The Faculty of Engineering brings together its expertise in nine overarching research areas, which form the basis for interdisciplinary cooperation within the university and with external partners from science, industry, and society. Many institutes can be assigned to several research areas, illustrating the strong intradisciplinary networking within the faculty and between the departments of Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and Mechanical and Process Engineering. Research is closely linked to teaching at the highest level, which is oriented towards the faculty's main areas of focus. Supported by affiliated institutes and other cooperating institutions, the faculty efficiently and quickly translates its research results, achieved in collaboration with partners from other national and international research institutions as well as business and industry, into practical projects ready for application.

The research area “Digital Construction” develops new approaches for planning, design, and production in the construction industry. Key topics include Building Information Modeling (BIM), robot-assisted manufacturing processes, 3D printing in construction, automated assembly, and the simulation of supporting structures such as membrane structures. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of digital methods with sustainable materials and modular construction methods. The aim is to establish efficient, flexible, and resource-saving construction processes that also meet the ecological challenges of the future.

Participating Research Institutes

• Construction Operations and Management
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Engineering Mathematics
• Concrete Structures Engineering
• Structural Analysis

Sustainable energy conversion and storage is a key research focus at FIW. The emphasis is on the development and optimization of power-to-X technologies, sCO₂ cycles, Carnot batteries, and CO₂ reduction technologies. This involves an interdisciplinary approach that combines thermodynamic, electrochemical, and process engineering aspects. The research covers the entire process chain – from material development and system integration to energy-efficient recycling and recirculation. The aim is to make a substantial contribution to the decarbonization of industrial processes and the energy transition.

Participating Research Institutes

• Electrical Energy Systems
• Energy Technology
• Power Transmission and Storage
• Energy Process Engineering and Energy Systems
• Turbomachinery
• Thermodynamics

This area focuses on the targeted development and application of functional materials, particularly on a nano- and micro-scale. FIW conducts internationally recognized research into the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials, particularly for energy, electronics, and sensor systems. Nanoparticles are produced using state-of-the-art processes such as chemical vapor synthesis and specifically functionalized. Applications range from photovoltaics and thermoelectrics to printed electronics. In addition, quantum electronic effects in materials and components are investigated – for example, in collaboration with the CENIDE research network, which pools nanoscience expertise at the site.

Participating Research Institutes

• Applied Quantum Materials
• Fluid Dynamics
• Material Science
• Nanoparticle Process Technology
• Technology for Nanostructures
• Particle Science and Technology
• Reactive Fluids
• Thermal Process Engineering
• Thermodynamics
• Electronic Materials and Nanostructures

Artificial intelligence, model-based simulation, and data-driven optimization characterize this research area. FIW develops cyber-physical systems, digital twins, and machine learning algorithms for a wide range of applications – from production planning and material development to autonomous mobility and smart logistics systems. Particular strengths lie in the combination of model-based approaches (e.g., in system control) and data-based methods (e.g., deep learning), which lead to robust, adaptive, and explainable systems. The goal is to create intelligent technologies that can solve complex tasks independently and efficiently.

Participating Research Institutes

• Business Administration and Product Management
• Automatic Control and Complex Systems
• Engineering Mathematics
• Mechatronics
• Product Engineering Processes and Data Management
• Dynamics and Control
• Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management

This area focuses on the holistic design of technical products – from the initial idea and material selection to economic implementation. The focus is on simulation-based product development, manufacturing technologies, material integration, and the analysis and optimization of production processes. The aim is to develop functional, marketable, and sustainable products that combine technological innovation with economic efficiency.

Participating Research Institutes

• Business Administration and Management Accounting
• Manufacturing Technology
• Engineering Design and Plastics Machinery
• Engineering Mathematics
• Product Engineering Processes and Data Management
• Technology and Didactics of Technics
• Virtual Product Design

Engineering sciences make a key contribution to the mobility transition. At FIW, research is conducted into autonomous mobility concepts on water, land, and in the air – including the automation of inland waterway transport, urban logistics solutions, electromobility, and new drive systems. This also includes simulation and optimization methods for multimodal transport systems and the development of intelligent control and assistance systems. The focus is on an integrated understanding of technology, processes, and user needs in future mobility ecosystems. The goal is to design intermodal transport solutions that are intelligent, safe, and sustainable – using state-of-the-art technology and simulation.

Participating Research Institutes

• Business Administration and International Automotive Management
• Business Administration and Mobility
• Business Administration and Product Management
• Mechatronics
• Mobility and Urban Development
• Sustainable and Autonomous Maritime Systems
• Transport Systems and Logistics

This research area focuses on sustainable materials and their development for construction, energy, and manufacturing technology. The research covers sustainable cements and concretes, green metallurgy, recycled building materials, and materials for energy-efficient construction. Other topics include the development of sustainable manufacturing processes and life cycle analyses of technical materials. The aim is to provide innovative materials with an improved ecological footprint, thereby supporting the transition to a circular economy.

Participating Research Institutes

• Concrete Structures Engineering
• Metal and Lightweight Structures
• Metallurgy and Metal Forming
• Material Science
• Sustainable Metallurgy
• Electronic Materials and Nanostructures
• Materials Science

This interdisciplinary field combines high-frequency technology, biosensor technology, and medical technology applications. Research ranges from the development of terahertz systems for contactless material characterization and detection to optical and electrochemical sensors, medical diagnostic systems, wearables, and neuroimplants. Particular emphasis is placed on combining these technologies with artificial intelligence to develop precise, adaptive, and patient-oriented solutions for medical practice, industrial monitoring, and security research.

Participating Research Institutes

• General and Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• High Frequency Electronic Devices
• Digital Signal Processing
• Electronic Components and Circuits 
• Communication Technologies
• Mechanics
• Mechanics and Robotics
• Communication Systems
• Technology for Nanostructures
• Optoelectronics
• Urban Water- and Waste-Management
• Dynamics and Control
• Medical Technology Systems

Securing natural resources and protecting our environment are among the global challenges that FIW is addressing with its technical expertise. Research focuses on membrane and adsorption processes for water treatment, micropollutant elimination, water protection, wastewater treatment, and renaturation. At the same time, resource-efficient processes and circular economy concepts are being developed in environmental and process engineering. The aim is to provide technologically sound solutions for the sustainable use of water and raw materials, to combine these with ecological responsibility, and to make an active contribution to environmental and climate protection.

Participating Research Institutes

• Mechanical Process Engineering / Water Technology
• Urban Water- and Waste-Management
• Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management