Events, News, Publications
Neutrons in search of their mirror twin
A team of researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institut, ETH-Zürich, Jagiellonian University Cracow (PL) and INFN (IT) have set out to look for a potential “mirror” version of the neutron. Theories propose the existence of these mysterious particles as a manifestation of a hidden mirror world that could, for example, help explain dark matter. The researchers’ custom-made apparatus involving high-precision magnetic fields looked at whether any neutrons trapped in the experiment’s vessel would disappear unexpectedly. While they didn’t catch any neutrons turning into mirror neutrons, they set new limits and disproved earlier experiments that had seen a deviation from expectation.
Image: PSI
New era for gravitational waves in Switzerland
Switzerland is further establishing itself as a leader in gravitational-wave research. 2026 has reinforced this status with the appointment of Michele Maggiore, professor at the University of Geneva, as spokesperson for the Einstein Telescope. This next-generation gravitational-wave detector is now entering its final stages of design and approval. With the newly awarded "SWISS-ET Grand Projet" grant, Swiss researchers are ready to play a central role in bringing the Einstein Telescope to life.
Image: Einstein Telescope Collaboration.
The CERN Council decided to update the European Strategy for Particle Physics
Budapest, 22 May 2026. Today, following more than two years of intense work of the European particle physics community under the auspices of the European Strategy Group, the CERN Council updated the European Strategy for Particle Physics which sets out an ambitious scientific vision for the field.
Image: denisismagilov, stock.adobe.com
Florencia Canelli appointed CMS Deputy Spokesperson
Florencia Canelli, Professor of Physics at the University of Zurich, has been appointed Deputy Spokesperson of the CMS Collaboration for the period 2026–2028. In this role, she will support the newly elected Spokesperson Anadi Canepa in coordinating the scientific activities of one of the world’s largest particle physics collaborations, which brings together more than 6000 scientists, engineers and students. Florencia Canelli joined CMS in 2012 and has since held several leadership positions within the experiment. Her appointment highlights the important role played by Swiss institutions in the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment at CERN.
Image: CERN
Transition in SHiP Physics Coordination
After twelve years guiding the physics programme of the SHiP Collaboration, Nicola Serra (University of Zurich) is stepping down as Physics Coordinator. Following the recent collaboration election, Lesya Shchutska (EPFL) will take over the role. With this transition, the coordination of SHiP remains in Switzerland, highlighting once again the strong contribution of Swiss institutions to the experiment.
Image: CERN, SHiP
Boiling the vacuum
A group of scientists has set out to shed light on an unexplored area of physics using a high-energy electron beam, a laser, a vacuum chamber and a set of detectors. Federico Meloni, scientist at Germany’s national accelerator lab DESY and since December professor at the University of Bern, explains what the “LUXE” experiment is all about.
Image: CHIPP
How Switzerland is preparing for the future of particle physics
The European Strategy for Particle Physics is intended to shape the future of particle physics. Under this strategy, the favoured option for the next major project at CERN is the Future Circular Collider. Switzerland seeks to consolidate its expertise in particle physics through targeted support instruments for technology, research and early-career researchers.
Image: CERN
Under the Alps: Assessing the Potential of Bedretto for Particle and Astroparticle Physics
ETH visits to the Bedretto Underground Laboratory
Image: Google map
The boundary between physics, mathematics and AI is becoming increasingly productive
Physicist and mathematician receive BRIDGE Discovery Grant to optimise supply chains with AI
Image: KI-generiert