Green light for new Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research in Jena
Four Jena research institutions sign cooperation agreement for Europe-wide unique research infrastructure for the investigation of light-based health technologies
The Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI) is a user-open one-stop agency.
Its unique infrastructure will accelerate and support the development of light-based diagnostic methods and novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of infectious diseases. All development steps from concept to medical device are included in a holistic process. Professional quality management, early consideration of regulatory requirements and clinical evidence ensure sustained application.
Until full establishment of the LPI infrastructure in 2030, projects can be managed decentrally. In 2027, the First-in-Patient Unit will already be available for pilot studies at point-of-care.
LPI focuses on the treatment of difficult-to-treat infectious diseases. Antibiotic resistances of pathogens complicate standard medical approaches.
Optical technologies provide additional diagnostic information, high precision and personalization. This allows for fast diagnoses for time-sensitive infections.
Artificial Intelligence helps with fast and automated evaluation of complex photonic data. This allows for reliable diagnostic decisions.
A unique translation infrastructure for the development of medical solutions: LPI bridges the gap from research concept to the clinical practice and thus combines technology development and real life application.
Four Jena research institutions sign cooperation agreement for Europe-wide unique research infrastructure for the investigation of light-based health technologies
Good ideas from research are to reach patients more quickly in the future. To this end, the German government is […]
The German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) rated the plans for the “Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research” […]

Excellent science and globally active companies in the fields of optics and photonics, medical technology and analytics as well as a lively start-up scene make scientific and business location Jena an innovation driver in the field of optical health technologies.
The LPI builds on the competencies of the University Hospital and the Friedrich Schiller University as well as the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) and Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) located here. The four supporting institutions participate in established research associations, DFG special research areas, the „Balance of the MicroVerse“ cluster of excellence as well as federally funded projects such as the „InfectoGnostics“ research campus and the „Center for Sepsis and Infection Research“ (Center for Sepsis Control & Care, CSCC).
An initiative of the Leibniz Association in cooperation with