We investigate equilibrium and non-equilibrium phenomena in (bio-) macromolecular systems. In equilibrium, the phase behavior and the particle dynamics of a broad spectrum of systems are studied. An important aspect of our research is the system response to external fields including flow, electric fields, temperature gradients and confinement, which are often of biological and technological interest. To gain a fundamental understanding of the associated complex phenomena on a macromolecular level, we develop model systems with chemically tuned properties. The institute is equipped with a variety of highly sophisticated, state-of-the art instruments which are partially home-built.