Kurt Gothelf’s research is founded upon organic chemistry and branches out into DNA nanotechnology, bioconjugation, nucleic acid chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biosensors. 

The group was heading the DNRF Center for DNA Nanotechnology (2007-2017) and has explored artificial DNA nanostructures especially in combination with synthetic organic chemistry.

Currently, Kurt Gothelf is heading the Center for Multifunctional Biomolecular Drug Design under the Novo Nordisk Foundation's Challenge program. The aim is to develop new multifunctional drugs including proteins, peptides, and small molecules through oligonucleotide-based assembly. In connection to this, the group has a strong focus on the development of new protein-DNA conjugation methods.