Getting to know each other, exchange, sharing ideas and making plans – that was the first Matching@JenaVersum event, which took place on Monday, 27.05.2024 on the topic of bioeconomy.

As network, JenaVersum promotes exchange and interdisciplinarity. A matching event that brings together researchers from different institutions to common field of research is a perfect format for our network – especially in the forward-looking and interdisciplinary field of bioeconomy.

More than 30 experts from science and industry, representing disciplines such as microbiology, biotechnology, materials and nutritional sciences, law, sociology, innovation economics, biophotonics and (environmental) chemistry, presented their research in concise 3-minute pitches.

As a small culinary highlight, insect snacks were served during the break, which not only provided a topic of conversation, but also offered an insight into sustainable nutrition options. Afterwards, Dr. Michael Bär from the Thuringian Cluster Management of LEG gave an overview of the potential in the field of bioeconomy in Thuringia.

In the subsequent networking session, the participants exchanged project ideas at moderated themed tables and were able to make new contacts. In some cases, concrete projects and possible collaborations were also explored – across disciplines and sectors.

We are delighted with the positive feedback on the event and look forward to further activities with those involved.

Special thanks to the colleagues from the Research and Transfer Service Center of the Jena university and Nucleus for their support in organizing the event.

The “OpenIRIS for JenaVersum” user day on 18.06.2024 marked the successful completion of the pilot phase, in which over 100 devices that promote cooperation from various JenaVersum partner institutions were incorporated into the web-based open source platform OpenIRIS.

In his welcoming address, Georg Pohnert, interim President of the University emphasized the importance of the project for cooperation in research. Robyn Brackin, as part of the OpenIRIS board, explained the structure and mission of the platform. She emphasized the efficiency and collaborative benefits that arise from improved visibility of devices. Aurélie Jost from the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse and Tobias Sperka from the Leibniz Institute on Aging then presented their perspectives and experiences with the platform. Project coordinator Jeanin Jügler then presented use cases and highlighted the platform’s individual setting options.

A central task of JenaVersum is to promote the efficient and coordinated use of research infrastructure and the exchange between scientific partner institutions. With the “OpenIRIS for JenaVersum” project funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, the network is taking a major step in this direction.