The ongoing research projects at the chair of Botany can be divided into four main categories Molecular phylogenetics and evolution of land plants, Biomechanics, Functional plant surfaces and biomimetics, and Floristics and nature conservation in Saxony.

Molecular phylogenetics and evolution of land plants. The projects mainly based on chloroplast DNA markers are ranging from on large scale phylogenies in land plants (trnL intron, trnK/matK region) to population genetics (e.g. microsatellites). Ongoing projects aim at clarifying the evolution of basal angiosperm groups such as Piperaceae (especially the genus Peperomia) and Aristolochiaceae as well as basal Eudicots. In addition intensive studies try to resolve the evolution of pleurocarpous mosses in a broad international cooperation.

Biomechanics. Plants evolved numerous highly optimized combinations of materials which are of potential interest for engineering. Current projects study the mechanical properties plant cuticles and plant fiber composites.

Functional plant surfaces and biomimetics. Plant surfaces are multifunctional interfaces serving different purposes. Especially anti-adhesive properties are studied because of their large potential in technical materials such as aluminum and steel.

Floristics and nature conservation in Saxony. Meadows in general and specifically mountain meadows belong to the most threatened plant communities in Europe. Their remnants in eastern Saxony are investigated on two cooperation projects trying to maintain or improve their status. In addition the recovery of species rich meadows on suitable sites is planned as a long-term research topic. Several other projects deal with individual plant groups (e.g. mosses), their ecology, taxonomy and distribution.