Institutes and other scientific facilities

Basic subjects

Institute for Applied Mathematics and Statistics (110)

The Institute 110 is dedicated to the application and development of mathematical techniques to models and problems mainly from the life sciences. The focus is on the numerical simulation of biological systems based on differential equations as well as the evaluation of experimental data using methods of statistics and machine learning. The Institute 110 thus also provides the theoretical basis for research and teaching in all empirical disciplines and natural sciences, including biology, chemistry and physics.

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Institute of Physics and Meteorology (120)

The research focus of the Institute 120 is the investigation of the Earth system through the generation of novel, synergetic data sets and the application of Earth system models with optimized process representations, parameterizations and higher spatial resolution. To this end, the Institute 120 initiated the Land Atmosphere Feedback Observatory (LAFO) facility at the University of Hohenheim and develops and operates worldwide unique laser remote sensing systems to measure profiles of temperature, humidity, wind, aerosol particles and clouds. In particular, land-atmosphere feedback processes are investigated and modern data assimilation techniques are applied, which will lead to more accurate prediction of extreme events (droughts, precipitation). In teaching, basic physics, meteorology and climate research are taught. The interdisciplinary and research-oriented Master's program "Earth and Climate System Science (ECSS)" is based on the comprehensive scientific understanding of the Earth as a system. Aspects of the natural sciences are combined with topics from agricultural and economic sciences in this degree program.

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Institute of Chemistry (130)

Research at the Institute 130 within the "Inorganic Chemistry" division focuses on artificial photosynthesis with an emphasis on photocatalytic and electrochemical generation of green hydrogen and organic feedstocks from water and CO2. A key target is the design of catalysts and solvents for the sustainable utilisation of waste biomass and plastics. In the area of "Bioorganic Chemistry", research is conducted on (a) the development of sustainable synthetic methods for the efficient assembly of heterocycles, (b) oxidative transformations (e.g., phenol couplings and laccase-catalyzed domino processes), and (c) the isolation and structural elucidation of natural products; a particular interest is (d) the synthesis and development of pressure and temperature sensors. The main focus in teaching at the institute is on basic knowledge in the fields of inorganic and organic chemistry.

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Biology

Institute of Biology (190)

The Institute 190 focuses on the laws of life of microorganisms, plants and animals. In research and teaching, the institute covers the entire field of biology, from the molecular basis of life to the function of ecosystems. Institute 190 is the largest institute in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. One focus of research is biological interactions, such as the interactions of organisms with their animate and inanimate environment, but also the interactions between organs or cells, all of which are ultimately mediated by biomolecular interactions. With the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Biodiversity and integrative Taxonomy (KomBioTa), a further focus was placed on biodiversity research.

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Nutritional sciences

Institute of Nutritional Sciences (140)

The Institute 140 consists of the four departments of Nutritional Science (140a), Food Biofunctionality (140b), Nutritional Biochemistry (140c), and Microbiome and Applied Bioinformatics (140d).
The teaching and research focus of the Institute 140 therefore includes the areas of general nutritional science and the biofunctionality and bioavailability of micronutrients as well as secondary plant compounds, the biochemical, pharmacological and physiological processes involved, including aspects of the investigation of the composition, function and modulation of the microbiome. The aim is to provide students with relevant basic knowledge and established laboratory methods as well as current research topics and state-of-the-art techniques.

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Institute of Clinical Nutrition (180)

The research and teaching of the Institute 180 are dedicated to nutritional medicine, prevention and gender research, as well as immunology, dietetics and nutritional psychology. Institute 180 aims to expand nutritional science courses and research in the fields of medicine, immunology, dietetics and nutritional behavior, and to expand the bridge between basic and practical research. Analytical, molecular biology and medical content is taught with the aim of providing a sound scientific education.

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Food science

Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology (150)

Research at the Institute 150 is dedicated to the processing of plant and animal raw materials into edible, high-quality and healthy foods, food supplements, and functional active and valuable substances. Teaching covers scientific and engineering aspects that illuminate the food value chain as a whole and the complex interactions between ingredients, processes, and food functionality. Knowledge of the scientific methodology for the development of technical processes for the manufacture of products for the food and health industries and a high level of scientific and process engineering competence, which focuses on the constant interaction between research and teaching, are taught.

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Institute of Food Chemistry (170)

Research and teaching at the Institute 170 are concerned with the properties and transformations of foodstuffs and their constituents. In addition to foodstuffs, the focus is also on feedstuffs, cosmetic products and other consumer goods such as packaging materials, food and cooking utensils, cleaning and washing agents, clothing and laundry, toys, as well as tobacco and tobacco products. Students receive training as food chemists, who can work, for example, in food, cosmetics, luxury food and consumer goods inspection, development and research, as well as in environmental protection.

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Other scientific facilities