Facts & Figures
The Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) developed from the National Center of Competence in Research
(NCCR) “Nanoscale Science” in 2006 and constitutes a priority program of the University of Basel.
It combines basic science with application-orientated research. In various projects researchers
focus on nanoscale structures and aim at providing new impact and ideas to the life sciences, to
the sustainable use of resources, and to information and communication technologies. The University
of Basel as the leading house coordinates the network of the involved universities, federal research
institutes, industrial partners and the Argovia-network, which is financed by the Swiss Canton of
Aargau. With the establishment of the SNI the University of Basel continues to secure the
internationally acknowledged position as a centre of excellence in nanoscale sciences.
About 200 scientists work together in interdisciplinary groups made up of physicists, pharmacologists,
biologists, chemists, physicians, computer scientists and engineers. The various research groups focus
on the following six subject areas: Nanobiology, Quantum Computing and Quantum Coherence, Atomic and
Molecular Nanosystems, Molecular Electronics, Functional Materials, and Nanotechnology and Applications.
The SNI is managed by an Executive Board. Members of the Board are Prof. Christian Schönenberger, Prof.
Christoph Gerber, Prof. Ed Constable, Prof. Daniel Loss, Prof. Hans-Joachim Güntherodt, Prof. Jens Gobrecht
and Prof. Wolfgang Meier.
Network within the SNI:
- University of Basel (includung departments of Physics, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biozentrum, Kantonsspital)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
- University of Zurich
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
- University of Neuchâtel
- Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology Neuchâtel (CSEM)
- Paul Scherrer Institute Villigen (PSI)
- EMPA
- Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (FHNW)
- IBM Research Laboratory Rüschlikon
Additionally, scientists work closely together with colleagues from all over the world.
Research
In the SNI scientific research is focused on nanoscale dimensions to identify and apply pioneering new principles. The SNI places particular emphasis on interdisciplinary innovative collaboration between different branches of science and different institutions, the goal of the various teams being to come up with outstanding scientific achievements that will secure the position of the SNI as a leader in the nanoscale sciences. The following topics are covered:
- Nanobiology
Module leaders: Professor Rodrick Lim (Uni Basel) and Professor Daniel Müller (Uni Basel) - Quantum Computing and Quantum Coherence
Module leaders: Professor Daniel Loss (Uni Basel) and Professor Klaus Ensslin (ETH Zurich) - Atomic and Molecular Nanosystems
Module leaders: Professor Ernst Meyer (Uni Basel) and Professor Hans-Josef Hug (EMPA/Uni Basel) - Molecular Electronics
Module leaders: Professor Christian Schönenberger (Uni Basel) and Dr. Thomas Jung (Paul Scherrer Institute) - Self-Assembly at Surfaces
Module leaders: Professor François Diederich (ETH Zurich) and Professor Wolfgang Meier (Uni Basel) - Applied Projects in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Module leaders: Professor Jens Gobrecht (FHNW, PSI) and Professor Uwe Pieles (FHNW) - Supplementary Research Activities
Module leader: NCCR Board
One of the major objectives of the SNI is the transfer of scientific results to other research institutions and companies and the commercial use of our own scientific findings. In the first period of the NCCR from 2001 to 2005 numerous patents were applied for and three spin-off companies were founded by SNI researchers (Concentris GmbH, Nanonis GmbH, SwissProbe AG). The new scientific findings will also be of benefit to young academic researchers. Scientists of the SNI teach Nano-Students and advise them on various courses (See also: Bachelor und Master in Nanosciences). Special programs to support young scientists and to improve opportunities for women within the SNI are also carried out.
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