Schubert Group

18/11/2025

15 Years of JCSM! 🎉

With a celebratory event at the Center for Applied Research (ZAF), Friedrich Schiller University Jena commemorated the 15th anniversary of the Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) on November 17, 2025. More than 120 guests and members gathered to celebrate the center's development and to discuss prospects for soft matter research in Jena.

In his welcoming address, Dr. Bernd Uwe Althaus, State Secretary in the Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, emphasized the "outstanding importance of the JCSM for science, innovation, and knowledge transfer in Jena and Thuringia."

While university President Prof. Dr. Andreas Marx highlighted the role of the JCSM in the University of Jena's current application for funding under the Excellence Universities program, Prof. Dr. Michael Bauer, from Uniklinikum Jena, emphasized the role of of interdisciplinary collaborations by using SFB 1278 Polytarget as an example.

Another example of successful collaboration was presented by Prof. Dr. Holger Ruckdäschel (University of Bayreuth) and Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible (President of Unversity of Bayreuth).

Moreover, the transfer strength of the JCSM was demonstrated by three startups in a pitch format: SmartDyeLivery GmbH, Polytives GmbH, and NGP Polymers GmbH.

Following the poster session and discussions, Prof. Dr. Rainer Haag (Free University of Berlin) delivered a keynote address offering insights into interdisciplinary polymer research in Berlin.

The celebratory event concluded with further discussions, a continuation of the poster session, and guided tours, underscoring the vibrant, interconnected research landscape that has shaped the JCSM over the past 15 years.

Special thanks to the Free State of Thuringia and the Carl Zeiss Foundation for the great support at enabled the developments!

29/10/2025

Creating an Open and Interactive RAFT Polymerisation Kinetics Database

We present an experimental RAFT polymerization database which is freely available at www.raft-knowledgebase.de. The dataset consists of over 500 kinetical experiments, performed with an automated parallel synthesizer and the parameter space spans 16 different monomers, three solvents and 7 RAFT agents.

The dataset is intended to lay a starting point to examine which combination of reactants is promising under the selected experimental conditions.

Publication link: https://doi.org/10.1039/d5dd00177c

02/10/2025

🌐 Scroll down for the English version! 🌐

📢 Einladung: 15 Jahre JCSM

Am 17. November 2025 feiert das Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) an der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena sein 15-jähriges Bestehen.

Freuen Sie sich auf Grußworte hochrangiger Gäste, eine Keynote Lecture von Prof. Dr. Rainer Haag, Postersessions und Laborführungen.

📍 Ort: Zentrum für Angewandte Forschung (ZAF), Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena
🕑 Zeit: 14:00–18:00 Uhr

🔗 Verbindliche Anmeldung bis 20. Oktober 2025 erforderlich: jcsm.uni-jena.de/anmeldung-jubilaeum

Feiern Sie mit uns 15 Jahre Spitzenforschung in der Soft-Matter-Wissenschaft!

----------

📢 Invitation: 15 Years of JCSM

On November 17, 2025, the Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) at Friedrich Schiller University Jena will celebrate its 15th anniversary.

The program features greetings from distinguished guests, a keynote lecture by Prof. Dr. Rainer Haag, poster sessions, and guided lab tours.

📍 Venue: Zentrum für Angewandte Forschung (ZAF), Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena
🕑 Time: 2:00–6:00 p.m.

🔗 Mandatory registration by October 20, 2025: jcsm.uni-jena.de/anmeldung-jubilaeum

Join us in celebrating 15 years of pioneering research in soft matter science!

30/09/2025

📢 The Schubert Group Quarterly Newsletter (Q3, September 2025) is now available!

This issue highlights some of our moments from the past months:
✨ Special Group Seminar 2025
✨ Visit of Minister Christian Tischner
✨ Hans & Marlies Zimmer International Scholar Award for Prof. Schubert
✨ Publication of the Month
✨ Social Media Insights and more

Dive into the full newsletter to discover all updates, stories, and achievements from our group.

👉 Read the full newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/VlFrq

23/09/2025

Electrochemistry Made Simple at the MINT Festiva Jena

At this year MINT Festival, our team demonstrated the basics of electrochemistry, the science behind how batteries work. We started from introducing simple experiments and moving toward modern battery technologies.

17/09/2025

On September 15, the Schubert Group and HIPOLE Jena came together for a day full of community spirit. From inspiring pitches by new members to discussions on projects, equipment, and strategic goals, the seminar highlighted the strong collaboration within our community.

In the evening, we rounded off the day with sports and a relaxed get-together at Westsportplatz Jena – the perfect mix of science, fun, and family vibes.

A big thank you to everyone who made this event such a success!

30/08/2025

🔋 Innovative gel polymer electrolytes for green batteries

New gel polymer electrolytes with dopamine building blocks open exciting opportunities for energy storage:
✅ 450 % electrolyte uptake
✅ High ionic conductivity (2.3 mS/cm at 20 °C)
✅ Stable discharge capacity of 59 mAh/g at 0.2C

Dopamine units not only enhance retention and conductivity but also provide antioxidant effects and suppress lithium dendrite growth – improving both safety and lifetime of next-generation batteries.

🌱 A promising approach for sustainable energy storage solutions.

👉 Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powera.2025.100186

21/08/2025

🔬 We are hiring at Friedrich Schiller University Jena!

The Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), in the group of Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert, is looking for a Technical Employee (f/m/d) (part-time, permanent).

✨ Your tasks:

-Independent synthesis of polymers (controlled/living polymerizations)

-Upscaling, preparation of initiators and monomers

-Use of analytical methods (SEC, NMR)

-General lab tasks and equipment maintenance

👩‍🔬 Your profile:

-Completed technical training (e.g. Chemical Laboratory Technician, CTA) or equivalent

-Knowledge of organic synthesis, polymer chemistry & analytics

-Team spirit, reliability, English skills

💡 We offer:

-A permanent part-time position (0.5 FTE, TV-L E6) with possibility to increase

-Cutting-edge research environment with excellent labs & infrastructure

-Family-friendly workplace with flexible offers and benefits

-30 vacation days + 2 extra days off (24. & 31.12)

📅 Apply online by 19 September 2025!

👉 https://shorturl.at/jMsEL

Further information: https://shorturl.at/rcecJ

19/08/2025

🎥 New Video Online!

On 29.07.2025, Thuringian Minister Christian Tischner visited CEEC Jena and HIPOLE Jena as part of the High Tech Tour.

The visit featured inspiring contributions from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), and the University of Bayreuth, highlighting strong cooperation in research and innovation.

👉 The full video is now available on the HIPOLE YouTube channel:

As part of the High Tech Tour, Thuringian Minister for Education, Science and Culture, Mr. Christian Tischner, visited HIPOLE Jena.We sincerely thank Dr. Ber...

13/08/2025

🌱 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Sustainable Polymer Materials – Join Us in Jena!

The newly founded research group of Dr. Boris Bulgakov at Friedrich Schiller University Jena is looking for highly motivated PhD students to work on innovative projects at the intersection of organic chemistry and materials science.

What we offer:
✅ Fully funded positions in an international & interdisciplinary team
✅ Close collaboration with industry partners (ALTANA AG)
✅ State-of-the-art lab space at the Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena)
✅ Conference & workshop participation worldwide
✅ A family-friendly and supportive work environment

Your profile:
🎓 Master’s degree in Organic/Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field
💡 Passion for research & sustainability
🌍 Excellent English communication skills

📌 How to apply:
Send your CV and 1-page summary of your research interests to boris.bulgakov@uni-jena.de
Subject line: “PhD in Sustainable Polymer Materials”

Let’s shape the future of sustainable materials together!