The Programme Group Humans, Environment, Technology (MUT) established in 1991 is the social sciences research unit of Research Centre Jülich. It actively expanded in 1999 and further enhanced its interdisciplinary character. Among the 15 researchers in the MUT team are social scientists, life and physical scientists, and engineers.

MUT is committed to exploring society's handling of chances and risks arising from scientific and technological developments. MUT focuses on three main research areas: "dealing with uncertainty", "the public, politics and mass media" and "management of scientific and technical innovations".

Within these areas the identification, evaluation, communication, and the management of chances and risks are common topics. MUT's research work includes social science, life and physical science, and interdisciplinary research.

The Programme Group also provides support and improvement in the practical handling of chances and risks by transforming research results into practical approaches. MUT develops and tests instruments which address the use of the precautionary principle, risk communication, consensus development, management of chances, as well as different approaches for communication between science and society.

 Beyond research, MUT offers consulting and professional services, e.g. mediation and media training for scientists. MUT members are active in councils and commissions and teach at various universities. Furthermore, MUT supports various outreach programmes of Research Centre Jülich for schools.