Minister Tischner Visits Jena Clusters: Millions Invested in Research Excellence and Young Talent

University President Andreas Marx, Erika Kothe (Head of JSMC), Minister Christian Tischner, and Kirsten Küsel (Spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”) at the handover of the funding. Photo: TMBWK
University President Andreas Marx, Erika Kothe (Head of JSMC), Minister Christian Tischner, and Kirsten Küsel (Spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”) at the handover of the funding. Photo: TMBWK

On Monday, February 9, Thuringia’s Minister for Science, Christian Tischner, visited the University of Jena to gain firsthand insight into the work of the university’s two Clusters of Excellence: "Balance of the Microverse" and "Imaginamics".

The delegation was welcomed by the Cluster’s leadership team. Kirsten Küsel, Erika Kothe, and Miriam Agler-Rosenbaum guided the Minister through the construction site of the new Microverse Center Jena.

In addition to the site tour, Kirsten Küsel gave a presentation offering exclusive insights into the cluster’s current research endeavors.

Funding for the Next Generation of Scientists

A highlight of the visit was the presentation of significant funding notifications to support early-career researchers (graduate measures) until 2028. Minister Tischner presented:

  • €3.6 million for "Balance of the Microverse"

  • €835,000 for "Imaginamics"

Early-career researchers within the Microverse Cluster are enrolled in the Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC). Supported by this funding, the JSMC continues to play a central role in providing a structured, interdisciplinary environment for doctoral students designed to master the complexity of microbial interactions.

"Top research and the promotion of young talent belong together," Minister Tischner emphasized. "The additional state funding ensures that Thuringia remains an international magnet for top young researchers."

Support for the "University of Excellence"

The visit also underscored the State’s full support for the University of Jena's application for the title of "University of Excellence." Following the submission of the full proposal in November 2025 and ahead of the on-site evaluation by international experts this summer, this funding sends a clear signal.

The Minister also visited the future site of the Imaginamics Center at Fürstengraben 23, where a funding application for a €24.7 million renovation was submitted in December 2025 to create a hub for interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences.

We thank the Ministry for this strong vote of confidence as we await the final excellence strategy decision in October 2026.

→ TV report on the Minister's visit in the MDR Thüringen Journal on 9 February 2026 (in German, from 8:55 minutes)

Gallery

  • Photo: TMBWK
    Photo: TMBWK
  • Photo: TMBWK
    Photo: TMBWK
  • Photo: TMBWK
    Photo: TMBWK
  • Photo: TMBWK
    Photo: TMBWK
  • Photo: TMBWK
    Photo: TMBWK
  • Photo: TMBWK
    Photo: TMBWK