Swiss Participation in International Research Infrastructures

Established 1953, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics guarantees cooperation between European countries in nuclear and particle physics research for exclusively peaceful purposes. CERN fosters advanced high-energy physics research using its particle accelerators.

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) is an outstanding example of European scientific cooperation. With the Extremely Brilliant Source (EBS), the ESRF has unique capabilities for fundamental and applied research in a wide range of fields. Swiss researchers and industry play a key role in this.

In Grenoble, the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) is expanding the frontiers of neutron science and technology. Thanks to the world's most powerful neutron source specifically designed for research, Swiss scientists are gaining new insights in fields as diverse as physics, chemistry, magnetism, materials science, energy, biology and medicine.

ITER is an international cooperative project established in 2006 to build the ITER thermonuclear experimental reactor in Cadarache, France. Ultimately, the aim of this infrastructure is to demonstrate the value of nuclear fusion for industrial-scale energy production and to develop the knowledge and technologies required for the subsequent construction of nuclear fusion power plants to produce electricity that is safe, sustainable and clean because it does not produce high-level and long-lasting radioactive waste. Switzerland indirectly participates in the construction of ITER as a member of the European Joint Undertaking Fusion for Energy.

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) was built for the purpose of constructing and operating advanced astronomical observatories in the southern hemisphere. At the same time, the aim is to encourage and organise European cooperation initiatives in the area of astronomy research. Switzerland is a member country of the ESO.

The European XFEL in Hamburg is one of the world's most powerful X-ray laser facilities. Put into operation in 2017, the European XFEL research facility produces extremely intense and short x-ray laser flashes. This enables researchers to study viruses and cells with unprecedented precision. Switzerland has been involved in this project since its inception.

The European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund (Sweden) will be the world's most powerful neutron source. It will generate intense neutron radiation, opening up new possibilities in materials research. As a founding member, Switzerland is involved in its construction, operation and technical development.

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) supports fundamental research in molecular biology involving European partners. It provides the necessary infrastructure and develops databases, methods and tools for modern life sciences. Switzerland is a member of the EMBL.

With sites in Australia and South Africa, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) will have the world’s two largest radio telescope arrays. The construction project is managed and coordinated from the SKAO’s headquarters in Manchester (United Kingdom). Switzerland, which has been a full member since 2022, is involved in this project.

The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) will be the world's largest ground-based gamma-ray observatory. It is being built at two sites: in the southern hemisphere in the Atacama Desert (Chile) and in the northern hemisphere on La Palma in the Canary Islands (Spain). Switzerland is actively involved in its development as an observer and plans to join the project to give its researchers access to this cutting-edge infrastructure.

Switzerland is a member of several European research infrastructure networks known as European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs). Enjoying special legal status, ERICs enable national research infrastructures to work together, thus facilitating research cooperation across Europe.

The Swiss Industry Liaison Office (Swiss ILO) plays a key role as a national coordination centre, helping Swiss companies to network with international research organisations in which Switzerland is a member. Swiss ILO assists companies submitting bids for contracts from international research organisations.