Central Institutes
Outstanding, interdisciplinary and international research
Researchers and industry experts work together on projects which span a broad range of topics at FAU’s Central Institutes in an outstanding example of interdisciplinary and international collaboration. Central Institutes pool expertise and serve all faculties, ensuring that researchers can focus on their key areas of expertise. The Central Institutes are listed here, along with a short description of their activities.
Bavaria California Technology Centre (BaCaTeC)
Through the Bavaria California Technology Centre (BaCaTeC), the Free State of Bavaria supports collaboration between researchers from Bavaria and California as part of the programme ‘High-Tech-Offensive Zukunft Bayern’ (Bavarian High-Tech Initiative for the Future). BaCaTeC is a central institute for Bavarian universities and is based at FAU. Go to website
Central Institute for Research on Teaching and Learning (ZiLL)
ZiLL establishes, supports and connects interdisciplinary research on teaching and learning at FAU. Its projects analyse factors involved in teaching and learning processes at all ages. In these projects, teaching and learning is investigated both in a school environment and in contexts outside of the classroom. Go to website (German)
Institute of Advanced Materials and Processes (ZMP)
The Institute of Advanced Materials and Processes (ZMP) at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg conducts interdisciplinary research in the areas where materials science, mechanical engineering, chemistry and physics meet. The dynamic and innovative environment at ZMP is ideal for developing new materials and manufacturing methods for lightweight components. ZMP was established to develop ideas emerging from basic research into prototypes. Go to website
Centre for Teacher Education (ZfL)
The Centre for Teacher Education co-ordinates teaching degrees and placements for all teaching degree programmes. It also advises students and is involved in the quality management of degree programmes for teachers in training. Go to website (German)
Center for Applied Philosophy of Science and Key Qualifications (ZiWiS)
The Center for Applied Philosophy of Science and Key Qualifications (ZiWiS) undertakes joint research with all of FAU’s five faculties in the field of Applied Philosophy of Science. It focuses on topics like freedom of research, confidence in research, science as an authority, interdisciplinary communication and ethics of science. In a teaching and advisory role, ZiWiS offers students from all faculties a comprehensive range of key qualifications and support at the start of each degree programme through orientation programmes (GOS).
FAU Graduate Centre
FAU is committed to providing excellent support for young researchers. The Graduate Centre was set up as a key part of this initiative. It supports young researchers, promotes interdisciplinary and international collaborations, and helps international doctoral candidates integrate themselves at the University. Its main objective is to maintain the high quality of education and supervision that doctoral candidates receive at FAU. Go to website
Bavarian University Centre for Latin America (BAYLAT)
BAYLAT is responsible for strengthening existing research collaborations and student exchange programmes and encouraging links between Bavaria and Latin America with regard to research projects, events and publications. Go to website (German)
Central Institute of Healthcare Engineering (ZiMT)
FAU’s Central Institute of Healthcare Engineering (ZiMT) was founded on 1 December 2009 and has played a key role in establishing leading national and international research projects and teaching programmes in the field of medical technology ever since. It is responsible for bringing together the University’s medical expertise in one organisation and co-ordinating collaboration with industry. Go to website
Centre for Scientific Computing (ZISC)
The Centre for Scientific Computing (ZISC) co-ordinates complex simulation tasks which involve multiple faculties and departments. Go to website
Central Institute for Anthropology of Religion(s) (ZAR)
ZAR’s key research fields are ‘Body and Embodiment’, ‘Region and Practices’ and ‘Norms, Normativity and Norm Change’ – key aspects of human life which will be investigated in terms of their significance for religion. Go to website (German)