We research the genetic, physiological, cellular and structural basis of the brain, the cardiovascular system, the intestine, the pancreas and the liver in order to detect neurodegenerative diseases - such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's - or metabolic diseases - such as diabetes mellitus - at an early stage and to gain knowledge for their treatment or early detection. To this end, we use, among others, the model systems: Drosophila and C. elegans.

With the help of bioinformatic techniques, biochemical and molecular biological methods, we try to answer questions about the evolution of genes, cell organelles and eukaryotes. With the help of gene and genome comparisons, we can investigate early events in evolution going back to the origin of life.

The major challenge of ongoing climate change must be met with the sustainable, environmentally friendly production of healthy food, renewable energy and industrial raw materials.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and data science are the driving forces behind the rapid advances in digitalisation and automation that will change our daily lives. In biology, we use them to develop theoretical concepts and mathematical models of biological processes.

We use computer-assisted techniques to study microbiomes, viral and bacterial pathogens in order to understand the mechanisms of infection and the host-pathogen interaction in detail. The spectrum ranges from bacteria (such as Clamydia or Listeria) to fungi (such as Ustilago) to parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii.

Synthetic biology is a young, dynamic and innovative field that is revolutionising basic and applied biotechnological research. It integrates engineering principles for the assembly of biological modules into complex higher-order systems with desired properties and functions.