Research and teaching at our institute focus on one of the biggest challenges of the 21^st century: The transition from an industry based on fossil resources to a sustainable, bio-based economy. Here, the so-called Industrial Biotechnology, which is also referred to as white biotechnology, holds a key position. Microorganisms or enzymes are used as biocatalysts for the production of (fine-)chemicals, agricultural and pharmaceutical precursors, food and animal feed, energy sources and innovative materials. This research focus is represented by the working groups of Biocatalysis, Nanobiotechnology, and Systems Biotechnology. Our research portfolio is complemented by the group of Bioactives.