Strategic Research Areas
Space for cutting-edge research
The four profiling, thematic research worlds focus on major topics of our time and offer points of contact for business and society: The Changing World, The Material World, The Mathematical World, The Socio-Technical World. Connected by the Bielefeld principle of Transcending Boundaries, all research worlds involve different faculties and scientific departments and realize interdisciplinary top-level research on an international level in joint research projects as well as through third-party funding.
Changing World
Illuminates complex processes of individual and social dynamics as well as social interactions and institutions, especially under conditions of uncertainty and dynamism.
Material World
Investigates structures and processes at the intersections of physics, chemistry, biology, and bioinformatics, from molecules and nanosheets to biological cells, cosmology, and particle physics.
Mathematical World
Aims to develop fundamental concepts and theories in mathematics and apply them to solve long-open problems in economics and the natural sciences.
Socio-Technical World
Explores the capabilities and mechanisms that enable agents such as humans, robots, and AI to operate, communicate, and learn in complex environments.
Transcending Boundaries
stands for the Bielefeld principle of lived and comprehensive interdisciplinarity. Crossing boundaries between disciplines and scientific cultures, between research and teaching, and between science and society is the guiding principle and impetus for our researchers to conduct cutting-edge basic research at an international level.