Jena is known for its expertise in bioinformatics, making it one of the best-qualified cities in Germany for this field. Next to the Friedrich Schiller University (FSU), the city is home to cutting-edge research institutions that specialize in the computational analysis of biological data. Researchers in Jena contribute to advancements in genomics, proteomics, and systems biology, and their work plays a crucial role in understanding and improving various aspects of life sciences. Jena is also a prominent hub for ecological and environmental research. Scientists and institutions in the city are engaged in the study of ecosystems and biodiversity, with a strong focus on viral research. In addition, Jena has a long tradition and is world-leading in multiple interdisciplinary work to drive light-based, i.e., photonic applications, ranging from basic optical design of instrumentation, over basic solid state, chemical, cell-biology, and medical research, to generating (commercial) system solutions for translational applications.
Four non-university research institutes in Jena directly participate in this initiative. The FSU maintains close collaboration with these institutions in both research and education, which is further strengthened by joint professorship appointments.
Some essential bioinformatical research topics aiming to answer the virological questions adressed in this initiative are not covered directly in Jena, and therefore bioinformatics experts from outside Jena have been invited to contribute to VirusREvolution. Also, to ensure a brought range of model viruses to develop tools which are generally usable for any virus, we integrated distinguished virology experts from other institutions.
