Research Areas and Groups

At the Institute of Botany, we work on core aspects of plant science on an interdisciplinary basis: The biochemistry research group studies plant biosynthetic pathways to improve the utilisation of medically valuable natural substances. Phytophotonics combines plant sciences with physics to develop optical technologies such as phytomonitoring and laser-based manipulation of plant tissue. In plant physiology we study the biogenesis of chloroplasts and adaptation mechanisms to optimise photosynthesis under changing conditions, particularly with regard to climate change. Research on the sulfur metabolism utilises halophytes and glycophytes for environmental and nutritional applications by exploiting their natural variability. Together, the groups seek to develop sustainable solutions to agricultural and environmental challenges.