Find out more about the research questions we are working on and the unique large-scale research facilities we are using to find answers.
Future technologies
New technologies are the driving force behind an innovative society. At PSI, researchers are laying the necessary foundations for this. They are looking for previously unknown ways of processing and storing data, making technologies more sustainable and efficient or developing new processes to delve ever deeper into the micro and nano worlds. Their findings form the basis for new applications - be it in medicine, information technology, energy generation and storage - or for new production processes in industry.
Quantum material under pressure
High pressure enhances superconductivity in a quantum material and alters its properties. PSI researchers have uncovered the microscopic mechanism behind this effect.
On the trail of the missing hydrogen atoms
Representations of the crystal structures of materials often lack information about the positions of hydrogen atoms. PSI researchers have found a way to fill this gap, using AI.
AiiDAlab: software that drives research forward
The software platform AiiDAlab was developed for computer simulations in materials research. It’s now becoming clear that it's also useful in many other areas, such as atmospheric research, controlling experiments and teaching.
Energy and Climate
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Switzerland aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 – in other words, not to emit more greenhouse gases than can be absorbed naturally or by technical means. This calls on us to rethink our energy production and use – away from fossil fuels and towards climate-neutral energy sources. How can Switzerland become fit for a climate-neutral energy future? Researchers at PSI are looking for answers.
When new nuclear power plants are worth it in Switzerland
New study on nuclear power in Switzerland
“A teaspoon of MOF could store litres of CO₂”
How do you store several litres of CO2 in a few grams of “MOF” – and how could that help in the fight against climate change? In an interview, Thomas J. Schmidt explains how his team in the PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences is developing revolutionary designer materials.
New insights into 3D-printed materials for future fusion reactors
X-ray and neutron experiments give valuable clues.
Health Innovation
New methods for diagnosis and therapy are at the centre of medical research and development at PSI. In cancer diagnosis, the focus is on early detection. Basic research using the latest methods leads to the development of innovative therapies. PSI works very closely with universities, clinics and the pharmaceutical industry.
Nano-insights into bone stability
PSI researchers have used a new imaging technique to more precisely assess the nanostructure of bone in the neck of the femur. This could help understand why they fracture relatively often.
New insights into human vision
How the human eye is optimised for daylight: PSI researchers reveal the three-dimensional structure of cone opsins in their dark states for the first time
Virtual tissue staining in 3-D
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have developed an AI platform that stains grey micro-CT data like the results of classical histology. This could in the future enable analysis of tissues in three dimensions instead of just thin microscopic sections.
Fundamentals of Nature
At PSI, researchers investigate the basic structures of matter and the fundamental principles of nature. They examine the smallest building blocks of matter or investigate the structure of biological molecules and how they perform their tasks. The knowledge gathered in this way opens up new approaches to finding solutions in science, medicine and technology.
METAS strengthens neutron metrology with PSI as designated institute
PSI is now part of the national measurement base and contributes to strengthening Switzerland’s quality infrastructure.
Lord of the data
Between physics and software: Stefan Ritt and his work at the limits of measurement. A portrait in data, experiments, and “forbidden” decays.
How microtubules take part in cellular signal processing
Researchers at PSI have investigated on the molecular level how the cytoskeleton transmits commands within the cell. Their findings could provide the medical field with new options for intervention in the event of malfunctions within the organism.
Our large research facilities
PSI develops, builds and operates complex large research facilities. PSI has the world's most powerful muon source, a unique proton and neutron source, an synchrotron of international importance and one of only five X-ray free-electron lasers with hard X-rays in the world. Scientists from all over the world use PSI's large research facilities for their scientific investigations. They are also available to Swiss research and industry for their experiments.
LEAPS AISBL inaugurated in Brussels as formal legal entity
Europe’s leading photon science facilities enter a new phase of strategic coordination.
“We’re pulling out all the stops”
PSI is increasing the intensity of its muon beams a hundredfold. This opens up entirely new possibilities for physics and materials research.
Swiss X-ray laser reveals the hidden dance of electrons
New X-ray technique at SwissFEL shows how electrons act together – with the potential to show why quantum information slips so easily away.