The SNI promotes interdisciplinary basic and applied research projects.
Scanning probe microscopes provide a glimpse into the nanoworld.
Nitrogen vacancy centers in diamonds are suitable as sensitive sensors.
Nanoparticles can be used as molecular factories.
The SNI supports applied research projects in the Nano Argovia program.
Silicon carbide could be an alternative to silicon in high-power semiconductors.
Nanocontainers can be inserted into the nucleus of living cells.
Pyrazinacenes can be reversibly oxidized and reduced.
Researchers can place individual atoms as they wish.
A stretching board can be used to stretch graphene and thus change its electrical properties.
Doctoral students in the SNI PhD School work on interdisciplinary projects.
Research at the SNI
Nanoscience research within the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) is focused on areas of potential benefit to the life sciences, sustainability, and information and communications technologies. The aim is to explore phenomena at a nanoscale and to identify and apply new pioneering principles. This involves researchers immersing themselves in the world of individual atoms and molecules. At this level, the classical disciplines of physics, biology and chemistry merge into one. Interdisciplinary collaboration between different branches of science and institutions is thus a key element of the SNI’s day-to-day work.
Fundamental sciences provide the basis for research at the SNI. As well as the various projects funded within the PhD school, the SNI supports the fundamental science research carried out by the two Argovia professors, Roderick Lim and Martino Poggio. Their research achievements are adding to the SNI’s international reputation for excellence.
In addition, the SNI supports three honorary professors. Professor Thomas Jung is a teacher and researcher at the Department of Physics at the University of Basel and heads a team at the PSI. Professors Frithjof Nolting and Michel Kenzelmann also have teaching responsibilities at the Department of Physics at the University of Basel and play an active role at the PSI with their research groups.
A strong link to application
Ever since it was established, the SNI has attached great importance to the transfer of scientific knowledge to industry. To support this process, the SNI issues an annual call for applied research projects. Under this program, called “Nano Argovia”, funding is provided to around 10 projects every year, drawn from a wide range of fields in nanotechnology. The program has an overall budget of around 1.5 million Swiss francs and is run in close collaboration with industrial companies from Northwestern Switzerland. Through the Nano Argovia program, the SNI is forging a key link between research and application. In several cases, these partnerships have led on to CTI or other successor projects.
«In nanoscience, the classical disciplines merge. Interdisciplinary collaboration is thus a key to success.»
Prof. Martino Poggio, SNI director