School for Microbial Communication (JSMC)

All forms of life on Earth are affected by the communication between microorganisms. Our interdisciplinary programme comprehensively covers microbial communication in all its facets and from various angles, from health to environment and from biology to optical technologies and bioinformatics. Sixteen institutes within five faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, six non-university research institutions, and twelve partner companies participate in the research and PhD training programme of the Graduate School of Excellence "Jena School for Microbial Communication" (JSMC). Ecological, chemical, physical, geological, pharmaceutical, medical, and biotechnological aspects of microbial communication are all investigated. New technologies are being developed at the JSMC. The obtained data is analysed with bioinformatics tools providing the basis for systems-biological models for an understanding of interactive networks in multi-partner and multi-level consortia. Continuous exchange of knowledge with the industrial partners facilitates a swift transfer of research results to applications as diverse as biotechnology, medicine and environmental protection. The extensive scientific network of the JSMC provides a platform for state-of-the-art doctoral training at the intersection of basic research and industrial application. After the programme, support is offered in seeking an initial post following the doctorate. The concept of the JSMC was awarded funding by the Excellence Initiative of the German federal government and the state governments in October 2007. After a positive evaluation of the JSMC in this highly competitive programme, the funding for the graduate school was extended in 2012. Since 2019, the JSMC has been funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation.