Research & Innovation in Thuringia
Thuringia boasts a wide range of outstanding scientific and research institutions. These include 14 universities and universities of applied sciences, as well as 19 non-university research institutions belonging to renowned German scientific associations.
Excellent research environment
Thuringia is a leading location for science and innovation. In addition to 14 universities and universities of applied sciences, 19 non-university research institutions belonging to renowned scientific associations – including the Max Planck Society , Fraunhofer Society , Leibniz Association , and Helmholtz Association – shape the research landscape. This is complemented by eight industry-oriented research institutes and development service providers, which together employ around 10,000 scientists.
Research focuses particularly on key technologies such as optics/photonics, automotive, mechanical engineering/metal processing, microsystems and nanotechnology, sensor technology, ICT, and life sciences. Close collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) leads to practical innovations that strengthen Thuringia as a technology hub both nationally and internationally.
Use our Thuringian R&D portal to gain an overview of relevant research fields and institutions. We are happy to assist you in establishing suitable contacts with scientists.
Thuringian R&D Portal
Research has a long tradition in Thuringia
1872
Carl Zeiss and Ernst Abbe produce the first mathematically calculated microscope.
1919
The State Bauhaus was founded in Weimar (school for art, design and architecture).
1928
BMW produces first car in Eisenach
1976
Zeiss is developing the MKF 6 multispectral camera for photographing the Earth's surface from space.
2004
Prof. Karlheinz Brandenburg, developer of the mp3 standard, heads the Fraunhofer Institute IDMT in Ilmenau.
2008
Establishment of the Center for Innovation Competence SEPTOMICS (Sepsis Research)
2008
Sensors from Jena-Optronik ensure successful docking maneuvers at the ISS.
![Image description: UV sensors and photodiodes from Jena can be found in NASA's Mars rover "Curiosity".](/filecache/max_16_0/fileadmin/user_upload/leg_invest/images/forschung-innovation/mars_rover.webp "UV sensors and photodiodes from Jena can be found in NASA's Mars rover "Curiosity".")
2013
UV sensors and photodiodes from Jena can be found in NASA's Mars rover "Curiosity".
2017
DLR Institute for Data Science is establishing a research institute for “Smart and Big Data” in Jena
![Image description: UV sensors and photodiodes from Jena can be found in NASA's Mars rover "Curiosity".](/filecache/max_0_0/fileadmin/user_upload/leg_invest/images/forschung-innovation/mars_rover.jpg "UV sensors and photodiodes from Jena can be found in NASA's Mars rover "Curiosity".")
Thuringian Innovation Strategy
Thuringia is strategically strengthening its innovative capacity. The Thuringian Innovation Strategy (RIS Thuringia) promotes the development of promising fields of specialization:
- Industrial production and systems,
- Sustainable and intelligent mobility and logistics,
- Healthy living and the healthcare industry,
- Sustainable energy and resource use as well as
- Information and communication technologies, innovative and production-related services as a cross-cutting field.
The implementation is coordinated by Innovativ Thüringen at LEG Thüringen and thus specifically supports the transformation towards a future-proof, competitive economy.
contact person
contact person
