News EPFL

A cheaper method of storing solar energy

Published:08.01.14 — By replacing platinum with molybdenum in photoelectrochemical cells, scientists from two EPFL labs have developed a cheaper and scalable technique that can greatly improve hydrogen production through water splitting as a means of storing solar energy.

Looking back at 2013 (3/3): The World's First Solar Window

Published:06.01.14 — During the last quarter of the year, construction began on an impressive glass façade composed of 300 square meters of dye solar cells for EPFL’s Swiss Tech Convention Center. This is a world first. Breton lighthouses have been reinforced by a combination of materials developed in an EPFL laboratory, and life has become difficult for perfume counterfeiters due to a new detection process. A new work and meeting space for emerging start-ups was established on campus in mid-November. And just before 2013 ended, EPFL obtained control of a new national research center dedicated to the development of innovative materials through the use of computer simulations.

Looking back at 2013 (2/3): When Genes Act Like History Books

Published:30.12.13 — Ultra-fast running robots, genetic research that gives hints at medieval history, or soil studies to detect pollutants or anticipate landslides are a few of the remarkable findings of EPFL's last spring. . . . .

Looking back at 2013 (1/3): D-Day for the Human Brain project

Published:23.12.13 — During the first quarter of 2013, we decrypted the brain, made significant advances in the field of health, gained a deeper understanding into our Solar System, opened the doors to augmented reality and opened access to scientific publications, produced more efficient solar cells and developed an all-terrain technology.

Monitoring Pilot Alertness for Solar Impulse

Published:20.12.13 — Solar Impulse pilot Bertrand Piccard put his mental and physiological limits to the test during a 72 hour simulated flight across the Atlantic Ocean which ended today. EPFL scientists monitored his mental states and cardiac rhythm throughout the flight.

Uranium found to be mobile in a natural wetland

Published:19.12.13 — EPFL researchers studying a natural wetland near a decommissioned uranium mine in Limousin, France, have shown that under certain circumstances the uranium present in the wetland could be more mobile than previously believed.

EPFL has become the Swiss capital for research on new materials

Published:17.12.13 — Today, the Federal Councilor Johann Schneider-Amman has unveiled eight new National Centers of Competence in Research (NCCR), which will receive substantial funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation. The "MARVEL" project, managed by EPFL and dedicated to developing innovative materials using powerful computer simulations, was one of the winning submissions.