Moving to Jena

Jena in Germany is a city of about 110,000 people, located close to Leipzig (~1h by train) and Berlin (~2.5h by train). This allows you to enjoy the cultural and social opportunities of larger cities while living in a quieter environment with fewer daily distractions.

Jena has a rich scientific and cultural heritage. It is the birthplace of the planetarium and of modern optics through Carl Zeiss. Less well known is that the electroencephalogram (EEG) was invented here in Jena by Prof. Berger, whose actions during the Nazi regime remind us that scientific achievement does not ensure moral integrity. His story also may tell us that in totalitarian regimes, moral courage becomes rare. His suicide speaks of torment and warns that those who stay silent today may face unbearable choices tomorrow. As intolerance grows worldwide, we must find courage, grounded in shared values exemplified by Gandhi, Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others, to stand up for our common humanity. Independent of Mr. Berger’s actions, his pioneering work in functional brain recordings made Jena a birthplace of human brain mapping and the scientific study of the human mind. Generally, the University of Jena has been home to many historical figures, including the first female professor at a German university. The city has ties to Humboldt, Schiller, Goethe, and their intellectual and cultural spirit is still felt today. Nearby Weimar, the birthplace of Germany’s first democracy, and Buchenwald, a stark reminder of its collapse and what followed, provide important historical lessons that remain relevant.

In essence, Jena is a place where the discovery of the stars (through optics) and the study of the brain (through EEG) first emerged and intersected. At this crossroads, one might say, magic unfolds as the brain, through mysterious processes, creates experience, subjectivity, and ultimately the capacity to witness the universe itself. To me, that remains both awe-inspiring and profoundly fascinating.

Below you will find practical information about moving to Jena and Germany.
If you would like to suggest additional information, please contact.

1) How is the research environment in Jena?

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Overview
Jena offers an internationally recognized research environment with many strengths. The Friedrich Schiller University Jena holds the HR Excellence in Research Award. Two Clusters of Excellence further strengthen the research landscape.

The University is a site of the German Center for Mental Health, where I am a PI. My professorship bridges the University and University Hospital.

Several Max Planck Institutes, Leibniz institutes, and Fraunhofer institutes contribute to an interdisciplinary ecosystem.

Carl Zeiss remains omnipresent. The largest Carl Zeiss research campus worldwide is currently being built. As Carl Zeiss Professor, I aim to foster strong collaborations with the Carl Zeiss Foundation & Company, especially on relevant topics in machine learning.

2) Getting started in Jena

Housing can be competitive but manageable, and the daycare infrastructure is excellent. Our children enjoy attending Kita until late afternoon, which makes balancing work and family life much easier.

Jena is a lively city that supports its residents. We managed all city-related paperwork online, received an appointment the same day, and completed everything within hours – almost unheard of in Germany.

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First steps before & after arrival

  • Contact the university’s International Office for visa and residence permits.
  • Register your residence (Anmeldung).
  • Obtain health insurance (mandatory in Germany).
  • Open a German bank account.

3) What can you do in and around Jena?

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Highlights

  • Annual Kulturarena with international music and theater.
  • The Zeiss Planetarium, the oldest in the world still in operation.
  • Saale valley and Thuringian Forest for hiking, cycling, and outdoor activities.
  • A lively student scene with cafés, clubs, and cultural venues.

4) How to find an apartment in Jena?

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Note: Many private flats are rented unfurnished, sometimes without kitchens. Apply early and use university networks.

5) How German is it, and how much German do you need?

Academic life is highly international, and English is widely spoken in research. There is absolutely no need to learn German for the work in our team. However, daily life and bureaucracy are primarily in German. Learning German helps with integration and social life. The University Language Centre offers free or affordable courses for researchers and students.

6) How to calculate your income and what are the living costs?

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You can check living costs in Jena for a data-driven overview. What matters are living costs, median salaries, and returns on capital—figures that reflect conditions for most people, not just top earners. By this measure, Jena stands out: costs are about half of other cities in Germany (compare yourself) while average salaries are comparable or higher. Add reliable daycare, strong social services, healthcare, efficient local government, and affordable public spaces, and you get a city that thrives on balance—especially attractive for young professionals and families. Disclaimer: the tool reports average salaries, which are only rough estimates and likely based on skewed data.

7) Social support systems

Germany provides comprehensive social protection: health insurance, unemployment insurance, pensions, and public healthcare – automatically covered through employment. The University also offers counselling, mentoring, and integration services for international staff and students.

8) Family and child support

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Overview

  • Parental leave: up to 14 months at ~60% of last income.
  • Kindergarten and childcare: affordable, high quality (most with gardens and well-trained staff).
  • Public schools: free and good. International schools exist in nearby cities but are usually unnecessary.

9) Vacation days

Employees in Germany typically receive 25–30 paid vacation days per year, plus public holidays - leaving ample time for travel, leisure, and family.