LIGHT.LIFE.LIBERTY: Theme Week “What Is Life?”

Curiosity Welcome: A Week Exploring the Question “What Is Life

How does life arise? Where does it begin—and what holds it together? Under the theme “What Is Life?”, the LIGHT.LIFE.LIBERTY. research clusters at Friedrich Schiller University Jena invite the public to a special theme week from May 18 to 22, 2026.

Over five days, more than 30 events will offer exciting insights into current research in Jena—presented in an accessible, interdisciplinary manner and held at various locations throughout the city. The program ranges from lectures and discussions to open and creative formats such as PowerPoint karaoke. Visitors can explore laboratories and collections, engage in conversation with researchers, and experience science from new perspectives.

The theme week is open to anyone interested—regardless of prior knowledge or academic background. All events are free of charge. Employees can have up to five hours of participation recognized as work time. Registration is required for some events.