Across three departments, six integrative research institutes, three clusters of excellence, four collaborative research centers, contributions from the Max Planck Institutes, two venture labs, and numerous federally and EU-funded projects, the research focuses of the NAT School are concentrated on the following six areas.
Accelerated Scientific Discovery
Exploration, exploitation and understanding of the vast chemical space for functional materials is virtually impossible by conventional manual experimentation and necessitates the integrated deployment of automated experimental and theoretical methods. We therefore employ high-throughput and combinatorial methods in materials design, synthesis, characterization and device building with close integration with corresponding virtual experiments. Recognizing the need to link virtual and physical experiments, we actively develop methods for inter-lab orchestration and ontology-linked data management.
Biomolecular Engineering & Design
Based on a quantitative understanding of biomolecular interactions as well as modern AI tools, we use nucleic acid nanotechnology and protein design to create a new level of sophistication in biomolecular design. Our goals range from controlling molecular self-organization to recreating life from the bottom up, and programming cells for sensing, computation, actuation and therapeutics.
Clean Technology Solutions
Clean Technologies refers to synergistic fundamental knowledge generation as well as technology development and transfer to reach UN Sustainability Goals and zero-emission targets in the energy, construction, mobility, chemical and pharmaceutical industry sectors. Our research activities in the NAT School spans biotechnological, physical and chemical approaches toward a circular economy and a sustainable society. The research excellence of Clean Technologies at the School is embodied by flagship research consortia, such as e-conversion and SystBioM, that significantly contribute to TUM's international ranking and credibility.
Fundamental Forces & Cosmic Evolution
In our core research area “Fundamental Forces & Cosmic Evolution” at NAT, we focus on unravelling the fundamental principles that govern the building blocks of matter and the dynamics of the universe. We investigate the properties and interactions of elementary particles in order to understand their role in cosmic evolution from the Big Bang to the present. We explore the formation of the universe, from the birth of particles and nuclei in the early moments of the cosmos to the formation of galaxies, stars and planetary systems. Additionally, we investigate fundamental questions in physics, focusing in particular on neutrinos and the elusive nature of dark matter. Together, this research area provides critical insights into the structure and evolution of the Universe, bridging the smallest scales of particle interactions to the grand scales of cosmic phenomena.
Fundamental Science for Health
Research in the Biomedical Sciences covers many scales of organization, from small molecules, supramolecules, proteins and nucleic acids to cells, cell assemblies and whole organisms. At the NAT School, we investigate protein and nucleic acid structures to understand their function and roles in disease mechanisms. We also develop small molecules and proteins that may lead to novel drugs. Creating new theranostic platforms against diseases with unmet need is a focus, together with the development of materials for drug delivery. Novel imaging techniques and research on organoids have great potential for medical applications.
Quantum Science & Technologies
Quantum Science & Technology unites the research fields of Quantum Physics and Information Science in a common framework. In this active area of research, the NAT School combines fundamental science with technological applications to shape the future of quantum matter, computation, simulation, communication, and sensing. The research spans fundamental science and bridges the gap to engineering applications, fostering the development of technologies such as quantum computers. These efforts strengthen TUM’s position in the field, enhancing its global standing and societal impact.
