The Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) is the largest publicly funded research institute in Europe in the area of applied catalysis. The main objectives range from the acquisition of new knowledge in catalysis research to its technical utilization. The institute research activity comprises e.g. investigation of applied sustainable processes of catalysis and innovative methods and technologies for catalysis. For Vietnam, especially the sustainable use of resources (commercial use of the waste product CO₂ to manufacture innovative materials, use of sustainable raw material, and formation of hydrogen from renewable sources) and protection of climate and environment (reduction of NO_x, carbon dioxide) are relevant.

Both institutes are connected by intense and long-term collaborations. Thus, several professors of Rostock University (U. Kragl, P. Langer, A. Schulz, R. Ludwig) are associated at LIKAT and run a part of their research there. On the other hand, certain scientists of LIKAT are also appointed as professors at Rostock University (M. Beller, A. Brückner, H. de Vries, U. Rosenthal). Cross-linking between the FMN, AUF and LIKAT and other institute is realised by the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, Department Life, Light & Matter (LLM).