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Federal research institution: Erfurt comes away empty-handed – a setback for Thuringia!
Erfurt regrets the closure of the federal research institution, which promised millions in investments and scientific progress.
Federal research institution: Erfurt comes away empty-handed – a setback for Thuringia!
A current decision by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research is causing a stir in Thuringia. On October 10, 2025, it was announced that plans to locate a new federal research facility in Erfurt had finally been stopped. This decision was made by Thuringia's State Secretary for Science, Prof. Dr. Steffen Teichert regrets. He explained that this was a bitter setback for Thuringia as a science location and had already been indicated in the federal government's coalition agreement. The settlement would not only have meant investments amounting to millions, but also a strengthening of the regional research landscape, which was set at around 97 million euros by 2029. The setback comes after Thuringia's Ministry of Economics and Science submitted its application for the location in 2022. This news was delivered on the same day on Deutschlandfunk, which reported that the entire project was originally announced several times by the traffic light coalition. Deutschlandfunk
What's next for the Thuringian scientific landscape? This question is in the room. The Prime Minister of Thuringia, Mario Voigt, recently appointed additional state secretaries at a cabinet meeting, including Prof. Dr. Steffen Teichert, who is now responsible in the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. Voigt emphasized the importance of these personnel decisions for the future of the Free State, especially in the areas of digitalization, healthcare, science and culture. Teichert is considered an experienced science manager and knows the Thuringian university landscape well, as he was previously president of the Ernst Abbe University Jena. The challenges he faces cannot be underestimated. Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture
Foundations for the promotion of science
But it's not just the location of the federal research institution that is causing a stir. There are numerous foundations active in Thuringia that specifically promote science and research. The Ernst Abbe Foundation, for example, not only supports the University of Jena, but also passes on its help to other universities in the Free State. The focus is primarily on expanding research and innovation as well as social support for former employees of the Carl Zeiss Foundation.
In addition, the Carl Zeiss Foundation plays a central role as the sole shareholder of Carl Zeiss AG and SCHOTT AG. It promotes research and teaching in relevant areas and implements specific programs to promote young talent at universities.
The Foundation for Technology, Innovation and Research Thuringia (STIFT), which was founded in 1993, has also set itself the task of promoting science and technology and promoting the transfer of new knowledge. Their efforts focus in particular on supporting universities, non-university research institutions and technology-oriented start-ups. Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture
Overall, Thuringia faces a crucial challenge in maintaining and strengthening its scientific reputation. With experienced players at the helm and committed foundations behind them, the future could still be promising.