Our institute is a non-university research institute of the Free State of Thuringia and an associated institute of the Technical University of Ilmenau. As part of the research profile "Biotechniques at Interfaces", topics of application-oriented research in the field of technical systems for life sciences are dealt with. The investigation, modification and use of interfaces and interface effects aims at the optimization of methods, processes, devices, systems, equipment and products for medicine, biotechnology and related areas. The research focusses on the engineering of molecular and cellular processes for patient-specific therapeutic approaches. Research institutions as well as industry benefit from our research topics and results. As a public employer, the institute employs scientists from the natural and engineering sciences.