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.
Merlin-7: New model for high-performance computing
An innovative computing cluster is ushering in a new era of computer-aided research at PSI.
PSI’s cement whisperer
John Provis has dedicated his research career to a building material that is far more exciting than you might think.
The Quantum Revolution: What's Next?
A century on from the birth of quantum mechanics, 2025 marks the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. What does the future hold? Our experts share their opinions.
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.
POLIZERO: PSI project shows paths to climate neutrality
The net-zero target is achievable – if Switzerland sets the right political course now.
PSI research at Switzerland’s most-visited museum
Making energy research something visitors can experience: The Swiss Museum of Transport is creating a platform for political and social dialogue on energy issues.
AI paves the way towards green cement
Researchers at PSI are using artificial intelligence to develop environmentally friendly formulations for cement.
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.
New insights into a rare disease
Researchers at PSI have uncovered how genetic defects damage human cilia in different ways – a step towards improving the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia, a disease that has until now been poorly understood.
Using terbium against lymphoma
Promising laboratory experiments at PSI show that radionuclide therapy with the radioactive element terbium could combat lymphoma effectively.
Using AI to identify genetic perturbations from cell images
New AI identifies genetic perturbations in chromatin – a potential approach in diagnostics and drug development.
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.
New standards in nuclear physics
With unprecedented precision: PSI researchers measure the nuclear radius of muonic helium-3 and put the theories of atomic physics to the test.
With pad, pencil, and algorithms
Physicist Dominik Sidler is developing fundamental theories for previously inexplicable phenomena.
Prestigious funding for research at PSI
Concrete, chemical catalysis and the search for new physics – three PSI researchers have each received a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation for these areas of research.
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.
Big heart, acute senses key to explosive radiation of early fishes
X-rays of a 400-million-year-old fossil illuminate a key moment in our deep evolutionary past.
A bright light for Switzerland
The new Swiss Light Source is inaugurated
X-rays reveal fossil stealth technology
PSI imaging helps to uncover the hunting strategy of a prehistoric predator.