with all our might to achieve the official status of a top university."
The decision on the funding of new top universities from 2027 will be made by the Science Council next year. As of now, only TU Dresden, in addition to a Berlin university consortium, holds this status in eastern Germany.
Background information:The Excellence Strategy is a joint initiative of the Federal Government and the Länder, focusing on research excellence and institutional profile. Key requirements for designation as a "University of Excellence" include the successful funding of at least two Clusters of Excellence, submission of an institutional strategy demonstrating research excellence and strategic strength, and development of sustainable structures for research and collaboration. As of May 2025, 15 additional universities are now eligible to apply for the "University of Excellence" status after securing the required number of Clusters of Excellence.
In light of the funding for the Cluster of Excellence "Imaginamics" at the Frederick Schiller University of Jena, there may be an opportunity for increased focus on education-and-self-development through vocational training in this area. The success of multiple Clusters of Excellence, such as "Balance of the Microverse" and "Imaginamics," could potentially facilitates community aid by attracting more science-oriented research projects and collaborations.
