Basic Research at UZH
Basic research paves the way for scientific progress and innovation. It seeks to understand how things work at a fundamental level: researchers uncover complex relationships, challenge established assumptions and remain open to the unexpected. In doing so, they generate knowledge and open up new possibilities for science and society.
UZH is one of Europe’s leading research universities. Its seven faculties and more than 150 departments and institutes bring together a wide range of perspectives, approaches and academic cultures. This diversity creates fertile ground for outstanding basic research. Supporting such research is a core part of UZH’s mission.
Working Paper on Basic Research
Additional Information
Research Spotlights on Basic Research
Our Research Spotlight video series presents highlights from ongoing research projects.
(Video: Katharina Weins, Kommunikation UZH und Ginger Hobi-Ragaz, MELS UZH)
SNSF Campaign: Basic Research Today – Innovation Tomorrow
A new campaign by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) highlights the value of basic research. Articles and videos demonstrate the long-term benefits of new discoveries.
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) promotes basic research in Switzerland with around CHF 800 million per year. The University of Zurich, the largest comprehensive university in the country, also benefits from this funding and is particularly committed to basic research. The SNSF’s funding is not aimed at commercial applications, but rather at new, groundbreaking discoveries. This results not only in a huge wealth of knowledge, but also in economic value creation and highly qualified specialists. Last but not least, basic research is essential for society and politics to cope with crises and technological change.