The Graduate School of Excellence ‘Jena School for Microbial Communication`(JSMC) was founded in 2006 as an umbrella organization for the three Research Training Groups then existing in Jena. The aim of this organization is the close integration of these thematically related groups and of the research institutions involved in their PhD training programs.

The organization shares scientific and education resources, so enhancing efficiency. The School uses German Excellence Initiative funding to provide PhD fellowships to selected outstanding young scientists from all over the world. These ‘JSMC Fellows’ are granted 3-year stipends to conduct research at one of the institutions of the JSMC network and to pursue a PhD degree.

The JSMC provides research training and a lively scientific network for well over 190 selected PhD students in Jena.