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Strategic action field
- Strategic action field
School
- School

Accounting, Auditing and Controlling
Transparency, accuracy and sound analysis are the foundation of any successful corporate management. In accounting, auditing and controlling, we combine scientific methods with practical solutions to provide a reliable basis for decision-making.
- School
- FHNW School of Business

Aerospace
Development of instruments, components, and manufacturing processes for the aerospace sector.
- School
- Hochschule für Technik und Umwelt FHNW
Agile Software Engineering
Agile Software Engineering: fast, smart and future-ready
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- FHNW School of Computer Science

AI, Machine Learning & Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Innovative AI solutions for real-world applications – from Deep Learning to Agentic AI
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- FHNW School of Computer Science

aiHealthLab
Integrated intelligence for diagnostics and therapeutics
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- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Applied circular economy
Bio- and hydrometallurgical processes for the recovery of metals and transition metals from industrial waste
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- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Applied quantum computing in life sciences
Quantum algorithms, sensors and communications for life sciences and healthcare
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- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Art, science, and technology
Our focus on (techno)ecologies and the need to think across disciplines and learn from each other involve close collaboration with the natural and technical sciences. Artistic methods can be expanded by those from the natural sciences, technical sciences, humanities, and social sciences, as well as non-academic fields—analogous to the trend toward transdisciplinarity in the arts and the need to cre-ate exploratory, process-based experimental set-ups and hands-on techniques. The methods, aes-thetics, and technologies used and appropriated are not simply adopted as neutral or new, but are criti-cally reflected upon and questioned in terms of their dispositive and ideologies as well as their aesthet-ic potential.
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- Basel Academy of Art and Design

Artificial intelligence in Engineering
Research and development in artificial intelligence.
- School
- Hochschule für Technik und Umwelt FHNW

Astroinformatik and Space Sciences
Astroinformatik and Space Sciences links Data Science and Space Science.
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Automation
Intelligent automation solutions for industrial and infrastructure applications
- School
- Hochschule für Technik und Umwelt FHNW

Biofabrication
Computer-aided cell arrangement to create 3D tissue structures for medicine and pharma
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- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Biointerfaces
Engineered nanoparticles and interfaces for biological systems
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Bioprocess technology
Production of recombinant proteins and cell products with automated and linked processes
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Business Artificial Intelligence
Strategically exploiting the potential of AI
- School
- FHNW School of Business

Business processes
Intelligent business processes through the integration of strategies, processes, organizations, and technologies.
- School
- Hochschule für Technik und Umwelt FHNW

Cell biology and in vitro toxicology
Cell cultures and tissue engineering to investigate diseases and the efficacy and toxicity of substances
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Clinical information systems
Systems for processing and managing clinical data and integration with clinical information systems
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Cloud Technologies
From Infrastructure as Code to cloud nativeness: expertise for scalable and sustainable solutions
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Communication
The Institute for Competitiveness and Communication at FHNW is your partner for innovative communication solutions. We develop and implement practice-oriented research and consulting projects that help companies and organizations achieve a holistic, effective communication presence.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Communication Human & Machine
Entwicklung neuer Technologien und Klangerfahrungen.
- School
- Basel Academy of Music

Computer aided surgery
Computer-based planning, simulation, navigation and instruments to support surgical procedures
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences
Computer Vision
Understanding images, connecting systems – Computer Vision for real-time and edge computing
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science
Data Engineering
Data infrastructures for the future – robust, scalable and future-proof
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Data Science & Empirical Research
At the Institute for Competitiveness and Communication at FHNW, we use data science and empirical research to help organisations make informed decisions by analysing large amounts of data.
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- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Data science in life sciences
Algorithms, machine learning and databases for life sciences
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Designing more flexible work
Transformation of leadership, collaboration and space in terms of «New Work»
- School
- FHNW School of Applied Psychology

Digital Business
Continuing education programme
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business
Digital Experience Design
Design user experiences – intuitive, emotional, with no limitations
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Digital Leadership & Organisational Change
The increasing dynamism in politics, economics, technology, society, etc. requires organizations to transform themselves with foresight.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Digital Trust
We are committed to making digital trust understandable, tangible, and effective.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Diversity and multi-perspectivity
Competence in dealing with diversity, conflicts, sustainability and shortage of skilled workers
- School
- FHNW School of Applied Psychology

Ecotoxicology
Measuring and studying the effects of pollutants on the environment
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- FHNW School of Life Sciences
Electrical engineering
Optimization of high-power systems and development of compact components for low-power applications.

Emerging technologies
Communication and design are constantly evolving, driven in part by the ongoing advancement of digital technologies.
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- Basel Academy of Art and Design

Energy and environment
We conduct research on sustainable energy systems across the entire value chain.
- School
- Hochschule für Technik und Umwelt FHNW

Entrepreneurship and innovation
Our center is a competent partner for students, researchers, start-ups, SMEs, large companies, ecosystem players, and government institutions, ensuring long-term success through entrepreneurial thinking and creative solutions.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Environmental and water technologies
Processes and concepts for water and wastewater treatment and the recovery of valuable substances
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- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Environmental biotechnology
Use of microorganisms for the good of the environment
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Exploratory Data Science
Exploratory Data Science – Identifying Patterns, Understanding Relationships, Creating Knowledge
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Extended Reality (XR)
XR experiences – where digital worlds meet reality.
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Financial Markets and Household Finance
In the Financial Markets & Household Finance research area, we analyse the investment behaviour of private households and institutional investors such as pension funds, asset managers and consulting firms.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Flexibility and Lifelong Learning
We help organizations design flexible working models and sustainable solutions that combine performance and innovation.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Formulations and devices for active chemical and biological substances
Rational development of drug formulations and medicine production
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Functional materials and surfaces
Investigation and optimisation of materials and surfaces for medical technology applications
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Gastrointestinal and transdermal drug formulation and delivery
Drug formulation and delivery strategies for disease treatment in different therapeutic indications
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Gene and cell therapy systems
Vectors for gene therapy, viral particles, loaded extracellular vesicles, and cellular disease models
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Healthy changes
The way we work together is changing. New forms of work and organisational models offer opportunities as well as risks for the health and motivation of employees.
- School
- FHNW School of Applied Psychology

Healthy living
Promoting a healthy lifestyle throughout life is of critical importance in society.
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- FHNW School of Applied Psychology

Healthy working
Sustainable corporate success is closely linked with the health of employees.
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- FHNW School of Applied Psychology

Heliophysics
The Heliophysics research group investigates the dynamics of the Sun, with a particular focus on highly energetic phenomena.
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

High-Performance Computing (HPC)
High-Performance Computing for the Future – Efficient Algorithms and Hybrid Architectures for Data-Intensive Applications
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Historical Performance Practice
This area of research is concerned with the technical aspects of playing Early Music: from its historical context to the source material right up to its interpretation and performance.
- School
- Basel Academy of Music

Histories of visual communication
Visual communication and graphic design have an impressive history at the HGK Basel, which is explored at the IDCE from a critical perspective with regard to creative processes, teaching, and dissemination.
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- Basel Academy of Art and Design

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Designing human–machine interactions to be natural and intuitive.
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science
Image Processing & Computer Vision
Automated image analysis: precision, efficiency and scalability for complex applications
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Implant design and production with additive manufacturing
Anatomical structure measurement and modelling to create intelligent implants using additive manufacturing
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

In vitro diagnostics
Test kits for the early identification, diagnosis and treatment of diseases
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Information Processing
Development of algorithms for the optimal generation of information and knowledge
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Innovative market offers and consumption
Psychologically sound approaches for forward-looking offers with a long-term horizon
- School
- FHNW School of Applied Psychology

Instrumental analytics
Metabolomic and proteomic analyses for applications in pharma, environment and materials
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT that connects – secure, smart, and future-ready
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

IT-Security
Data exchanged by Internet of Things (IoT) applications is vulnerable to attack. We implement appropriate measures to ensure that data is effectively protected at all times. Blockchain-based concepts are also employed where appropriate.
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Marketing
At the Institute for Competitiveness and Communication at FHNW, we embrace an integrated approach to marketing that combines both digital and traditional methods. We continuously develop and seek out the best marketing solutions to make companies and non-profit organizations even more successful.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Materials
Innovative solutions in the field of materials, processes, and applications for functional plastic surfaces.
- School
- Hochschule für Technik und Umwelt FHNW

Mechanical engineering
Our research in mechanical engineering covers the entire product life cycle.
- School
- Hochschule für Technik und Umwelt FHNW

Medical decision support systems
User-friendly systems for data visualisation and analysis to support clinical decision-making
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Medical image processing
Processing images of the human body for clinical purposes
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Methods and systems for neuronal stimulation
Development and optimization of neuronal stimulation methods and systems
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Micro- and nano-technology
Innovative solutions in materials, processes, and applications for functional plastic surfaces.
- School
- Hochschule für Technik und Umwelt FHNW

Minimally invasive systems
Patient-friendly treatment through novel, minimally invasive instruments and support systems
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Molecular nanotechnology
Bottom-up design of nanomaterials for molecular recognition and (bio)catalysis
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- FHNW School of Life Sciences

More-than-human aesthetics
Aesthetics, that is, the fundamental artistic questions of sensory perception (aisthesis) on the one hand and of design/articulation and the semantics, ideologies, and knowledge conveyed by them on the other, is traditionally conceived from a modern human perspective.
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- Basel Academy of Art and Design

nanoLab
Synthesis, modification and characterization of surfaces, hard and soft materials, hydrogels, vesicles and colloids
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Optometry
Applied research and services related to vision and visual perception.
- School
- Hochschule für Technik und Umwelt FHNW

Oral formulations of chemical drugs
Computational and analytical tools to optimise oral drug delivery
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Organic and bioorganic chemistry
Design, synthesis and modification of natural products and biomolecules for medical research
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Organology
Period instruments - an essential source in the study of Early Music.
- School
- Basel Academy of Music

Performing Sources
Kritische Vergegenwärtigung von historischem Quellenmaterial.
- School
- Basel Academy of Music

Polymer chemistry and biomaterials
Design and synthesis of sustainable polymers for homecare, food, cosmetics, pharma and agrochemical applications
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Precision pharmaceuticals
Determining optimal dosage regiments using complex, in vitro systems
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Process engineering and reaction technology
Developing, piloting and optimising technical processes from life science industries
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Production processes and techniques
Pharmaceutical process development, production planning and project management
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Proteins and enzymes
Protein engineering for therapeutic and diagnostic applications
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Public Management and Governance
Our focus is on the interfaces between the state and the market, the legal framework, state resource allocation, and governance issues.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Public Policy
We analyze and support processes of policy formulation, decision-making, implementation, and impact assessment.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Public value and civic engagement
We examine the state and future of civil society, the role of non-profit organizations, and aspects of ethical and sustainable development.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Reliability, safety and security
Analysing, evaluating and shaping the interaction of people, technology and organisation for reliable and secure working processes
- School
- FHNW School of Applied Psychology
Requirements and Software Engineering
Software Development Connecting People and Technology
- School
- Hochschule für Informatik FHNW and FHNW School of Computer Science

Sensor systems for diagnosis and therapy
Design, implementation and testing of auto-calibrated, networkable, miniaturized sensor systems
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Signal analysis and digital biomarkers
Sensors, signal analysis, signal extraction and display of digital biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Social and digital interaction
Psychological expertise for innovating and designing digital transformation processes in companies and organisations
- School
- FHNW School of Applied Psychology
Spatial Computing and 3D-Technologies
Spatial Computing – Intelligently Connecting and Experiencing Spaces
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Suitability and employee development
Fitting the person in with the professional requirements as a focal point for advice, employee selection and employee development
- School
- FHNW School of Applied Psychology

Surprise
Exploratory, practice-based research in design and art addresses our social world with creative, critical and diverse methods. It develops new perspectives, knowledge and opportunities for humane and ecologically responsible action, thereby contributing to social change.
- School
- Basel Academy of Art and Design

Sustainable Business and Circular Economy
Sustainable finance has become increasingly important both nationally and internationally in recent years. This represents a major opportunity for banks, insurance companies, and businesses in the region and throughout Switzerland, but it also poses growing challenges in terms of continuous knowledge building and ever-changing (strategic) issues.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Sustainable chemistry
Making chemical processes more environmentally friendly
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Sustainable Finance
Sustainable finance has gained considerable importance both nationally and internationally in recent years. For banks, insurance companies, and businesses in the region and throughout Switzerland, this represents a significant opportunity, but one that also comes with increasing challenges in terms of continuous knowledge building and ever-changing (strategic) issues.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Sustainable resource management
Use and protection of water, energy and raw materials; treatment of wastewater and waste
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences

Sustainable working environment & Future HR
Numerous trends are leading to people and the quality of their relationships becoming an increasingly important competitive factor. Companies are expected to commit to sustainability and to put it into practice.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Ventures in Asia
Based on the institute's key topics, we bring together various activities, participants, and their expertise and place them in the Asian context.
- School
- Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW and FHNW School of Business

Visual communication for social sustainability
The IDCE researches visual communication and digital communication environments that are of central importance for social participation, inclusion, and diversity in democratic societies.
- School
- Basel Academy of Art and Design
Visual Computing
Leveraging Visual Data Intelligently – From Capture to Interaction
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science

Water, sanitation, and hygiene
Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in international development and humanitarian action
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences
Web Engineering
Mastering Web Technologies – From Development to Open-Source Innovation
- School
- FHNW School of Computer Science
Explore all our research – in German
You're viewing a selection of our applied research fields in English. Discover the full scope of our expertise and project areas on the German site.



