Research
"With our research and development, we aim to create benefits for the economy and society. We promote innovative solutions by providing our project partners with expertise and high-quality infrastructure."
Dr. Adriano Nasciuti, Research & Development
Research and development with an interdisciplinary approach
The current needs of industry and society determine the research priorities of the ZHAW School of Engineering. Innovative, research-based solutions are developed in cooperation with business partners and institutions, with 14 specialised institutes and centres collaborating in an interdisciplinary manner. Practice-oriented research is carried out for the most part in the fields of energy, mobility, information and health. With projects in alternative energy conversion, medical technology and transport studies, we are making an important contribution in fields of research relevant to the future Students also benefit from cooperation with business partners: they collaborate on current projects and gain from the close dovetailing of research and teaching. Practically relevant and application-oriented dissertations are an important component of the training scheme at the ZHAW School of Engineering.
Research field energy
Our energy research focuses on sustainable energy systems on both the demand and supply sides. We combine technical expertise in energy conversion, transmission, distribution and storage with a strong focus on the sustainable management and transformation of energy systems. Our work integrates economic, operational and societal perspectives to develop energy-efficient, intelligent solutions. Through our projects, we help drive innovation in systems, processes and infrastructures, while strengthening the acceptance and resilience of renewable energy technologies in the fight against climate change.
"For me, ZHAW School of Engineering means: constructive cooperation, competent contacts, flexibility and brilliant ideas!"
Jürgen Braun, Head of Technology & Engineering at ABB Robotics Switzerland
Project examples energy
Research field mobility
The mobility of people and goods on land and in the air is a key research focus at the ZHAW School of Engineering. We develop intelligent solutions for efficient traffic flows, integrated mobility and spatial planning, and future-oriented supply chain management. Our research also addresses innovative vehicle and mobility concepts, autonomous systems, drones, sustainable fuels and intelligent safety solutions. Through our work, we help shape sustainable, adaptive and resilient mobility systems that meet the technological and societal demands of tomorrow.
"We have built up the know-how for the Sinet application very successfully over several years of cooperation with the ZHAW School of Engineering. The result also impresses our rail customers."
Thomas Stanger, project manager at Siemens Mobility AG
Project examples mobility
Research field information
In a connected world, the ZHAW School of Engineering develops forward-looking solutions for the intelligent and responsible use of information. Working closely with partners, we cover the entire information lifecycle – from data acquisition and transmission to analysis, visualisation and networking, and the development of secure, privacy-compliant information systems. Our research spans artificial intelligence, data science and big data, as well as connected systems, the Internet of Things and ICT-based services. Through the targeted use of AI and machine learning, we create future-ready socio-technical solutions, ranging from autonomous systems to responsible applications in a societal context.
"We have a lot of ideas on how to improve our system. Thanks to the motivation and support of the ZHAW, we can implement them."
Naomi MacKenzie, co-founder of KITRO SA
Project example information
- ZHAW involved in the world’s most powerful neutron source in Sweden
- Improving the trustworthiness of critical systems with AI: ZHAW and FHNW are part of the EU-HORIZON project AI4REALNET
- ZHAW researchers develop a secure architecture for future 6G mobile communications standard
- ZHAW develops digital infrastructure for the financial industry
Research field health
In health research, the ZHAW School of Engineering develops innovative technological solutions for medicine and healthcare. Our focus areas range from medical robotics, biomechanics and prosthetics to medical imaging, biophysics and therapy-optimising methods. Using data-driven approaches, machine learning and medical informatics, we enhance diagnostics, treatment and healthcare processes. At the same time, we address regulatory requirements, increasing system complexity and cost pressures, leveraging emerging technologies such as generative AI to enable secure and future-ready applications in prevention, diagnosis and care.
"The collaboration with the ZHAW as a partner was very effective in examining new concepts for manufacturing tools and bringing together research activities and technology applications."
Massimo Di Pardo, Senior Researcher at Centro Ricerche Fiat
Project examples health
Support for Recipients of ERC Grants
The European Union supports outstanding researchers through the prestigious ERC Grant (European Research Council Grant), which is regarded as one of the most competitive research funding programmes.
Recipients of an ERC Starting Grant, Consolidator Grant, or Advanced Grant are offered an individual Start-up package by the ZHAW School of Engineering, which essentially includes the following benefits:
- Professorship
- Staff: one position for the entire duration of the grant (research associate)
- Workspace or laboratory space as needed
- A one-time contribution of CHF 50,000 for investments
If the research focus aligns with the portfolio of the ZHAW School of Engineering and provides added value to our institution, researchers will receive a comprehensive Stay package after the funding period ends.