The PSI research facilities and their applications
PSI has several large research facilities where experiments are conducted which would not be possible in smaller laboratories. In Switzerland, all of these large research facilities are unique. Some of them are even the only ones of their kind in the world. PSI furthermore operates the ESI platform (ESI stands for Energy System Integration), an experimental platform on which promising concepts for the energy system of the future are tested.
During a tour through a unique environment, you will experience how these complex systems are operated and what applications are being explored. Different tours are available. You will find the different combinations possible in the registration form for groups or school classes. We would be pleased to advise you personally: Please call us +41 56 310 21 00 or contact us at psiforum@psi.ch.
Guided Tours
Getting to know PSI
On this tour you will visit selected PSI research facilities and gain a first insight into the fascinating world of research.
This tour is the ideal introduction to PSI.
The new large research facility SwissFEL
The latest large research facility at PSI generates very short pulses of X-ray light with laser-like properties. This enables researchers to observe extremely fast processes, such as how new molecules are created in a chemical reaction, to determine the detailed structure of vital proteins, or to identify the specific structure of materials. This new knowledge expands our understanding of nature and leads to many practical applications, for instance new pharmaceuticals, more efficient processes in the chemical industry, or new materials for electronics.
The SwissFEL tour is open to visitors aged 16 and over.
Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours
Tour on energy and environmental research
With the increasing expansion of photovoltaic and wind plants, integrating the thereby irregularly generated power into the existing energy system is becoming a challenge. With the Energy System Integration or ESI Platform, the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI offers research and industry a experimental platform where promising approaches can be tested in all their complex connections and interrelations.
Welcome to Esiville
This visitor station offers a playful approach to making this complex subject matter easily understandable. It tells the story of a Swiss town that is switching from a conventional energy supply to one with new renewable energy sources.
At the moment we can only offer this tour for groups of up to 30 people.
Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours
Large Research Facilities in the PSI West Area
Large research facilities allow a glimpse into very small objects. In a simplified way, these facilities, which are as large as gymnasiums, function similarly to giant microscopes with which we can look very deeply into materials. Thanks to these insights, our scientists obtain information about the structure and properties of a wide variety of materials.
PSI operates several such facilities at the PSI West site. They are used to investigate for example computer memories, superconductors, protein molecules and archaeological finds.
Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours
The Center for Proton Therapy
The facilities developed by PSI experts for the treatment of specific types of cancer are unique in the world. Their irradiation technology draws on the advantages of protons and affords optimum protection to the healthy tissue around the tumour. After consulting the PSI medical department, doctors can transfer their patients for treatment at PSI.
Due to patient operation, the tour of the proton therapy is only available from 16:00 and upon arrangement with the Visitor Centre. The tour is open to visitors aged 16 and over.
Due to clinical treatment of patients, changes might occur at short notice.
Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours