Our Science and Research Focuses

Technische Universität Berlin is an active participant in Berlin, an international metropolis and outstanding center of science. Here, in the heart of the German capital, ideas for the future are being developed. The University places significant importance on developing science and technology for the benefit of society.

To this end, the University conducts interconnected research at the highest international level into fundamental principles and their applications. Using its entire breadth of subjects, Technische Universität Berlin is establishing innovative fields and promotes inter-faculty research activities with external key players. Six characteristic key application areas form the framework of these activities along with the Clusters of Excellence approved by the federal and state governments in the Excellence Strategy.

Overview of six key application areas

1. Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is leading to tremendous changes in how we communicate, work, research, do business, learn, and live. Researchers in all of the University’s faculties are dedicated to shaping digital change for the benefit of society. In addition to diverse complex technical issues, social, cultural, and economic topics as well as the digital divide continue to play an increasingly important role. This highly topical field of research is being explored by numerous scientific disciplines, with computer science playing a key role.

2. Energy Systems, Mobility, and Sustainable Resources

Energy, mobility and sustainability are of central importance for future living standards and the functioning of society. Scientists at Technische Universität Berlin are pursuing research on new energy carriers, energy supply, sustainable production and recycling processes, and regenerative energies. Comprehensive mobility research is being conducted into improved settlement development, technical and transport planning measures in the context of increasing mobility, and technological innovations such as e-mobility.

3. Human Health, Humanities, and Educational Science

Increasing life expectancy, chronic disease, and lengthy aging processes bring great social challenges. Researchers at Technische Universität Berlin are developing preventative strategies to avoid age-related illnesses. The humanities are engaged in the analysis and critical reflection of linguistic and digital communication as well as the hybridity of technology, cultures, institutions and art forms. Research in education and teacher training is of great significance in effectively meeting the challenges faced by society. Technische Universität Berlin also makes an important contribution at national level through the training of teachers in the areas of prevocational education and technical vocational training.

4. Urban Systems and Environmental Systems

More than half of all people today live in conurbations - and the trend is rising. Scientists at Technische Universität Berlin are exploring ways to sustainably shape our urban and rural spaces. To achieve this, they combine a broad spectrum of planning, design and civil engineering skills within a comprehensive approach. This ranges from the understanding of societal processes and individual action to the assessment of the ecological impact of human action and, beyond this, to the sustainable optimization of technical and economic investments in human habitats.

5. Photonics and Optical Systems

Rapid further developments in light engineering and sensors due to new optical technologies and photonic systems offer a broad spectrum of application: In addition to data and telecommunications, various industrial areas of application play a role, particularly medical technology. The University is focused on the research and development of new materials, nanophotonic devices, and optical systems. This enables scientists to realize highly efficient light sources for laser diodes with high transmission rates in data communication.

6. Materials, Design and Manufacturing

Limited resources require the development of sustainable products throughout the entire life cycle. Scientists at Technische Universität Berlin are developing innovative solutions to this need. Important topic areas include Industrie 4.0, the development of new materials, and the further development and application possibilities of additive manufacturing (3D printing). The interaction of human and machine, technology impact assessment, and gender and diversity aspects in product design are also being investigated.

Successful Clusters of Excellence at Technische Universität Berlin

[Translate to English:] Symbolbild MATH+ © Dominic Simon

MATH+ - how Berlin mathematics is shaping the future

In the MATH+ Cluster of Excellence, scientists develop innovative techniques and theories in application-oriented mathematics. Particular focus is placed on mathematical foundations to use increasingly large data quantities in life and material science, energy and network research, and the humanities and social sciences.