Our research is mainly devoted to the understanding of proteins as molecular machines. This includes their self-assembly via a process called folding and their conformational dynamics (mechanical action). These processes can be accessed rather directly if studied at the level of single molecules. Yes, we are really able to see single molecules. We also develop new methods or improve existing methods for single molecule investigations. We apply these methods in related disciplines, like e.g. microfluidics or membrane biophysics.