Research with an impact

Peter Wick, Head of Laboratory

What personal motivation characterizes your work at Empa?

The joy of science. Discovering new things and using what we have learned to tackle social challenges. Today's challenges, especially in the health sector, are complex, multi-layered and require many different areas of expertise. The possibilities of setting new trends with innovative materials in the healthcare sector are far from exhausted, there is still a lot to discover.

How do you organize international cooperation within your projects, and what strategic importance do you attach to it for Empa?

Empa has around 50% project-related employees in its research departments. This means that we specifically recruit talented individuals whose specialist knowledge and personality are best suited to the respective project and team. Over the years, this has created an international and interdisciplinary team in my laboratory that I wouldn't want to do without.

Can you highlight an international project or partnership that you are particularly proud of and explain why this is important to you?

In 2023, after 10 years of international collaboration, we were able to conclude the EU Flagship Project Graphene, which was funded by the EU with over €1 billion and involved over 150 partner institutes. During this time, we jointly researched graphene and graphene-like materials for new applications in various areas of our everyday lives, such as XYZ or ABC. This not only led to excellent long-term research collaborations and the next generation of scientists, but also to friendships all over the world. The Flaghsip was - and still is - a door opener for numerous follow-up projects.

Vanesa Ayala-Nunez, Scientist

What motivated you to work at Empa in St.Gallen?

I have been working at Empa in St. Gallen for the past four years. Before that, I lived and worked in the Netherlands, in France and in Germany. After this journey across Europe, I chose Empa because of the institute's excellent reputation for high-quality, impactful research. At that time, I was particularly interested in developing new physiologically relevant in vitro models, a complex and technically demanding challenge. What drew me to Empa, however, was not only the scientific excellence but also the freedom to be intellectually curious. Here in St. Gallen, I found a truly multidisciplinary environment where collaboration happens naturally. Walking through the halls and labs, I interact with materials scientists, chemists, engineers, and biologists, all under one roof. This diversity has been essential to pushing my research forward and growing as a scientist.

In your opinion, what sets Empa apart from other research institutions?

In my opinion, what truly sets Empa apart from other research institutions is its strong emphasis on applied science and its close ties to both industry and society. Unlike purely academic institutions that often focus exclusively on fundamental research, Empa is driven by the goal of translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions. This focus ensures that the work we do is not only innovative but also meaningful and impactful in the real world.

As a scientist, this environment is incredibly motivating. It means that the ideas we explore in the lab can lead to concrete outcomes that benefit society, whether through new medical devices, environmentally friendly products, or partnerships with industry. Being in a place where science is not done in isolation but is constantly shaped by societal needs and industry feedback, makes the work feel more relevant and fulfilling. It's this unique combination of scientific excellence, application-driven research, and interdisciplinary collaboration that makes Empa such a special place to work.