Further information: Web page NCCR Precision Fact sheet Media release University of Basel On May 1, the new National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) “Precision” was launched, with numerous SNI members involved. The common goal of the researchers from seven participating Swiss research institutions is to raise the accuracy and sen- sitivity of measurements to unprecedented levels and thereby exploring unknown physical phenom- ena beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. The focus is on the physical quantities of time and frequency. Four pillars form the foundation of the new NCCR. • Fundamental physics: Precision measurements on simple atoms and molecules to test physical theories and discover new phenomena • Quantum state control: Targeted manipulation of quantum systems to make measurements even more sensitive and precise • Photonic technologies: Development of new op- tical instruments such as ultranarrow linewidth lasers and frequency combs to enhance preci- sion and broaden the applicability of measure- ment systems • Precision sensing: Use of atomic and solid-state systems as high-resolution sensors, for example to detect minute electric and magnetic fields or for navigation and gravimetry measurements At the end of May, the first meeting of project teams took place in Zurich. In attendance were researchers from the two host institutions, ETH Zurich and the University of Basel, as well as from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, EPFL, the Federal Institute of Metrol- ogy (METAS), the University of Neuchâtel, and CSEM. A total of 32 research groups from across Switzer- land are involved – including numerous groups led by SNI members: Prof. Dr. Stefan Willitsch serves as Co-Director and Prof. Dr. Philipp Treutlein as Deputy Co-Director. Furthermore, Dr. Alexander Grimm (PSI) and the Basel-based professors from the depart- ment of Physic Ilaria Zardo, Richard Warburton, Tomasz Smoleński, Martino Poggio, Patrick Male- tinsky and Daniel Malz are involved as principal investigators from the SNI network. SNI Managing Director Claudia Wirth is responsible for the fi- nances of the teams from Basel. Launch of the National Centre of Competence in Research “Precision” The kick-off event for NFS Precision took place in late May, with more than 30 project leaders in attendance. (Photo: NFS Precis- ion) Network 28 SNI INSight June 2026