Health Innovation
In the area of Health Innovation, several research groups at PSI are engaged in the study of fundamental questions regarding biology and cancer therapy. For example, they explore the structure of proteins – extremely complex biomolecules that are responsible for many different functions in organisms. Using PSI’s large research facilities, scientists also explore processes in biological tissue in order to fully understand their function and the development of specific diseases or deterioration processes. The ultimate goal is to find medicines that allow people to live as healthy a life as possible.
Patients with specific types of cancer are treated at the proton therapy facility on the PSI campus. Radiopharmaceuticals provide cancer treatments for very small tumours distributed throughout the body.
Find out more at: Overview Health Innovation
How vision begins
PSI scientists have discovered the very first step occurring in the eye when light hits the retina.
Using light to switch drugs on and off
PSI researchers record a molecular film of a cancer drug fitted with a photoswitch. This opens new insights for drug developers.
3.1 million in funding for new research projects at PSI
The PSI scientists Zurab Guguchia and Kirsten Schnorr are to receive grants totalling CHF 3.1 million from the Swiss National Science Foundation for ground-breaking projects.
Paul Scherrer Institute and Apollo Health Ventures Launch Focal Biosciences
Newly established Focal Biosciences will focus on bringing together leading experts and scientific discoveries to harness cellular reprogramming in the fight against common age-related diseases.
Making tumour diagnosis kinder to kidneys
Improved method thanks to a molecular trick
Swissmedic grants operating licence for new radiopharmaceutical production facility
From research to production – the new pharmaceutical lab at PSI supplies neighbouring hospitals with novel cancer drugs.
Making it easier to differentiate mirror-image molecules
Researchers have shown that mirror-image substances – so-called enantiomers – can be better distinguished using helical X-ray light.
European map of aerosol pollution can help improve human health
Researchers have measured and determined the sources of aerosol pollution at 22 locations in Europe.
Nominated: High-precision X-rays of breast tissue
Employing high-resolution X-rays to diagnose breast cancer – PSI researchers nominated for the European Inventor Award.
How to find anti-cancer agents
PSI researchers have developed a new substance that disables a vital protein in the cell skeleton.
Asthma: diagnosis in a single breath
PSI is involved in the development of a breath test that can be used to diagnose asthma. Imad El Haddad explains why such a test could be extremely useful – especially for children.
New, better coronavirus rapid test
The test identifies different virus variants and improves disease prognosis.
Millions in funding for brain and quantum research
The European Research Council approves PSI projects for the development of a quantum computer and brain research worth about 5 million euros.
More insight into how vision works
PSI scientists have shed light on the structure of an important component of the eye: CNG ion channels whose job is to relay optical signals to the brain.
The power of protons
This gallery presents five people who have been treated at the PSI's Center for Proton Therapy.
KSB and PSI forge a common research path
Kantonsspital Baden and the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have signed a cooperation agreement.
Effective combination cancer treatment
Combining two chemotherapeutic drugs inhibits tumour growth.
New catalysts for pharmaceutical companies
In partnership with Roche, PSI scientists are developing new, potentially more efficient catalysts for manufacturing active substances for drug therapies.
Proton therapy: a success story that started 25 years ago
25 November 1996: a world first for PSI’s Center for Proton Therapy in treating a cancer patient using the spot-scanning technique.
A first for Switzerland: proton therapy to treat lung cancer
On 9 November 2021 a lung cancer patient was given proton therapy at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI for the first time in Switzerland.
