Research Enabling Change
Exploring the origins of the universe and the foundations of life, seeking solutions to the major challenges of our time – from students to Nobel Prize laureates, our university community creates inspiration, new knowledge and innovation.
In research and innovation, we work at the interface between technology, economics, politics, society and ecology. We want to launch trustworthy innovations that are accepted and needed in society. To this end, our scientists conduct interdisciplinary, operationally agile and creative research. “Society-centered research and innovation” is the goal we have set ourselves. We therefore pursue a holistic approach and take into account economic, ecological, social, political and ethical/moral consequences and risks.
Press Release of March 11, 2026
TUM recognized as University of Excellence for the fourth consecutive time
For the fourth consecutive time, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has earned the designation "University of Excellence". This was announced by the Science Council (WR), the German Research Foundation (DFG), and the Federal Ministry of Research on March 11, 2026 in Bonn. In its new TUM Agenda 2030+, the university places its responsibility as an engine of innovation for the well-being of humanity at the center of its strategy.
A selection of key research areas
We research for the future
The seven Clusters of Excellence of TUM
The origin of the universe and life, technologies and society, sustainable energy supply, nucleic acid research, quantum technology, biophysics and systems neuroscience: our university conducts research on these topics in the seven Clusters of Excellence BioSysteM, e-conversion, MCQST, NUCLEATE, ORIGINS, SyNergy and TransforM together with national and international partners.
Excellent infrastructure for research
Interview about society-centered research and innovation
"Making innovations trustworthy and socially acceptable"
What role can design play at a technical university? And how does the discipline help to make research and innovation more society-centered? President Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann and Prof. Annette Diefenthaler, founding director of the Munich Design Institute, discuss this in an interview.
Society at the Core
Rapid mobility after a stroke
Stroke victims can learn to move impaired limbs again using a system of electrical stimulation and an exoskeleton. TUM researchers developed and tested this application.
Career paths: video portraits of young international researchers
Society at the Core
Early warning system for forest fires
The warning app, developed by TUM founders, combines satellite heat measurements with local weather data and camera systems to search for sources of fire anywhere in the world.
Research goals
We explore the fundamentals of life and find solutions to major societal challenges. In doing so, we always put people at the center.
Schools and research centers
The foundation of our university is formed by seven Schools, which are linked at the interface of disciplines by integrative research institutes.
Faculty
At TUM, 700 professors research and teach. Get to know this international group of outstanding scientists.
We develop innovative technologies not for the sake of it, but for people and nature.
President of Technical University of Munich
Experience research
We share our curiosity, knowledge and fascination with people from our university and beyond, and create new paths into the future.
150 years of TUM: Anniversary stories and impressions
In 2018, TUM celebrated its 150th anniversary. With curiosity and a founding spirit, researchers have produced numerous inventions and discoveries during this time that are still influential today. Read our anniversary stories and gain insights into numerous activities of the anniversary year.
TUM magazine
Groundbreaking research, innovative start-up ideas, inspiring alumni, exciting news from studying, teaching and campus life - this is what our new TUM Magazine offers you every six months as a print edition and at any time online.
Society at the Core
Imaging for the protection of chicks
The TUM spin-off uses new imaging technology that allows eggs to be examined without contact to determine their fertilization status or the sex of the chicks. Millions of male chicks have already been saved as a result.
