The Surface Engineering Institute is a part of TU Braunschweig University. In the field of research and teachings it deals with development, characterization and implementation of coating and surface modification. Beside topics in the area of mechanical and automotive engineering the institute also works in all fields using functional optimized surfaces.

The focus of research is located at the physical and chemical gas phase methods. With the change of the Institutional Director in 2001 the importance of modern plasma based manufacturing processes increases.