Summary
The Federal Council elected Professor Tanja Zimmermann on 28 January 2026 for a second term of four years (2026–2030) as Director of Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology). Under her leadership, Empa has strengthened its strategic position as an innovation engine for Switzerland and intensified collaboration with other ETH Domain institutions. Her first term was marked by successful research initiatives in energy, infrastructure, and health technologies, as well as the promotion of spin-offs that raised nearly CHF 10 million in investment capital in 2025.
People
- Tanja Zimmermann – Director of Empa
Topics
- Research institutions and governance
- Materials science and sustainability
- ETH Domain and collaboration
- Innovation promotion and spin-offs
- Energy and negative emission technologies
Detailed Summary
The re-election of Professor Tanja Zimmermann as Director of Empa was confirmed by the Federal Council on 28 January 2026. She will continue leading the renowned materials testing and research institute from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2030.
During her first term, Zimmermann has further developed Empa strategically and structurally. A key focus has been intensifying collaboration with other institutions of the ETH Domain – including ETH Zurich, EPFL, PSI, WSL, and Eawag. Under her leadership, Empa has been able to further expand its role as a bridge builder between science, industry, and society.
Empa's research priorities lie in energy and negative emission technologies, infrastructure and built environment, and health technologies. Zimmermann has launched several inter-institutional research initiatives, such as strengthening the Swiss semiconductor industry, developing sustainable materials as alternatives to problematic chemicals like PFAS, and combating antibiotic resistance.
Another success of her leadership was the implementation of cost-saving measures while simultaneously intensifying support for young talent and spin-offs. In the last quarter of 2025 alone, three Empa spin-offs (viboo, BTRY, and Ionic Wind) raised nearly CHF 10 million in investment capital.
Zimmermann has a strong scientific background: she earned her doctorate in 2007 from the University of Hamburg and built up the field of cellulose nanocomposites from 2001 to 2012. From 2011 to 2017, she headed the Department of Applied Wood Research; from 2017 onwards, she was a member of the management board and head of the Department of Functional Materials with approximately 200 employees.
Key Messages
- Continuity and trust: The Federal Council confirms Zimmermann for a second term – a strong vote of confidence in her work to date.
- Strategic realignment: Under her leadership, Empa has consolidated its position as an innovation engine and interface between science, industry, and society.
- Collaboration successes: Intensified cooperation within the ETH Domain and launch of several inter-institutional research projects.
- Sustainability research: Focus on energy, emissions, and health technologies as well as solutions for environmental challenges (PFAS, antibiotic resistance).
- Economic dynamism: Successful promotion of spin-offs and start-ups with substantial inflows of investment capital.
- Financial efficiency: Simultaneous implementation of cost-saving measures and talent development.
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Impact |
|---|---|
| Empa employees | Continuity and clear leadership perspective for the coming four years |
| Swiss research landscape | Strengthened networking and cooperation within the ETH Domain |
| Industry and business | Enhanced innovation partnerships and technology transfer |
| Spin-offs and start-ups | Continued support and promotion of spin-outs |
| Society | Accelerated solution development for sustainability and health issues |
| Federal Council and federal government | Securing investments in application-oriented research |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Enhanced innovation capacity through proven leadership | Dependence on individual leader |
| Accelerated solutions for climate change and sustainability | Resource scarcity despite cost-saving measures |
| Further strengthening of Swiss semiconductor industry | International competition for research talent |
| Growth of Empa spin-offs and technology transfer | Coordination complexity in ETH Domain |
| Deepening collaboration with industry and society | Risk of research priority shifts |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Monitoring of research results: Tracking progress on negative emission technologies and PFAS alternatives.
- ETH Domain coordination: Ensuring that inter-institutional initiatives are optimally implemented.
- Investment promotion: Supporting spin-off financing to accelerate technology transfer.
- Resource allocation: Reviewing whether cost-saving measures jeopardize research quality.
- Strategic alignment: Coordination with national climate and sustainability goals.
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] Unverified data marked with ⚠️ (none present)
- [x] Official source (news.admin.ch) verified
- [x] Bias or political one-sidedness marked (none detected)
Note: The text is based on an official press release from the Federal Council. All information corresponds to the primary source.
Supplementary Research
- Empa Annual Report 2024/2025 – Detailed performance metrics and research results
- ETH Domain Cooperation Reports – Overview of inter-institutional projects
- Swiss Semiconductor Industry Studies – Context of industry support by Empa
Bibliography
Primary Source:
Federal Council – Press Release: "Federal Council Confirms Tanja Zimmermann as Director of Empa" (28 January 2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/wGjnRKsv0_0sHSzMJIBvi
Supplementary Sources:
- Empa – Official website and research portfolio
- ETH Domain – Information on institutional collaboration
- Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SBFI) – Research policy
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on 28 January 2026
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Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 28 January 2026