Research

EPFL researchers have developed 4M, a next-generation, open-sourced framework for training versatile and scalable multimodal foundation models that go beyond language.

Geophysicists at ETH Zurich are using models of the lower mantle to identify areas where earthquake waves behave differently than previously assumed. This indicates the presence of zones of rocks that are colder, or have a different composition, than the surrounding rocks. This finding challenges our current understanding of the Earth's plate tectonics – and presents the researchers with a major mystery.

Two artists from Zurich team up with a WSL mycologist to look into the newly discovered green glow of a mushroom.

A research team at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI has developed a new sustainable process that can be used to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries. Initial tests of high-voltage batteries modified in this way have been successful. This method could be used to make lithium-ion batteries, for example those for electric vehicles, significantly more efficient.

EPFL scientists have successfully achieved a quantum collective behavior of macroscopic mechanical oscillators, unlocking new possibilities in quantum technology.

Bacteria can cause dangerous infections after surgery on the eye. Particularly feared are antibiotic-resistant germs, which are almost impossible to treat and can lead to the loss of the eye. In the Nanovision project, researchers at Empa and the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen are developing novel nanocomplexes that kill resistant germs and protect the eye tissue at the same time. The project is supported by the Heinz A. Oertli Fund for Ophthalmology.

New research from EPFL demonstrates that even the most recent Large Language Models (LLMs), despite undergoing safety training, remain vulnerable to simple input manipulations that can cause them to behave in unintended or harmful ways.

Scientists at EPFL have developed "lymphomoids," a pioneering cancer model that preserves the structure and multicellular composition of lymphoma tumors in the lab. Lymphomoids offer an innovative way to test the efficacy of lymphoma treatments and better predict individual responses.

Deep geothermal energy is climate-friendly and base-load capable - but how can this heat be tapped safely? ETH researchers are working on minimizing the earthquake risk and developing completely new systems, for example with closed CO₂ cycles.

Innosuisse, the Swiss innovation promotion agency, supports research-based innovation to strengthen the international competitiveness of Swiss industry. In Innosuisse-funded projects, companies work together with universities or research institutes such as Empa to bring innovative ideas to the market. Empa is currently involved in around 80 such projects. Here are four of them.

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be a weapon of mass disinformation, but a recent report has demonstrated that its impact thus far has been limited

Today, over 60 experts from research, federal and cantonal administration, the police, politics and hospitals are meeting to discuss the current status and future of wastewater monitoring in Switzerland. The current trends: a seasonal increase for influenza and the RSV virus, stagnating or even declining for coronavirus. We spoke to environmental engineer Christoph Ort, who, together with environmental microbiologist Tim Julian, established the field of wastewater-based epidemiology at Eawag and - in cooperation with external experts - is constantly adapting it.

Bettina Heim won the Swiss figure-skating championships before developing an interest in quantum computing. She studied physics at ETH and now develops software for the computers of the future.

Neuroscientist Johannes Bohacek investigates the molecular basis of stress in the brain. He originally wanted to become a psychotherapist.

Earth-observation satellites deliver data for a wealth of applications – from monitoring climate change and documenting war crimes to planning disaster relief and assessing snow depth. ETH researchers are also big beneficiaries.