The research areas are grouped into these six: 

• Materials science, including epitaxial growth and nanoparticle synthesis;
• Exploratory nanotechnology, including novel patterning methods;
• Fundamental physics, including optical spectroscopy and electrical transport in quantum systems;
• Energy, including nanothermodynamics, photovoltaics and solid state lighting;
• ICT, including photonics and electronics;
• Biomedical applications and nanosafety, including cell-nanostructure interactions, microfluidics and molecular motors; 

Keywords describing the research activities in each area and interests of the senior research staff at the division.