News

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01 Dec 2025 / News, Research

Shapeshifting gates guard the cell nucleus

An international study led by the University of Basel has discovered that nuclear pore complexes – tiny gateways in the nuclear membrane – are not rigid or gel-like as once thought. Their interiors are dynamically organized, constantly…

01 Dec 2025 / News, Preise

Winners of the Nano Image Awards 2025

Every year, we invite SNI members to submit their most fascinating images of the micro- and nanoworld for the Nano Image Award. These images provide a glimpse into structures and phenomena that are normally hidden from the human eye and…

25 Nov 2025 / News, Research

When quantum light does work

Members of the SNI network have developed a new theoretical approach to thermodynamics for quantum systems that interact with light. The researchers led by Prof. Dr. Patrick Potts (Department of Physics, University of Basel) take into…

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Events

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02 Sep 2026 00:00 – 04 Sep 2026 10:57

Annual Meeting 2026

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Education: Bachelor's – Master's – PhD

Bachelor's Program

In the bachelor's program, students receive a broad basic education in physics, chemistry and biology. In addition, they gain insight into the work of leading nanoscientists, start their own small research projects and learn about the first industrial applications in industry.
Numerous internships in various research groups help them to find out about their own interests and to build up a network.

Master's Program

In the master's program, students choose one major and one minor subject between physics, chemistry, molecular biology and medical nanoscience. They write two project papers and a master's thesis in these subjects. International contacts of the participating researchers as well as financial support from the SNI enable students to spend time abroad.

SNI PhD School

At least seven new dissertation projects are funded each year in the SNI PhD School. The doctoral students work in different associated departments and institutions. A unique feature of the SNI PhD School is the interdisciplinary exchange between doctoral students and the diverse network.

Research

Latest research results

01 Dec 2025 / News, Research

Shapeshifting gates guard the cell nucleus

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Applied research in the Nano-Argovia program

Dr. Daniela Winkler und Michael Hackebeil

Cooperation with industry

The SNI promotes applied research in collaboration with industrial companies in northwestern Switzerland through the Nano Argovia program.

Members of the SNI network

Members of the network

SNI members come from various academic institutions (University of Basel, FHNW, PSI, CSEM, D-BSSE) in Northwestern Switzerland. They become members of the SNI network through participation in SNI projects or through voluntary membership.

Services

Nano Imaging Lab

The Nano Imaging Lab can offer a comprehensive imaging service thanks to the many years of experience of the staff and the excellent equipment.

Nano Fabrication Lab

The Nano Fabrication Lab bundles existing nanofabrication units and offers an excellent service around the fabrication of nanofabricated devices and components.

Workshops

Network partners of the SNI and external customers can use services of the excellent workshops and the technology department of the Department of Physics.