Jun 4, 2025 | Novel manufacturing technique for piezoelectric thin films
When fractions of a second make all the difference: Empa researchers developed a process for manufacturing advanced thin films in which sophisticated timing enables high-quality functional layers at low process...
Jun 3, 2025 | International cooperation in energy research
On May 27, 2025, Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR) and Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, signed a cooperation agreement to establish a new AIMR...
May 28, 2025 | Empa becomes new CSA partner
Empa joins the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein as a partner. The Center bundles space and aviation expertise in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and offers opportunities for research...
May 27, 2025 | A laser that can “see” and “think”
Laser-based metal processing enables the automated and precise production of complex components, whether for the automotive industry or for medicine. However, conventional methods require time- and resource-consuming...
May 26, 2025 | MenstruAI: non-invasive blood test
Researchers at ETH Zurich, Empa, University Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital have developed a technology that is able to recognise biomarkers in menstrual blood – directly in sanitary towels. MenstruAI promises a...
May 22, 2025 | Portrait Matthias Sulzer
The ETH Board has appointed Matthias Sulzer as a member of Empa's Directorate. Since January 2025, Sulzer is the Head of Empa's Engineering Sciences Department, where he deals with the full range of materials and...
May 20, 2025 | Nanomedicine for treatment of inflammation in pregnancy
Special care must be taken with illnesses during pregnancy, as not all drugs are compatible for mother and child. This is why an international research team involving Empa is now developing nanomedicines that will enable...
May 13, 2025 | Nature's fiber composite
Fungi are considered a promising source of biodegradable materials. Empa researchers have developed a new material based on a fungal mycelium and its own extracellular matrix. This gives the biomaterial particularly...
May 8, 2025 | Empa research shows individual CO2 footprint
Net zero: the goal that moves our society at all levels. But what can we as individuals contribute to achieve it? Answers are given by the Emission Explorer, the new exhibit developed by Empa as part of Energy Science...
May 7, 2025 | New mandate for Empa Director
Empa Director Tanja Zimmermann has been elected as the new President of the Board of Trustees of the Technopark Zurich Foundation – and brings her broad experience in research, innovation and technology transfer.
May 6, 2025 | Empa’s Annual Report 2024
We hope to lead you on a gripping journey through the world of research and innovation; you may be surprised at how broad the term "applied research" is defined at Empa.
May 5, 2025 | Empa researcher among the winners at SNSF scientific image competition
Researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich are developing an electromechanical system that can apply mechanical tension to nanomaterials. This could enable electronic components with novel properties for applications in various...
Apr 30, 2025 | Energy perspectives for the city of Frauenfeld
After a two year-project, Thurplus, the city of Frauenfelds's utility company, and Empa last Wednesday presented the report, Energy Perspectives 2050. The project sheds light on energy scenarios from today to 2050,...
Apr 28, 2025 | Coping with stress in a noisy environment
It is hardly surprising that green spaces in noisy cities offer people respite from stress. However, a comprehensive study by Empa and WSL shows for the first time for Switzerland how much these recreational spaces...
Apr 24, 2025 | Potential for airborne construction technologies
An international team led by researchers from Empa and EPFL has explored how in future aerial robots could process construction materials precisely in the air – an approach with great potential for difficult-to-access...
Apr 15, 2025 | Improved understanding of skin diseases
Growing cells in the laboratory is an art that humans have mastered decades ago. Recreating entire three-dimensional tissues is much more challenging. Empa researchers are developing a new hydrogel-based material that...
Apr 10, 2025 | Innovative wood-based materials
Traditional shingle production has inspired researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich to develop new types of wood-based panels made from split wooden sticks. Thanks to an AI-optimized process, these panels should be suitable...
Apr 3, 2025 | Promoting biodiversity
At the end of March, a new type of water pumping system was put into operation in Steffisburg. It ensures that a tributary of the Zulg river continues to be supplied with water despite improved flood protection. This is...
Apr 1, 2025 | Dangerous increase in antimicrobial resistance
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause life-threatening infections that are almost impossible to treat with existing medication. As a result, common illnesses such as urinary tract infections or skin wounds are becoming...
Mar 31, 2025 | New leadership role
Dr. Urs Leemann will become Empa's Deputy Director on 1 April 2025, succeeding Peter Richner. A Directorate member since 2012, he brings strategic expertise and a strong focus on innovation.