WSL, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research
WSL, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research

Location: Davos
Category: Environment, Physics
Affiliation: ETH Board
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Snow and Landscape Research WSL focusses on the use and protection of landscapes and habitats. Being a part of the ETH domain, the particular function of the research institute is to act as a bridge between pure theoretical science and the practical implementation of scientific findings. WSL research aims at finding ways to sustainably manage landscapes and forests for maximum benefit to people’s quality of life and to handle the natural hazards that typically occur in mountainous countries in the best possible ways for maximum protection at affordable costs. WSL research maintains an international top position and provides the fundamental knowledge for sustainable environmental policies in Switzerland.
news.myScience
What happens when spatial planning goes online?
Online plans and maps are useful. But how does it affect results when planning takes place in the digital realm? What role do software companies play, and are the processes still politically and socially just? WSL spatial planner Anna Hersperger has received a prestigious SNSF Advanced Grant to answer questions like these.
WSL adapts its organigramm
WSL is adapting its organisational chart and reducing the number of research units from twelve to nine. Following discussions with the heads of research units (RUs) and a WSL-wide internal hearing, the WSL Directorate has decided on a new target organisational structure for the WSL. While retaining the basic structure of research units and research groups, it is reducing the number of research units from twelve to nine: Forest Resources and Management
Interview with WSL Director Rolf Holderegger
The Federal Council has appointed biologist Rolf Holderegger as Director of WSL, and he has been in office since October 2024. In the interview, he talks about tight finances and WSL's new strategy, and emphasises the importance of implementing research results.
Engage in biodiversity policy-making
In view of biodiversity loss, it is important that early-career researchers get involved not only in science but also contribute to biodiversity policy. The Blue-Green Biodiversity research initiative of Eawag and WSL organised a workshop to facilitate cooperation between science, practice and politics.
Four of the most cited researchers at WSL
WSL ecologist Arthur Gessler has been added to the list of the world's most frequently cited scientists. Last year's WSL candidates are also listed again.
Hidden interactions
Original article published in the Bündner Woche, August 28, 2024, p. Obere Strasse 22 7270 Davos Platz +41 81 410 60 80 info@academiaraetica.ch www.academiaraetica.ch Research in Graubünden Alpine
Roots keep growing in winter
When temperatures drop, the trunk and woody roots of trees stop growing. That was what everyone assumed, but research by scientists, led by the University of Antwerp involving WSL, now shows that there is indeed winter activity in wood underground.
Royal guest professorship
The Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf has appointed former WSL Director James Kirchner as the 30th holder of the King Carl XVI Gustaf Professorship in Environmental Sciences for the year 2025/26.
World Soil Day: earthworms for the climate
Earthworms are the "master builders" of the soil. They make nutrients available and sequester the greenhouse gas CO2 in the form of leaves in deep soil layers. A Swiss-German research team is investigating their work in Rendzina soils, the Swiss soil of the year 2025, which was chosen by the Swiss Soil Science Society on Soil Day, December 5.
Happy research
The SLF is researching permafrost and snow in Bhutan at an altitude of over 5000 meters and, together with the local population, is developing measures to reduce climate-related risks in the mountains. The Swiss National Science Foundation is funding the Cryo-Spirit project.
The spirit of the glacier
SLF PhD candidate Patricia Asemann writes about her work on the Silvretta glacier, melting ice, falling winds and pasta with pesto.

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