National Research Programmes, setup of inter-university centres of competence and recruitment of young researchers – the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is contributing on different levels to the Federal Council's goal of strengthening energy research in Switzerland.
Controlling and modifying at will the transparency, electrical properties, and stiffness of a gel - such are the promises of a new discovery by researchers supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). This marks an important step for materials used in healthcare, high-tech, and the cosmetics industry.
The latest edition of the Swiss research magazine Horizonte is out. It presents a wide selection of projects supported by the SNSF. The focal point of this edition is "Knowledge and Politics". Horizonte is published in German and French.
For many years, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) has supported Swiss scientists working at CERN as well as the development of CMS, ATLAS and LHCb detectors.
The latest edition of the Swiss research magazine Horizonte is out. It presents a wide selection of projects supported by the SNSF. The focal point of this edition is "research in Switzerland". Horizonte is published in German and French.
The latest edition of the Swiss research magazine Horizonte is out. It presents a wide selection of projects supported by the SNSF. The focal point of this edition is the "digitalisation of life". Horizonte is published in German and French.
Researchers supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) have demonstrated a microscopic system in which light can be converted into a mechanical oscillation and back. This interaction is so strong that it becomes possible to control the motion of the oscillator at the level where quantum mechanics governs its behaviour.
The latest edition of the Swiss research magazine Horizonte is out. It presents a wide selection of projects supported by the SNSF. The focal point of this edition is "use-inspired basic research". Horizonte is published in German and French.
Do better with less. That is the challenge the researchers of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) have set for themselves, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Federal Office of Energy. Their specialty: manufacturing solar cells that are one thousand times thinner than conventional cells. In order to boost the output of the cells, they have developed a new nanopatterning technique.
The latest edition of the Swiss research magazine Horizonte is out. It presents a wide selection of projects supported by the SNSF. The focal point of this edition is "We are water". Horizonte is published in German and French.
After carbon dioxide, methane is the second most important greenhouse gas. It is not the result of industry and traffic but largely of agriculture. If calculated in carbon dioxide equivalents, it amounts to 7% of Swiss greenhouse gas emissions. This calculation of the national greenhouse gas inventory is based on a rough estimate. The team of Werner Eugster at the Department of Agricultural Sciences of the ETH Zurich would like to verify this estimate. The researchers attach equipment to captive balloons and motorised gliders to measure the concentration of methane near the ground. Their work will provide the basis for a sound judgement on whether Switzerland is fulfilling its obligation to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases as defined in the Kyoto protocol and to bring it below the level of 1990.
In the scope of the National Research Programme "Smart Materials" (NRP 62), researchers from the Adolphe Merkle Institute in Fribourg are taking cues from sea cucumbers to develop shape memory polymers. An initial application could comprise the development of an artificial bait for fishing. The researchers from Fribourg are also planning further, more high-tech applications in the medical field.
At the underground laboratory in Grand Sasso (Italy), scientists of the international XENON collaboration have today presented the results of their latest research into an intangible component of our universe: dark matter. Under the leadership of Professor Laura Baudis, researchers from the University of Zurich's Physics Institute have played a key role in the project.
Researchers of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "IM2 - Interactive multimodal information management" have developed a software that automatically captures and analyses eye movements. This opens up new avenues for market research. The researchers are currently presenting the new software in Hannover at the world's largest trade fair.
Researchers of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "MICS - Mobile Information and Communication Systems" have developed a wireless sensor system to monitor the environment. They are currently presenting this system at the world's largest trade fair in Hannover.
In the context of federal measures to stabilise the economy, researchers of the EPFL have developed a robot which helps surgeons to perform operations on ears, noses and throats not only with more precision, but also much quicker. They are presenting a prototype of the robot at the world’s largest trade fair, which is currently taking place in Hannover.
Researchers of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "MaNEP - Materials with Novel Electronic Properties" have developed a high pressure system which allows the production of kilometre-long superconductive high performance wires. They are presenting the new system at the world’s largest trade fair, which is currently taking place in Hannover.
Researchers of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "MaNEP - Materials with Novel Electronic Properties" have further developed the method of spark erosion to coat conducting materials and to improve their properties. They are presenting the method at the world’s largest trade fair taking place at the moment in Hannover.
Researchers of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "MICS – Mobile Information and Communication Systems" have developed a sensor system to help determine free inner city parking spaces and to improve traffic flows. They are presenting the system at the world’s largest trade fair taking place at the moment in Hannover.
Nanomaterials are causing a revolution in fields as far apart as medicine, energy systems and consumer products. Despite their enormous potential, the production, use and disposal of these materials can entail risks for humans and the environment. The National Research Programme "Opportunities and risks of nanomaterials" (NRP 64) aims to identify both the risks and the opportunities of nanomaterials for human health, the environment and natural resources.
Researchers of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "CO-ME - Computer Aided and Image Guided Medical Interventions" working with a start-up company created in the context of federal measures to stabilize the economy, have developed a software which helps surgeons to plan and perform craniomaxillo facial (CMF) surgery with more precision. They are presenting the platform at the world’s largest trade fair taking place at the moment in Hannover.
The latest edition of the Swiss research magazine Horizonte is out. It presents a wide selection of projects supported by the SNSF. The focal point of this edition is "Art and Research". Horizonte is published in German and French.
Medicine in miniature: The instruments developed by a team of researchers funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) might even be used to operate on a fly. While research is still in its initial stages, the long-term aim is to entrust minute, autonomous robots with medical tasks within the (human) body – a popular theme from science fiction would thus become routine hospital work one day. The little helpers could carry substances directly to the tissue where they are needed or even conduct extremely precise and efficient surgical operations.
The National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "QSIT – Quantum Science and Technology" started work earlier this year. The scientists of this network are studying the principles of quantum physics in order to develop applications for quantum computing together with industrial firms.
The National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "Robotics – Intelligent robots for improving the quality of life" aims to develop robot technologies for the benefit of human beings. The programme has recently got underway, with the ETH Lausanne as its headquarters.
A project of NCCR "Trade Regulation" is to be awarded the prestigious td-award in recognition of its transdisciplinary approach to developing new rules for the protection of cultural diversity.
The increasing use of technology in medicine presents new challenges for doctors. “But the relationship with the patient remains at the core of our work,” says Hans-Florian Zeilhofer, researcher of the NCCR “CO-ME - Computer Aided and Image Guided Medical Interventions”.
Research work starts this summer in the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) “MUST – Molecular Ultrafast Sciences and Technology”. The NCCR MUST’s network is unique and is bringing together all relevant research groups in the field and from all over Switzerland, for the first time.
The ERA-Net CHIST-ERA (Challenges in Information and Communication Sciences and Technologies) is ready for the opening of its first call. Launched in January 2010, the programme involves agencies, including the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), from nine European countries. Two completely different topics will be addressed in this first call: “Quantum Information Foundations and Technologies” and “Beyond Autonomic Systems - the Challenge of Consciousness”.
Researchers in the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) “IM2 – Interactive Multimodal Information Management” have perfected a system for indexing brainstorming results.
In the greenhouse, lines of genetically modified wheat carrying a resistance gene against the fungal disease mildew have a yield which is up to twice as high as that of control plants. In the field however, this ratio is reversed for certain, but not all, wheat lines. A study performed within the National Research Programme «Benefits and Risks of the Deliberate Release of Genetically Modified Plants» (NRP 59) concludes from these results that data from the greenhouse cannot be applied to the situation in the field and that therefore field trials are important.
At the end of June vandals destroyed part of a test field where the safety of genetically modified wheat is being researched as part of the National Research Programme “Benefits and Risks of the Deliberate Release of Genetically Modified Plants” (NRP 59). Shortly afterwards, unknown persons defaced the house and car of one of the NRP researchers. The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) regrets and particularly deplores actions directed at individual persons.
It sounds like science fiction but it is rapidly becoming reality: robots so small that they can be used inside the body. Researchers from the National Centre of Competence in research (NCCR) “Co-Me – Computer Aided Image Guided Medical Interventions” are involved in the latest microrobotic developments which are making eye surgeons prick up their ears. Find out more in the latest edition of the research magazine “Horizons”.
The National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) “MICS – Mobile Information and Communication Systems” develops measurement technology for monitoring the environment. Small farmers in Africa may now benefit from this technology. Long-term goal: information via SMS about the best time for planting.
An innovative process uses photons instead of numerical codes to transmit secret messages. This means that encrypted messages can no longer be intercepted undetected. This revolutionary technology was developed by researchers from the NCCR Quantum Photonics and is marketed by the company ID Quantique. Find out more in the latest edition of the research magazine “Horizons”.
As part of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) “IM2 – Interactive Multimodal Information Management”, nViso, a young start-up company, is developing a system for detecting emotions, based on an analysis of facial expressions and eye movement. The researchers aim to offer these innovative solutions in the marketing sector.
The digital future of forensics is in Switzerland. Researchers from the National Centers in Competence in Research (NCCR) “Co-Me – computer-aided and image-guided medical procedures” have developed a robot that for the first time allows autopsies to be performed in a contact-free manner . Find out more in the latest edition of the research magazine “Horizons”.
A new method developed by researchers within the framework of the National Research Programme “Musculoskeletal Health – Chronic Pain” (NRP 53) provides a three-dimensional view of spine movements. The researchers hope this will facilitate the development of new artificial disc replacements.
In its constant endeavour to supply information targeted to needs, the SNSF now offers a news-service. Researchers and others can build their own personal information menu made up of SNSF scientific and foundation news topics, and then subscribe to it.
The Swiss National Science Foundation has approved 28 additional technology transfer projects for National Centres of Competence in Research in the hopes of stimulating the economy both in the short and medium-term. The projects are being funded by the Swiss federal government as part of its measures to stabilize the economy. With this, a total of 25 million CHF will be invested into developing new technologies.