Department of Biology and Chemistry

The department of Biology and Chemistry at PSI is subdivided into three laboratories (organigram) pursuing research in the areas of cell and structural biology, radiopharmacy, and radiochemistry and environmental chemistry.

The Center of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences pursues research in the fields of tracer preparation and in vivo imaging of tissues, in particular of disseminated tumours that cannot be removed surgically or by external radiation therapy. The  laboratory is operated jointly by ETH Zürich and PSI. The laboratory creates therapeutic molecules by combining particular types of biomolecules, such as for instance antibodies, with radioactive nuclides. These reagents are used to image tumors and to selectively target and destroy tumour cells in animal models. PSI cooperates with universities, hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the most effective coordination of its basic research capabilities with clinical applications.

The Laboratory of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry is a joint activity of the PSI and Bern University.  It is the only radiochemistry institution at a Swiss university and focuses on basic research and education in this field. At PSI the laboratory maintains five research groups focusing on multiple aspects of atmospheric surface chemistry, heavy elements, radioactive waste analytics, radiochemistry and on the reconstruction of palaeoclimate from data sampled at high-altitude glaciers.

Location

Our laboratories are located on the East campus of the Paul Scherrer Institut. The PSI is located close to Villigen about 35 km north-west of Zürich and 55 km east of Basel. You easily reach us either by public transportation or by car.

Contact