Editorial

Dear colleagues and nanoenthusiasts,

As summer gets underway, we’re delighted to present the latest edition of SNI INSight — with a fresh design and the same fascinating content that you’re used to. As always, we report on exciting developments and news from the network of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI).

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Biotechnology in the production of a protein for autoimmune diagnostics

Katja Ammann receives the prize for the best master’s thesis

Applied research combined with experience in industry: These were Katja Ammann’s goals for her master’s thesis in nanosciences. She succeeded in these objectives with her project at BÜHLMANN Laboratories AG. Ammann is also receiving the prize for the best master’s thesis in nanosciences at the University of Basel in 2025.

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New Nano-Argovia projects

New lenses for 3D imaging

In the Nano-Argovia project Nano Diffractive Optics, an interdisciplinary team is developing optical elements on a nanometer scale that can be used for three-dimensional imaging in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system.

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New Nano-Argovia projects

Low-noise amplifier for quantum signals

As part of the Nano-Argovia project QAmp, researchers from the start-up YQuantum, the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and the University of Basel are working together on a key building block for the next generation of quantum computers: extremely low-noise amplifiers for quantum signals.

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New Nano-Argovia projects

Wound healing without stitches or clips

In the Nano-Argovia project Na-LTS, an interdisciplinary team is developing a tissue plaster that can be used in the mouth to support rapid wound healing with the help of lasers.

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New Nano-Argovia projects

Degradable implants with optimized mechanical properties

In the Nano-Argovia project NanoPed, researchers are developing resorbable metallic implants for neurosurgical applications. These novel implants aim to reduce the number of required surgeries, thereby improving the healing process.

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New Nano-Argovia projects

Tracking down water pollution

In the Nano-Argovia project Senamag, researchers are investigating a cheap and effective system for detecting water pollution.

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Guest article by Selina Eng

Self-healing hydrogel

Master`s thesis in Maastricht

During her six-month research stay at the MERLN Institute in the Netherlands, Selina worked on my master’s thesis, focusing on the development of an injectable, self-healing hydrogel with potential applications in regenerative medicine.

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3D structures thanks to electron diffraction

Collaboration with ELDICO Scientific enables structural elucidation of tiny crystals

Using electron diffraction in tiny crystal needles, researchers from Basel have succeeded in determining the three-dimensional structure of a compound produced by Professor Christof Sparr’s group using a special synthesis method. The team benefited from access to the Electron Diffraction Experience Center at Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, which the SNI offers to its members.

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YQuantum — why quantum?

A new partner in the network

YQuantum, a new start-up in the SNI network, has been based at Park Innovaare in Villigen since January 2025. The four-person team behind this fledgling company produces innovative, miniaturized and scalable hardware for quantum computers and is already in the process of delivering its first products to customers. 

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Awards and promotions

Ilaria Zardo becomes Full Professor, Andrea Hofmann receives the Wolfgang Mehr Fellowship Award 2024, Oliver Germershaus is the new Head of the Institute of Pharmatechnology and Biotechnology and Anna Leder receives a doctoral award from the Biozentrum.

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Funding for SNI members

Researchers from the SNI network have also received new funding in recent months. We list some of the approved projects here in order to provide general information about the areas in which our members are active and thus stimulate interdisciplinary exchange between different research groups.

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News from the SNI network

Short reports on publications and various activities of SNI members.

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New Nano-Argovia call

Submit your new project proposals now!

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Annual Report

The 2024 annual report once again provides a good overview of training, research and knowledge and technology transfer within our network, as well as information on the activities of the Nano Technology Center and the outreach team.

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