Our research aims at elucidating how particle properties influence structure and biochemistry of cells. This includes information on the uptake, distribution, and location of particles. Our purpose is to pave the way for the design of safer nanomaterials.

We synthesize and explore polymer-grafted colloids and supercolloids.

The group focuses on development of biomolecular and biohybrid functional nano- and microparticles, films and fibres with well-defined molecular structures over multiple length scales. This is achieved by a synergy between synthetic chemistry, molecular biology and soft matter physics.

Our group focuses on the synthesis of pure and doped metal oxide nanoparticles driven via materials chemistry based bio-nano paradigms.

We investigate processes and systems in the field of research data management. In doing so, we develop description standards, enable data publications, devise virtual research environments and “smart labs”, and ensure the sustainable availability of data via digital long-term archiving.

At IUF we investigate the prevention of environmentally induced diseases at the molecular level. We are dedicated to identify the fundamental mechanisms of toxicity of environmental particulate pollutants and advanced materials in the different organ systems and to prevent of such adverse effects.

At the Department of Toxicology, we investigate liver and neurotoxicity of chemicals and nanomaterials. We conduct basic physiological research on cellular, organ, and organism level to provide insights into normal and pathological modes of function to improve the understanding of liver diseases, tumor biology, and impaired cognitive processes. Our research also informs toxicological risk assessment.

Our primary goal is to develop new active ingredients and biocatalysts inspired by research into natural substances and processes. These can be used in medicine, nutrition and crop protection or the environmentally friendly production of key molecules, among others. Molecular chemical and biological investigations cover the range from the analysis and isolation of small molecules and peptides in the organism, through (bio)chemical synthesis and medicinal chemical optimization, to action on molecular targets – mostly proteins – or test cells and organisms.

We study the exposure of marine organisms to microplastics and nanoplastics, their physiological responses and incorporation of particles into skeletal carbonate, and the distribution of microplastics in the marine environment.

The Deutsches Museum has been engaged in science communication since its founding in 1903; research on science communication has been a central component of its activities since the early 2000s. Our focus is on the theory-driven development of practice-oriented formats as well as research into new approaches to teaching approaches at informal learning sites.

IWM investigates knowledge processes (e.g., knowledge acquisition, construction, or exchange) from psychological perspectives (e.g., individual information processing or interpersonal communication). We explore how innovative digital information offerings can be designed to promote deeper understanding of learning content without overloading cognitively.

IPN investigates and develops teaching and learning approaches for different educational phases and contexts, in many cases in close collaboration between science and educational practice. In the research line Science Communication and Talent Development, a special focus is placed on interfaces between science communication and education, for example in out-of-school learning settings.