published: February 9, 2011

Welcome to the Swiss Plant Science Web

The Swiss Plant Science Web (SPSW) is the umbrella organization for academic plant science research and education in Switzerland.

We cordially invite you to learn more about the functioning of the Swiss Plant Science Web and its objectives for the SPSW Members. By the way, as you got this e-mail, the chances are high, that you are a member too! Check out

  • who we are

  • why we do

  • what we do

  • and what we do for you!

Any Ideas for a Structuring Project in Plant Sciences?

Yes, indeed, Professor Thomas Boller from the University of Basel had the adequate answer to this question:

The Swiss Plant Science Web!

Not only did Thomas Boller lay the foundation for the Swiss Plant Science Web. Today he acts as a dedicated president for our network. Read the presidential address.

Communicating Plants

Plant sciences in Switzerland should be heard more clearly. This is, in brief, the task of Franziska Humair. She is a journalist by training, but also a plant scientist - and now she is communicator for the Swiss Plant Science Web, read more.

The Swiss Plant Science Web - One Year After

The SPSW coordinator Luca Wacker draws his conclusions - the outcome is very positive, read more in Luca Wacker's article!

PSC Education - A Service for the SPSW

The Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center (PSC) staff is enthusiastic about plants! Therefore, the PSC education team set up a comprehensive program for the Master students and PhDs within the SPSW. Get to know the PSC education team.

Education in Integrative Plant Sciences: from the Secondary Education Level to the Ph.D.

"...I often hear from students that plants are boring...", says Melanie Paschke, head of education at the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center. However she cannot share this oppinion, learn more about Melanie Paschke and the education program, PSC provides to SPSW students.

The PhD Program for Forward Looking Students

Andrea Pfisterer is coordinating the PSC Plant Sciences & Policy Program. With this program, she tackles a most important challenge for environmental sciences: The dialogue between scientists and stakeholders. In our article, Andrea Pfisterer explains what is special about the PSC Plant Sciences & Policy Program.

Enhance your teaching - put your research on display!

Current didactic approaches do not rely on books solely, but on an interactive, multi-media based education. The key words are e-learning and blended-learning course, here you find more information on these new, exciting learning techniques and their implementation into the SPSW.

Need Money?

The life of a researcher is coupled with fundraising. But:

  • Where do I get money for a research project?
  • Who are my network partners?
  • When and how do I have to apply?

The SPSW supports you to find your way through the dense jungle of funding programs. To PhD students, the SPSW offers mobility grants to cover travel and accomodation costs. See also the expertise of Manuela Dahinden, our fundraising specialist.

Same Same but Different

Doing the same thing does not mean that it is done the same way. This is what Thomas Kropf often experiences. He is a distinguished expert in communications and very well knows when two parties get their wires crossed. Learn why he thinks, that media training for scientists is a good investment.

Technology Transfer within the SPSW

A most important feature of the SPSW is the support of three technology platforms.

The three technology platforms not only provide technical support to all SPSW students and researchers. Increasingly the outcomes of the analyses are essential to scientific publications. Luca Wacker is the coordinator of the technology platforms. Find out about his experiences so far.

Or have a closer look at the technology platforms in Geneva and Neuchâtel.