SAC and EDOC Teams annual outing at the EPFL Campus in Neuchâtel

The day began with a warm welcome by Marcella Giovannini, Operational Director at EPFL’s Associate Campus in Neuchâtel, who introduced the group to the campus's history, structure, daily life, and activities; and provided a glimpse into its exciting future developments.

The visit continued with a tour of three laboratories, each of which provided a fascinating insight into the research being conducted there.

Instant Lab - led by Prof. Simon Henein who explained the challenges of classical watchmaking and the innovative technologies being developed to address them, and how they can be applied in biomedical instrumentation and aerospace mechanisms.

Galatea Lab - under the direction of Prof. Yves Bellouard, who explained how the laboratory explores novel paradigms to transform materials locally using lasers and how their research opens new possibilities in precision material processing and microfabrication.

LMTS: Soft Transducers Lab- headed by Prof. Herbert Shea. The team were presented fascinating innovations such as soft grippers that gently adhere to delicate objects - for example, a tomato - without squeezing them, fiber pumps, and even VR gloves.

After the morning of scientific discovery, the group enjoyed a surprise lunch at the elegant Hôtel du Peyrou. The afternoon continued with a guided tour of "Neuchâtel à la Belle Époque", complete with tastings of fine local chocolates and a traditional absinthe, a delightful immersion into the city’s cultural heritage.

We are sincerely grateful to the entire Neuchâtel Campus team for their warm welcome and hospitality. Special thanks to Patricia Binggeli, for the coordination on site, to Marcella Giovannini for introducing us to the campus, Prof. Simon Henein, Prof. Yves Bellouard, and Prof. Herbert Shea for presenting their laboratories.

A big thank you to Stéphanie and Nathalie for the flawless organization.