Carl Zeiss Foundation funds new endowed professorship – Innovation boost for intelligent robotic systems in medical technology
Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena has secured substantial funding from the Carl Zeiss Foundation (CZS) through the “CZS Endowed Professorships HAW” program. The foundation will provide €1.5 million to establish a new endowed professorship in Intelligent Robotic Systems in Medical Technology. The position will be based in the Department of Medical Technology and Biotechnology and will strengthen one of the university’s key innovation areas.The funding will run for five years, from April 2027 to March 2032. It will significantly reinforce Jena’s role as a hub for medical technology research.
Ongoing changes in the healthcare system are increasing the demand for autonomous technologies. Demographic shifts, more complex surgical procedures, and a growing shortage of skilled staff place hospitals under rising pressure. Forecasts predict a 40 percent increase in minimally invasive procedures by 2030. Intelligent robotic systems can reduce the workload of medical staff and improve the quality of care.
The new professorship will focus on research into autonomous medical systems. It aims to integrate robotics, artificial intelligence, multimodal biophotonic imaging, and biomedical sensor technology. The goal is to develop precise solutions that support medical procedures in real time.Prof. Dr. Iwan Schie, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and initiator of the concept, highlights the strategic relevance of the position: “With this professorship, we are expanding our profile with a future-oriented topic that aligns perfectly with our strengths in multimodal biophotonic imaging, instrument development, and AI-based diagnostics. Together with our strong local partners, we can explore the integration of biophotonic processes and robotic systems to deliver real value for clinical practice.”
Close collaboration with leading research institutions and Jena University Hospital will enable rapid transfer of research results into medical applications. The professorship will therefore make a substantial contribution to the digital transformation of medical technology.
