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Paul Scherrer Institute

The Paul Scherrer Institute, PSI, is the largest research centre for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform world-class research in three main subject areas: Structure of Matter; Energy and the Environment; and Human Health. By conducting fundamental and applied research, we work on long-term solutions for major challenges facing society, industry and science.


Current news from PSI

29. July 2010

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Understanding plastic semiconductors better

Semiconductors made from polymer materials are becoming increasingly important for the electronics industry – as a basis for transistors, solar cells or LEDs. Usually, they consist of more than one substance as they get their particular electric properties only when several materials are blended. Researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute and the University of Cambridge have developed a method that allows them to determine the detailed structure of the material.

22. July 2010

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New X-ray technique distinguishes between that which previously looked the same

Images generated using the phase-contrast technique allow one to distinguish between tissue types such as muscle, cartilage, tendons or soft-tissue tumours that look virtually identical in conventional X-ray images. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute and the Chinese Academy of Science have further developed the technique to make it easier to use in the future. This could help in the detection of tumours or in the identification of hazardous objects in luggage.

8. July 2010

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Protons – smaller than we thought

The proton – one of the smallest building-blocks of all matter – is even smaller than had previously been assumed. This discovery is the result of experiments carried out at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, by an international research team.
Older news can be found in the archive.





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PUBLIC and MEDIA

Discover and investigate. Explore the world of the Paul Scherrer Institute. Gain an insight into Switzerland's largest research institute.

SCIENTISTS and USERS

Direct access for scientists, researchers and the users of our large-scale facilities. In English only.

INDUSTRY and the ECONOMY

With its expertise, PSI can support your business in solving technological problems. Within the SwissFEL project, we provide industrial partners with interesting opportunities for collaboration.
Photo on the left: Aerial view of the PSI premises, May 2009.

Proton Therapy

Treatment for specific cancers at PSI

User Office

The PSI User Office is a central PSI installation to serve the users from all the four user laboratories.

SwissFEL

The PSI future project

psi forum

The visitors' centre of the Paul Scherrer Institute

School Lab "iLab"

The laboratory for the iPod generation

Energie Spiegel

The newsletter regularly published by PSI on the subject of energy systems and their analysis.

Current news

Press Releases and highlights from the Paul Scherrer Institute