Welcome to Friends of Empa!
Friends of Empa is a platform for anyone interested in Empa, its research, and the people behind it. As a Friend of Empa, you can take a closer look behind the scenes and meet our scientists as well as like-minded people at exclusive events, lectures, guided tours, or social events.
Public interest in Empa and its activities is growing steadily. Every year, more visitors come to Dübendorf and St. Gallen, to NEST or to events at the Empa Academy, read our research magazine, and follow us on social media.
It seems that in times of major challenges in the areas of climate, energy, or health, people, more than ever before, are searching for answers and solutions. For many of them, Empa, as one of the leading research institutions in said areas, is increasingly coming into focus.
We are, of course, delighted about this increasing interest and want to simplify this dialog and make it accessible to everyone – through Friends of Empa, our new dialog platform. On our Friends of Empa website, but above all at the Friends of Empa events, you will get exciting insights into questions that concern you – directly from our scientists. Or you can have a drink with former Empa employees and network with like-minded people over an aperitif.
We look forward to seeing you!
The Empa Directorate
Laboratory tour Dübendorf, November 20, 2025
As part of the Friends of Empa initiative, we cordially invite you to take a look at our laboratories in Dübendorf on November 20 and learn more about three of our research projects on sustainable materials and energy sources.
These deal with edible mushrooms as a substitute for plastic, biochar as a basis for CO2-neutral products, and the next generation of batteries, which represent a more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion technology.
Tour of the Empa construction hall at FiNEST
On October 30, the Friends of Empa spent around an hour in Empa's construction hall listening to Robert Wiedmann's presentation. This gave them an insight into the tests that are carried out, the materials that are the focus of attention, and the prominent structures that have already been examined at Empa.
Subsequently, discussions continued at the Flair bistro over drinks, hot chestnuts, and soup, while the most creative Halloween costumes were awarded prizes as part of FiNEST.
Friends of Empa at FiNEST
On August 26, we welcomed numerous Friends of Empa to our campus in Dübendorf. During an exclusive tour of the NEST building demonstrator, guests gained exciting insights into innovative concepts for how we can build and live more sustainably in the future.
Afterwards, the summer FiNEST, Empa's after-work get-together, provided an opportunity to round off the evening with grilled bratwurst, cool drinks, and stimulating conversations between friends and colleagues.
Get involved
What are the benefits of being a Friend of Empa? And who can join? Find out on this page.
Events
As a Friend of Empa, you will always be informed about exclusive events. View upcoming events here.
Meeting point
Like-minded people meet not only at local events, but also online. You can find networking opportunities on this page.
