Research
Research, discover, invent at FAU
FAU - Research
FAU is a full-spectrum university with a long tradition of research. Over 250 degree programs and long-standing partnerships with international research institutions such as Max Planck, Fraunhofer and Helmholtz give staff and students the opportunity to look beyond the boundaries of their own subjects, network with others and consider research questions from different perspectives. FAU encourages its members to think in every direction. This diversity makes FAU one of Germany’s leading research universities.
Exceptional research
FAU moves knowledge, thereby laying the foundations for groundbreaking innovations. In particular, the University’s strengths lie in the fields of energy and climate research, immunology, artificial intelligence, materials research, medical engineering, human rights, quantum research and solar energy. To get the latest information about a particular topic, click on the relevant button.
Of course, FAU’s research is exceptional in other fields as well. News from other fields of research at FAU is available here: https://www.fau.eu/category/research/
Energy and climate
FAU makes a valuable contribution to tackling climate change, as our expertise in the area of energy research is second to none. Our scientists, engineers and economists work together across the faculties to develop innovative methods and processes for an integrated energy system.
Immunology
We use cutting-edge cellular, molecular and imaging processes in conjunction with studies based on animal experimentation and examinations carried out on human subjects with the aim of unraveling immune reactions in all their complexity and making these findings available for clinical medicine.
Artificial intelligence
The origins of AI research at FAU can be traced back to the pioneering work of Prof. Heinrich Niemann in 1975 in the fields of pattern recognition and machine learning. Since then, it has been continuously developed and now encompasses a very wide spectrum of areas. Special attention is given to AI and teaching.
Materials research
FAU’s research in new materials and processes is innovative and interdisciplinary. It drives forward new research topics and initiatives geared to the future. It reinforces FAU’s top international and national ranking in this area and, at the same time, strengthens the local research environment in Erlangen and Nuremberg.
Medical engineering
Medical engineering has been extremely important at FAU for several decades. FAU and Uniklinikum Erlangen work closely together with all faculties and institutes in medical engineering research and teaching, making a significant contribution to the leading edge cluster Medical Valley in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region.
Human rights
The FAU research center “Center for Human Rights Erlangen-Nürnberg” (CHREN) campaigns for the innovative development of international human rights protection while considering contemporary discourse and developments. The aim is to strengthen human rights and to drive forward their implementation.
Quantum research
Photonics and electronics form the backbone of our current information technology. At FAU, the focus has turned to the joint consideration of light and matter, which will make many new phenomena and technologies comprehensible. We hope that this will form the basis for the key technologies of the 21st century.
Solar energy
The aim of solar energy research is to produce cheap, green solar electricity at a large scale and at the highest output without damaging the environment. The FAU Solar Profile Center combines top-level research in engineering, science, data science and business and economics.