About

Technology platforms (TPFs) are research facilities from a wide range of research fields. They are characterized by cutting-edge technology and methods, as well as advice from platform staff. TPFs are open to all university researchers (and in some cases also to researchers from other universities and the private sector).

By operating around 30 technology platforms, the University of Zurich is contributing to increasing the efficiency of Zurich as a research location on various levels.

On the one hand, the know-how of platforms is increased through pooling. Methods from different areas are applied at one and the same location and can thus be communicated, optimized, mixed and researched across disciplinary boundaries.

Secondly, the costs for the procurement, maintenance and replacement of equipment and (if necessary) for the corresponding personnel are reduced.

And last but not least, the specialists in the technology platforms strive to offer state-of-the-art equipment, methods and technology at all times.

The technology platforms of the University of Zurich can be divided into two main categories. These are technology platforms and strategic technology platforms. The strategic TPFs can also be divided into central and non-central strategic TPFs.

In contrast to the other TPFs, the strategic TPFs undergo a recognition procedure that must be renewed at regular intervals. This recognition primarily ensures that researchers receive a sufficient quality of services. With the recognition, strategic TPFs benefit from a higher prioritization of their investment applications.

The technology platforms of the University of Zurich can be divided into two main categories. These are technology platforms and strategic technology platforms. The strategic TPFs can also be divided into central and non-central strategic TPFs.

In contrast to the other TPFs, the strategic TPFs undergo a recognition procedure that must be renewed at regular intervals. This recognition primarily ensures that researchers receive a sufficient quality of services. With the recognition, strategic TPFs benefit from a higher prioritization of their investment applications.

More details on embedding can be found in the concept paper (PDF, 510 KB) (in German) of the technology platforms at the University of Zurich.

The Technology Commission advises the university management in connection with investments and further developments of technology platforms and decides on additional financing from the TPF fund. The resources from the fund support the TPF in keeping its hardware, software and personnel up to date. The Technology Commission also decides on the recognition of non-central strategic TPFs. The Technology Commission consists of one representative from each of the seven faculties, the Vice-Rector for Research and a Managing Director. For more information on the Technology Commission, clickhere.

The Strategic Research Platforms department supports collaboration between researchers and the technology platforms. It helps the TPF to tailor their services and infrastructure to the needs of researchers, to exploit synergies between the various platforms and to introduce developments in methods and instruments at UZH at an early stage. In addition, this department is responsible for the management of the Technology Commission, is the contact for the platforms in organizational matters and operates the TechEngine search page. If you would like to get in touch with the department, click here.