Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Campuses

The Dübendorf Campus of Empa serves as the headquarters and primary hub for advanced materials science and technology education and research. Here, students and researchers engage in comprehensive programs focusing on sustainable materials, nanotechnology, and bioengineering. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining physics, chemistry, and engineering to address real-world challenges.

• Materials Science Fundamentals: Core courses cover the structure, properties, and processing of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, with hands-on labs on material characterization techniques like SEM, TEM, and XRD.
• Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials: Advanced modules explore synthesis and applications of nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, and quantum dots, with projects on nanoelectronics and drug delivery systems.
• Sustainable Materials and Energy: Programs delve into renewable energy materials, such as photovoltaics, batteries, and fuel cells, teaching lifecycle assessment and circular economy principles.
• Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering: Courses focus on tissue engineering, implants, and regenerative medicine, including biocompatibility testing and 3D bioprinting.
• Surfaces, Coatings, and Interfaces: Specialized training in thin films, corrosion protection, and smart surfaces, with applications in automotive and aerospace industries.
• Computational Materials Science: Integrating AI and simulations for material design, covering density functional theory and machine learning predictions.

These offerings are supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including cleanrooms and high-performance computing clusters. Collaborative PhD programs with ETH Zurich provide deep dives into emerging fields like additive manufacturing and sensor technologies. The campus fosters innovation through industry partnerships, ensuring graduates are equipped for roles in R&D, consulting, and academia. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, sustainability, and global impact, preparing students to lead in the materials revolution. With a focus on practical problem-solving, the programs include internships, thesis projects, and international exchanges, building a strong foundation for careers in high-tech sectors.

Overall, the Dübendorf Campus offers a dynamic learning environment where theoretical knowledge meets experimental innovation, driving advancements in materials that shape a sustainable future. Courses are designed for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, with flexible electives allowing specialization in areas like functional materials or environmental technologies.

The St. Gallen Campus of Empa specializes in applied research and education in textile materials, composites, and protective technologies. This location integrates materials science with engineering and design, offering programs that bridge academia and industry, particularly in the textile and apparel sectors.

• Textile Materials and Technologies: Core courses examine fiber science, weaving, knitting, and nonwovens, with emphasis on smart textiles, conductive fibers, and wearable electronics.
• Composite Materials Engineering: Modules cover fiber-reinforced composites, laminates, and hybrid materials, including design, manufacturing via RTM and autoclave processes, and mechanical testing.
• Protective and Functional Materials: Training in flame-retardant, antimicrobial, and impact-resistant materials, with applications in personal protective equipment and automotive safety.
• Sustainable Textiles and Recycling: Programs address eco-friendly production, biodegradation, and circular economy models for textiles, including chemical recycling and bio-based fibers.
• Digital Fabrication and 3D Printing: Advanced topics in additive manufacturing for textiles, such as 4D printing and digital knitting, with software tools like CAD and simulation.
• Materials for Mobility and Transport: Focus on lightweight materials for vehicles, including carbon fiber composites and their integration in electric mobility solutions.

The campus features specialized labs for textile testing, composite prototyping, and high-speed imaging. Educational offerings include short courses, workshops, and degree programs in collaboration with local universities, emphasizing innovation in functional clothing and technical textiles. Students participate in projects on energy-harvesting fabrics and sensor-integrated garments, gaining practical skills through industry collaborations with companies like textile manufacturers and automotive firms.

With a strong regional focus on Switzerland's textile heritage, the programs promote sustainability and digital transformation. PhD candidates explore cutting-edge research in adaptive materials and nanotechnology for textiles. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary work, combining materials science with business and design, preparing graduates for roles in R&D, product development, and sustainability consulting. International seminars and exchange programs enhance global perspectives, ensuring participants are at the forefront of materials innovation for everyday applications.

In summary, the St. Gallen Campus provides a unique platform for learning about advanced materials in textiles and composites, fostering creativity and technical expertise to meet future challenges in industry and society.

The Thun Campus of Empa is renowned for its focus on structural materials, mechanics, and technologies for infrastructure and mobility. This site offers specialized education in materials engineering, emphasizing durability, safety, and performance under extreme conditions, with strong ties to mechanical and civil engineering fields.

• Structural Materials and Mechanics: Core courses analyze metals, alloys, and concrete, covering fatigue, fracture mechanics, and non-destructive testing methods like ultrasound and thermography.
• Materials for Infrastructure: Modules on corrosion-resistant materials, high-performance concretes, and seismic-resistant composites, with design principles for bridges, buildings, and pipelines.
• Advanced Manufacturing and Joining Technologies: Training in welding, additive manufacturing, and laser processing, including quality control and simulation of thermal effects.
• Materials in Mobility: Programs explore lightweight alloys, polymers for automotive and aerospace, and crashworthiness testing, with focus on electric vehicle components.
• Characterization and Simulation: Advanced techniques in material modeling using FEM, multiscale simulations, and experimental validation with high-strain-rate testing.
• Sustainable Construction Materials: Emphasis on low-carbon cements, recycled aggregates, and life-cycle analysis for green building practices.

Equipped with cutting-edge facilities like the world's largest materials testing hall and climate chambers, the campus supports hands-on learning through large-scale experiments and prototypes. Educational programs include master's specializations, PhD tracks, and continuing education in partnership with ETH Zurich and other institutions, targeting engineers and scientists.

Students engage in real-world projects, such as developing materials for high-speed rail or earthquake-prone structures, collaborating with industry leaders in construction and transport. The curriculum integrates digital twins and AI for predictive maintenance, preparing participants for innovative solutions in resilient infrastructure. Emphasis on safety standards, regulatory compliance, and environmental impact ensures comprehensive training.

With its location near industrial hubs, the Thun Campus facilitates internships and technology transfer, bridging research and application. International workshops and field trips provide broader exposure, while flexible course structures allow customization for career goals in R&D, consulting, or policy-making. Graduates emerge as experts in materials that enhance safety and sustainability in built environments and transportation systems.

Ultimately, the Thun Campus delivers rigorous, practical education in structural materials science, driving advancements that support Switzerland's engineering excellence and global challenges.