Technical progress essentially depends on the availability of suitable and the development of new materials. In this research focus, modern materials science and technology is combined with chemical, i.e. preparative-synthetic and analytical approaches. A wide range of high-quality manufacturing, processing and testing methods is available for this purpose. The range of materials includes all material groups and is focused on future-oriented and sustainable material developments that save raw materials and energy. The following topics represent areas of strength of the faculty:

• Synthesis and Application of Functional Materials
• Surface and Interface Science and Technology
• Materials Design and Processing Technologies
• Materials Characterization under Operation

In addition to the satisfaction of immediate basic needs, the future of a rapidly growing humanity will be determined by the extent to which chemical and biotechnological processes can be designed in such a way that they are available and affordable for future generations and do not cause any ecological damage. The provision of products and energy on a large industrial scale is the major task of technical chemistry, but also implies the responsibility to consider and investigate the social and ecological effects of these (bio)chemical processes. Climate change poses this challenge drastically. The research focus is aimed at the sustainable use of all primary raw materials, high energy efficiency of the processes involved and reuse and under consideration of the corresponding environmental processes and effects. The research work also focuses on recycling, material and energetic utilization as well as environmentally friendly disposal of the products brought into circulation at the end of their service life cycle. Fields:

• Decarbonization and Electrification of Chemical Processes
• Natural Resources and Biorefinery Technologies
• Environmental Analytics, Monitoring and Remediation
• Green Chemistry and Sustainable Fuels

Bioscientific technologies are building the basis for the implementation of theoretical principles of biochemistry, medicine and biology in specific applications. Findings in connection with (bio)process engineering are used for the production of a wide variety of bioactive molecules. The research activities currently carried out at the faculty range from knowledge- and application-oriented basic research to process developments in cooperation with relevant industry and can be summarized in four main topics:

• Recombinant Proteins, Omics-Technologies and Systems Biotechnology
• Bioinstrumentation, Bioprocess Technology and Engineering
• Applied Biosynthesis and Medical Life-Sciences
• Molecular Diagnostics and Bioindicators

We must re-cycle elements already present in the atmosphere or biosphere to produce recyclable carriers for renewable energy, paving the way towards a fossil fuel-free society. Most-promising are electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, but in the current technology one must replace rare with abundant elements or discover alternative, inexpensive high-performance catalysts.

The development of biorefinery concepts, where renewable feedstock is processed and (bio)chemically converted into a range of marketable chemical and energy products, is seen as a bio-based and promising integrator of paradigms of industrial ecology and the circular economy. At the same time, systems process engineering enables a transformation towards sustainable production by taking a holistic view of the entire process chain.

This area focuses on developing innovative molecular technologies to precisely study and manipulate biological systems. It encompasses next-generation bioanalytical methods and biocompatible chemical tools for controlling biological processes. These advancements aim to drive breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and therapies.