10 million for research in Jena – Minister Tiefensee visits cutting-edge technologies for biophotonics

Researchers from the University of Jena and the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies present Thuringia's Minister of Science, Wolfgang Tiefensee, with their work on light-based diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. (Image: Leibniz-IPHT)

Thuringia's Minister of Science Wolfgang Tiefensee, Dr. Karina Weber (Administrative Director Leibniz-IPHT), Prof. Ute Neugebauer (Leibniz-IPHT and FSU Jena), and Dr. Thoralf Held, Chancellor of Friedrich Schiller University Jena (from left). (Image: Leibniz-IPHT)

On December 5, 2024, Thuringia's Minister of Science Wolfgang Tiefensee informed about new technologies for the further development of biophotonic and microscopic procedures at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (Leibniz-IPHT). The state had funded the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and devices last year with 10.5 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The new research infrastructure is utilized by the University of Jena in collaboration with Leibniz-IPHT. The aim is to open up new research areas in medicine, pharmacy, as well as life and environmental sciences.

"With these investments, we are strengthening research and development at the interface of medical and photonic technologies, which has developed into a genuine core competence for Thuringia in recent years," explained Science Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee during the handover. The funding benefits not only the regional scientific landscape but also lays the foundation for innovative new products and procedures, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Thuringia's biotechnology and medical technology industry.

New Devices Promote Interdisciplinary Cutting-Edge Research

Among the newly acquired devices are a combined fluorescence and atomic force microscope (AFM), a 3D nanoprinter, as well as spectroscopic and microscopic instruments. This infrastructure supports collaboration between Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Leibniz-IPHT and fosters interdisciplinary research approaches. "ERDF funding enables important innovation policy impulses for health research and digitalization, as outlined in the 'Roadmap for Better Patient Care.' At the same time, it strengthens the university's LIGHT and LIFE research profiles and enhances Jena's national and international visibility as a leading science location," emphasized Dr. Thoralf Held, Chancellor of Friedrich Schiller University Jena. "This modern infrastructure also allows us to continue the successful collaboration between university and non-university research institutions in Thuringia—especially through the joint appointment of professors, which we have been successfully implementing for years."

Technology for the Medicine of the Future

An example of the newly acquired devices is a microscope that combines fluorescence microscopy with atomic force microscopy. It enables detailed insights into biological processes—from analyzing individual cells to targeted manipulation of nanoparticles. With these technologies, researchers can better understand the fundamentals of infectious diseases and develop new possibilities for personalized treatment strategies.

"Cutting-edge technologies like these open new perspectives for biophotonic research and their application in medicine and life sciences," said Prof. Dr. Jürgen Popp, Chairholder at the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the University of Jena and Scientific Director of Leibniz-IPHT. "They allow us, for example, to precisely capture the dynamics of biological processes and drive innovations in diagnostics and therapy." We owe the successful implementation of this joint project to the dedicated collaboration between the University of Jena, Leibniz-IPHT, and the Thuringian Ministry of Science."

Scientific Insights and Regional Development

The ERDF funding is part of Thuringia's innovation strategy and contributes to strengthening the regional research infrastructure as well as to national and international visibility. At the same time, it promotes the training of talented young researchers and the expansion of societally relevant research.