The City of Jena Congratulates Friedrich Schiller University on Its Designation as a University of Excellence

The City of Jena warmly congratulates Friedrich Schiller University Jena on its successful admission to the ranks of universities of excellence. The Excellence Commission’s decision recognizes the university’s academic achievements as well as its strategic development and its network of numerous partners.

Friedrich Schiller University had applied for funding as a University of Excellence under the title “Light. Life. Liberty. – Connecting People and Ideas.” A prerequisite for this were the two successful clusters of excellence, “Balance of the Microverse” and “Imaginamics.”

Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche stated:

“This is an outstanding achievement for Friedrich Schiller University and a great day for our entire city. I congratulate everyone who has worked on this with tremendous dedication over the past few years. The title of University of Excellence highlights internationally what has long distinguished Jena: scientific excellence, short lines of communication, and an exceptionally close connection between the university, research, business, and the local community. For Jena, this distinction means additional appeal in the competition for top talent, investments, and new ideas. Above all, however, it is both a confirmation and an incentive to consistently continue on our shared path as a city of science and the future.”

With approximately 17,000 students and around 10,000 employees, Friedrich Schiller University Jena has a particularly strong influence on the city and is closely networked with research institutions, companies, and other local partners.

Wilfried Röpke, Managing Director of Jena Economic Development, also offered his congratulations: 

“The title of ‘University of Excellence’ is a major honor for the university—and at the same time an important signal for Jena as a business location. Our city thrives on the close connection between academia and business; it is one of our greatest locational advantages. Here, science and research consistently lay the groundwork for new technologies and innovative start-ups. This creates jobs and a sphere of influence for people who want to drive our city forward. At the same time, our companies benefit from collaboration with the university, from joint projects, and—not least—from the well-educated people who study, conduct research, or earn their degrees here in Jena. The title of ‘University of Excellence’ strengthens this ecosystem and makes Jena even more visible both nationally and internationally. This also helps our companies when it comes to attracting skilled workers, establishing partnerships, and driving innovation. That is why this honor is far more than a well-deserved recognition of the university: it is a tremendous success for the entire region. Congratulations!”

Exzellent zusammen: Wilfried Röpke, Geschäftsführer der Wirtschaftsförderung Jena (links) und Oberbürgermeister Dr. Thomas Nitzsche (rechts) gratulieren Prof. Andreas Marx, Präsident der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena zur erfolgreichen Bewerbung.

© Stadt Jena

Große Freude nach der Verkündung: Jena hat eine Exzellenzuniversität

© Stadt Jena