In our young research group, we develop novel experimental methods to investigate and selectively control ultrafast structural dynamics in functional molecules and materials. To achieve this, we use light pulses in the visible to mid-infrared range with durations of only a few femtoseconds (1 fs = 10^-15 s). The goal of our research is not only to better understand the influence of atomic vibrations on energy-conversion and switching processes, but also to deliberately manipulate atomic vibrations with light in order to realize entirely new functionalities beyond thermodynamic equilibrium.