Applied research for a better life With some ten applied Nano-Argovia research projects every year, the SNI promotes knowledge and technology transfer between research institutions and industrial companies in Northwestern Switzerland. The breadth of topics includes everything from improved imaging techniques on the nanometer scale to components for quantum science and optimized nano- structured surfaces for implants. In all of these projects, members of the SNI network from at least two academic institutions work closely with an industrial partner to evaluate the practical feasibility of these applied approaches. The photo shows calcium carbonate microparticles that resemble a ball of wool. Student Alina Dokgöz synthesized these particles by precipitation from calcium chloride and ammonium carbonate solutions. Calcium carbonate micro and nanoparticles of this kind are being investigated at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) as potential sources of calcium for organoid cultures — lab-grown mini-organs for disease research and drug testing — with a view to releasing calcium over the entire cultivation period. (Image: A. Dokgöz and S.Saxer, FHNW School of Life Sciences) Information on the Nano-Argovia program from page 36 onward 37 SNI Annual Report 2025