This research proposal focuses on the progress in the study of local interactions by Scanning Probe Methods (SPM). The research in this field is only possible due to our long-standing experience and equipment: Nanolino: Combined STM/AFM at room temperature LT-STM and AFM: Combined STM and AFM at 4K Nanolab: STM in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) combined with MBE and ESCA The force microscopy studies of molecules deposited on insulators is one approach to understand interactions between molecules and surfaces. The second approach is the combination of variable temperature STM experiments with manipulation experiments which gives insight into the interactions of confined molecules with their environment (molecular network). The following research topics will be addressed in this period: Nanolino: The main topic within this research period will be the analysis of the short range electrostatic interaction determined by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and the extension of the standard nc-AFM to bi- or multi-modal AFM. 3d force spectroscopy with atom tracking gives information about the energy landscape above the surface with unprecedented resolution. Furthermore, we will continue the analysis of the growth and structural properties of organic molecules on insulating surfaces at room temperature. Special emphasis will be put on the class of truxenes, where the immobilization of single molecules at step and kink sites of ionic crystals is possible at room temperature. The second emphasis is on the directional dependence of atomic stick slip. Traces of atomic stick slip will be investigated to deduce the directionality of contact stiffnesses. In addition, multiple slips are investigated to explore the influence of damping on atomic stick slip. An extension of contact force microscopy is the simultaneous tracking of the contact resonance frequency, which is related to the normal contact stiffness. The interpretation of atomic-scale variations of contact resonance frequencies is still an open issue. LT-STM and AFM at low temperature: Nc-AFM imaging of molecules on insulators at low temperatures will be further explored. The variable-temperature capabilities of the LT-STM/AFM will be used to investigate the structure and mobility of molecules confined in molecular networks. Nanolab: The main focus is the exploration of host guest assemblies at room temperature by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy in the Ultra High Vacuum. Porous supramolecular layers on solid substrates are developped and characterised by themselves and are used as templates for the assembly of systems to be investigated. Both the electronic and mechanical properties are studied by tunnelling spectroscopy and local manipulation experiments.