In addition to the traditional areas of theory and experiment, numeric simulation tools are now becoming a third instrument for use in scientific research. As the complexity of interrelations - for example in meteorology, genome research, and the interaction of individual molecules - cannot always be duplicated in experimental set-ups, modern scientific research is increasingly resorting to the simulation techniques used in information technology and mathematics. The advancement of these is the main interest of the research focus of the center for "Computer-based Research Methods in the Natural Sciences". More information can be found on the respective web pages.