NCCR Muoniverse

Home institutions: PSI, University of Zurich

Muon science investigates and exploits the unique properties of muons, the ‘heavy siblings’ of electrons. Muons are elementary particles with a sensitive magnetic moment and a lifetime of only a few microseconds. These characteristics make muons invaluable probes in particle physics – enabling precision tests of the Standard Model and detailed studies of nuclear structure and give muons a central role in the investigation of novel quantum materials, including superconductors and exotic magnets.

In applied research, muons are used across a range of disciplines, from environmental science to energy research and archaeology. Due to their ability to penetrate matter and provide non-destructive insights into internal structures, muons enable applications such as imaging large structures and performing depth-resolved elemental analysis of materials.

The National Centre of Competence in Research "Muoniverse: Muons for science and society – bridging discovery and application" brings together, for the first time, researchers from the natural, engineering and heritage sciences to connect previously separate disciplines. The aim is to link muon-beam technology with particle and materials research and to develop new uses that allow researchers to obtain deep insights into quantum materials or to investigate archaeological artefacts.

Switzerland already occupies a leading position in muon science, thanks in particular to the world-renowned muon-beam facility at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), which will undergo a major upgrade between 2025 and 2028. NCCR Muoniverse will complement and leverage this infrastructure through a broad interdisciplinary network of 30 research teams from Swiss universities, research institutions and museums as well as from CERN. At the same time, existing international collaborations will be reinforced.

NCCR Muoniverse will significantly expand the use of muons in Switzerland by developing new technologies, improving methodologies and driving innovative applications in fields such as renewable energy, environmental monitoring and cultural heritage – while consolidating and strengthening existing activities.