We use advanced synthesis methods in ultra-high vacuum to create and combine new materials of reduced dimensionality. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) including its spin-polarized variant (SP-STS) and synchrotron based spectroscopies are used to explore structural, electronic, and magnetic properties, as well as electronic correlations down to the atomic level. Our experiments have an emphasis on creating new functionalities. They are conducted under extremely well-defined conditions, which enables comparison with theoretical predictions and modelling.