The Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI) is a recently established independent center of competence associated with the University of Fribourg, which focuses on research in the area of soft nanoscience and nanotechnology. In the landscape of Switzerland’s research institutions, AMI is in many aspects unique. Its focus on soft nanomaterials is unmatched in Switzerland and beyond. AMI prides itself with an unusual blend of fundamental and application-oriented research within a multidisciplinary setting. Backed by an own technology transfer office, and through collaborations with industrial partners, AMI aims to stimulate innovation, foster industrial competitiveness and more generally, improve the quality of life.
Associated with the Faculty of Science of the University of Fribourg, AMI, once fully developed, will be comprised of four research groups with complementary expertise and interest in strategic areas of soft nanoscience: soft matter physics, polymer chemistry and materials, both of which are already in place, biomaterials and surface science, which are expected to be established by 2012. Interdisciplinary collaboration between the groups and a spirit of exchange are the basis for the successful and efficient execution of complex research projects in an important “new” field of science. This environment, together with world-class research facilities, also makes AMI a desirable destination for Master’s and PhD Students, Postdocs and other researchers. Currently, over 40 researchers call AMI their home.
The creation of the institute has been made possible through the generous donation of Dr. Adolphe Merkle, a successful Fribourgeois entrepreneur, who established the Adolphe Merkle Foundation. This entity is devoted to strengthening research and teaching at the University of Fribourg, and especially the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Dr. Merkle’s endowment of 100M Francs constitutes one of the most important private donations supporting academic research in Switzerland. AMI aims to operate in a sustainable manner, and a significant level of competitive external funding is therefore a must. The Adolphe Merkle Institute strives to establish itself as a leader in pure and applied nanoscience through cutting-edge research that aims to solve our societies most interesting scientific and technological problems.