The Department of Applied Biochemistry headed by Prof. Dr. Jens Kurreck develops 3D organ models by means of bio-printing processes for infection and cancer research. Another focus is the use of gene therapy methods and RNA technologies for various medical issues (virology, cancer research, pain research.

The Department of Bioanalytics, led by Prof. Dr. Juri Rappsilber, fills gaps in our current understanding of cellular processes that are revealed by the new analytical methods developed in the Department. The department is also using its understanding of bioorthogonal chemistry to treat disease in novel ways from the perspective of catalysis. New ground is also being broken in teaching.

The chair for Geobiotechnology (Prof. Dr. Lorenz Adrian) investigates microbial processes in the environment and their biotechnical application. We strive to contribute to the avoidance of climate-changing gases and transformation of pollutants. The research is focused on the biochemical and microbiological investigation of anoxic metabolic activities of microorganisms. Technically, we build on protein mass spectrometry, isotope biochemistry and anaerobic cultivation.

The Department of Cytometry, headed by Prof. Dr. Hyun-Dong Chang, uses and develops single cell technologies, in particular flow cytometry, for the analysis of cells of the immune system and the microbiota. These technologies are used to investigate the role of such cells in the initiation, progression and regulation of chronic diseases such as allergy, autoimmunity and cancer. This paves the way for the development of therapies aimed at the selective elimination of pathogenic cells or microbial components, but also the therapeutic use of inflammation-regulating cells or bacteria.

The Department of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, headed by Prof. Dr. Vera Meyer, is concerned, among other things, with the genetic optimization of substance production by prokaryotic and eukaryotic production systems, the presentation and characterization of bioactive substances with the aid of microbial production systems, and the development of new antifungal agents and strategies.

The Department of Bioprocess Engineering is headed by Prof. Dr. Peter Neubauer. Research focuses on pronounced activities in the areas of process monitoring and optimization as well as scale transfer, biocatalysis and biosorption. Here, research approaches on the microbiological/genetic level are combined with technical and systems biological approaches and further developed. The aim is to exploit these synergies for the development of bioprocesses characterized by high added value.

The Department of Medical Biotechnology, headed by Prof. Dr. Sina Bartfeld, develops 3D culture models based on human stem cells, so-called "organoids". Using organoids and organ-on-a-chip technology, we emulate tissues in physiology and pathology, mainly in the digestive tract and bone marrow. While asking basic mechanistic questions about infections, the innate immune response, and carcinogenesis, the group is always striving to improve in vitro models.

The Department of Cellular Reproduction Biotechnology headed by Prof. Dr. Jennifer Schön investigates different reproductive strategies of mammals on the cell biological and molecular level. Based on this, new methods for assisted reproduction and contact-free or minimally invasive hormone monitoring of zoo and wildlife species are developed.