Amongst the wide spectrum of research activities, the university has identified the following focal points: studies of the ancient world and history of science; philosophy; quantitative economics; life sciences with a focus on theoretical biology, neuroscience and immunobiology; mathematics as a key technology; material and optical sciences as well as climate and sustainability research. These focal points are grounded on fifteen Collaborative Research Centres, twelve Research Training Groups and five interdisciplinary centres. As nerve centres for collaboration, integrative research institutes in the life sciences and natural sciences – a unique phenomenon of Humboldt-Universität – cross-link different research areas and identify as well as address pressing issues of the future.