Research Groups

The Institute is currently made up of 18 research groups. Find out more about the aims, composition and research of each group by visiting their individual web pages.

Precision Physics at Low Energy

Prof. Dr. Aldo Sady Antognini and
Prof. Dr. Klaus Stefan Kirch

We perform precision particle physics experiments at low energies, studying fundamental symmetries and interactions with neutrons and muons.

Ion Beam Physics

Dr. Marcus Christl

The Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics (LIP) is a worldwide leading group in developing new instrumentation for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and Ion Beam Analyses (IBA).

Particle Physics

Prof. Dr. Annapaola de Cosa

The focus of our research work is the quest for for new physics beyond the Standard Model, with particular interest in the understanding of Dark Matter nature.

Exoplanet Interiors

We study extrasolar planets, with a particular focus on understanding their interiors and atmospheres. Our work emphasizes Super-Earths and Mini-Neptunes, which are most frequent among observable worlds. We develop and explore advanced models and inference methods to deepen knowledge of these fascinating worlds.

Prof. Dr. Caroline Dorn

external page Medical Physics, PSI

Prof. Dr. Antony John Lomax

Medical physicists are responsible for the technical quality of the proton therapy administered at CPT.

Exoplanets

Prof. Dr. Didier Queloz

Our goal is to expand the knowledge about the formation and evolution of planetary systems, using innovative instruments and techniques to potentially discover Earth-like planets.

Exotic Matter and Neutrino Physics

Prof. Dr. André Rubbia

Our mission is to address fundamental questions in elementary particle and astroparticle physics such as the origin of matter dominance in the Universe, the properties of neutrinos, the possibility of CP-violation in the leptonic sector, the stability of the proton and the Nature of Dark Matter.

Low Energy Particle Physics - Fundamental Interactions Group

Prof. Dr. Anna Soter

Our group was founded in 2021, with the aim to carry out investigations beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. We study elementary particles and antimatter at low energies, while they are bound in exotic atomic structures, or decaying at rest.

Gravitational Physics

Prof. Dr. Michele Vallisneri

The gravitational physics group focuses on the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) space mission. As hosts of the Swiss LISA Data Center, we develop critical data-analysis tools that will transform the LISA measurements into groundbreaking science. At much lower frequencies, we are active participants in the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav) pulsar timing array.

Very-high Energy Gamma-ray Astronomy

Prof. Dr. Adrian Biland

The group is active in all aspects in very-high energy gamma-ray astronomy, an emerging new field of science.

Exotic Matter

Prof. Dr. Paolo Crivelli

The activities of the our group focus on the study of exotic matter with the aim to address fundamental questions such as the origin of dark matter and the matter anti-matter asymmetry in the Universe.

High Energy Physics

Prof. Dr. Günther Dissertori

We perform particle physics experiments at colliders with the highest energies and luminosities, in order to address fundamental questions such as the mechanism behind electroweak symmetry breaking or the existence of new particles and forces at the TeV energy scale.

Solar Astrophysics

Prof. Dr. Louise Harra

The group's research focuses on solar activity. Research is based around understanding the trigger of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and solar wind formation and propagation.

Exoplanets and Habitability

Prof. Dr. Sascha Quanz

The activities in our group are guided by the long-term goal to empirically assess the uniqueness of Earth – as a habitable planet – in the context of exoplanet research.

Cosmology

Prof. Dr. Alexandre Refregier

The cosmology group seeks to answer fundamental questions about the Universe. What is the nature of Dark Matter and Dark Energy? What are the initial conditions for the formation of cosmic structures? Is General Relativity valid on cosmological scales?

Neutrinos

Prof. Dr. Davide Sgalaberna

We study the properties of neutrinos to shed light on the origin of the matter dominance on antimatter in the universe.

Astrophysical Dust

Dr. Veerle Jasmin Sterken

The Astrophysical Dust Group focuses on the science of cosmic dust nearby and inside the solar system and is based on the European Research Council Starting Grant “ASTRODUST: The Heliosphere and the Dust: Characterization of the Solar and Interstellar Neighbourhood”.

High Energy Physics

Prof. Dr. Rainer Wallny

We perform particle physics at the high-energy frontier and tackle outstanding questions of Particle Physics, such as the elucidation of the mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking and the particle origin of dark matter. We operate the present detectors and prepare the future ones. We teach physics to the next generation of scientists.