The current research focus is the determination of manufacturing-structure-property relationships for metallic materials. The main focus is on the cyclic material properties that arise as a function of the microstructure of a material. We are particularly interested in the effects of local inhomogeneities in the material, such as non-metallic inclusions in high-strength steels or microscopic geometric notches in crystalline or amorphous metals. In the cases mentioned, the local microstructure in the immediate vicinity of the inhomogeneity plays a decisive role in crack initiation, early crack growth and crack propagation ability, which essentially determine the cyclic properties of materials and components. After the experimental determination of the specific failure sequence, an important approach of our work is to develop material science-based models for the failure sequence. From this, concepts are derived as to how the structure of the material can be specifically influenced in order to render the existing inhomogeneities harmless or at least reduce their damaging effect without impairing the positive properties and functions that may exist due to the inhomogeneity. For this purpose, for example, new thermomechanical treatments, which are mainly effective locally at the inhomogeneities, are being developed and their effects on the mechanical deformation behaviour analysed.