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Universität Zurich, Innovation Cluster Space and Aviation, (UZH Space Hub)
The UZH Space Hub was founded in 2018 as an innovation cluster of the University of Zurich (UZH) by Professor Michael Schaepman, then Vice President of Research (now President of UZH). What began as a visionary project has now become an internationally renowned player for innovation and progress in the space sector. Initially a local innovation cluster, the UZH Space Hub is recognized as one of the 28 most significant hubs worldwide in the SpaceTech Analytics Report 2021. With a core of 35 dedicated research groups, the UZH Space Hub covers key areas such as Earth observation, space life sciences, aerospace medicine, astrophysics, and the future of aviation (autonomous flying and green aviation). These focal points make it a beacon of science and innovation both nationally and internationally.
In collaboration with the Swiss SkyLab Foundation, the UZH Space Hub has established a unique civil research flight program in Dübendorf since 2016. With award-winning technological developments, and high-profile partnerships – such as with Airbus Defence and Space and NASA and ESA – the UZH Space Hub has set standards. It combines excellent research with industrial innovation, thus bridging the gap between science and business.
A significant milestone in the hub's development is its relocation to the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich in Hangar 4 in September 2024. This move marks a new era for the UZH Space Hub as an established, regionally anchored institution with a global orientation. This development underscores its role as a driver of the cantonal flagship project "Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich" and as a catalyst for value creation in the Greater Zurich Area. The integration of the UZH Space Hub into the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich is secured until at least 2043.
The UZH Space Hub is not only a symbol of the excellence of the University of Zurich but also a beacon of hope for space and aviation as drivers of scientific, economic, and societal progress.
More about the work of the UZH Space Hub:
Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Stark
Vice President Research, University of Zurich
Prof. mult. Dr. Dr. Oliver Ullrich
Director UZH Space Hub, University of Zurich
University of St. Gallen, Center for Aviation and Space Competence (HSG-CFAC)
The Center for Aviation and Space Competence (CFAC) at the University of St.Gallen is a leading Swiss institution dedicated to advancing knowledge, innovation, and education in the fields of aviation and space. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, CFAC links academic expertise with industry to address current challenges and seize opportunities in the rapidly evolving space sector. While aviation remains a significant focus, CFAC has greatly expanded its commitment to space research and development in recent years, becoming a key player in the Swiss space ecosystem.
In its space activities, CFAC places special emphasis on research and strategic analyses that support both governmental and commercial interests in space innovation and utilization. The center conducts thorough studies addressing the economic, political, and management aspects of space, covering topics such as the transformation of the space industry, the commercialization of space, space management, and the impacts of space activities on sustainable development. As space transitions from government-led initiatives to a dynamic commercial market, CFAC's research helps understand this shift and promotes sustainable, responsible practices in the industry.
CFAC particularly focuses on the "NewSpace" sector—an innovative movement characterized by private sector engagement and disruptive technologies that redefine space and access to it. CFAC's research supports both emerging space companies and established players, offering insights into market potentials, investment landscapes, and technological innovations. Through collaborations with space agencies, government bodies, and industry partners, the center fosters strategic discussions on topics such as innovation policy for European space and new methods and mindsets in the sector.
Additionally, CFAC plays a vital role in education by equipping students with in-depth knowledge of space economy, management, and policy. Through specialized courses, seminars, workshops, and continuing education offerings, the center bridges the gap between academia and practice, preparing the next generation of space experts. The center's faculty actively engage in exchanges with students and industry experts, organize conferences, and contribute to international discussions on space issues.
Furthermore, CFAC promotes cross-sector collaboration and knowledge exchange by organizing forums and publishing research that links space with other areas like aerospace, defense, and environmental monitoring. As space continues to be a catalyst for human innovation, CFAC at the University of St.Gallen stands at the forefront, providing essential contributions through insights, policy recommendations, and educational resources to shape a sustainable and economically viable future in space.
Dr. Andreas Wittmer
Managing Director CFAC-HSG
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, National Center for Biomedical Research in Space (HSLU-NCBRS)
The National Center for Biomedical Research in Space (HSLU-NCBRS) primarily focuses on issues related to the impact of mechanical stimulation on human tissue, such as muscles and cartilage. In microgravity, muscles that are not used lose mass, a degradation that needs to be mitigated or completely prevented for future manned space missions. Another central goal of the center is to find solutions for providing biomaterials for product manufacturing on Moon or planets. Future space bioreactors are intended to be used to automatically cultivate microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, or fungi. Their biomass can, after further processing, be used as raw material for applications such as 3D printing.
Planetary stations, as envisioned on the Moon or Mars, become more feasible as they operate more autonomously. The center also researches how and under what conditions agriculture can be conducted on the Moon or Mars. Analog studies with crops are conducted, grown under corresponding environmental conditions.
The "National Center for Biomedical Research in Space" not only conducts innovative research but also operates the "BIOTESC" center of the European Space Agency ESA. From here, biological and biotechnological experiments are planned, coordinated, and monitored in the European space laboratory Columbus on the International Space Station (ISS). A key role is played by the space incubator "KUBIK," which, with about 60 successful deployments on the ISS, has made a crucial contribution to the research of life and its adaptation in space.
With the location of the "National Center for Biomedical Research in Space" at the Space Hub of the University of Zurich in Dübendorf, the biomedical space research activities return to the region of their origin. Already in 1977, the "Space Biology Group" was founded at ETH Zurich, from which the current center emerged. Since then, countless experiments have been conducted on parabolic flights, high-altitude research rockets, satellites, and aboard the ISS. These works have brought about a multitude of new insights and expanded our understanding of the effects of microgravity on the human body. The research results thus provide valuable insights into human adaptability to the spaceflight environment, contributing to the advancement of space medicine.
Prof. Dr. Marcel Egli
Director of the Institute for Medical Technology at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Director of the National Center for Biomedical Research in Space
Aeromedical Institute, Swiss Air Force (FAI)
The Aeromedical Institute of the Swiss Air Force, FAI, is the federal specialist institution in the fields of aviation medicine and aviation psychology and thus simultaneously the operational competence center of the Confederation in these areas. Founded in 1924, i.e., 100 years ago, the institute has a wide range of tasks defined in the regulation concerning the FAI. These tasks include the selection, comprehensive care, and training of the flying and parachuting personnel of the army, as well as ensuring the succession of aviation medical professionals in Switzerland. Additionally, the FAI addresses all questions of aviation medicine and aviation psychology both scientifically and practically. It also contributes to improving flight safety, flight accident prevention, and the investigation of military flight accidents. The FAI is the first Aeromedical Center in Switzerland and in this capacity, it meets not only all requirements of the civilian healthcare system but also those of the FOCA, EASA, and FAA. As an integral part of the Air Force, the FAI participates in missions both domestically and internationally.
Particularly, the selection, training, and care of military personnel require special skills and knowledge in the area of human performance. Examples include hypoxia, extreme accelerations, spatial disorientation, but also work capacity, mental resilience, and other personality and performance parameters. A central aspect is always the interaction between human and machine. All developments in the Air Force – such as the introduction of the F-35 – also pose challenges for the personnel. It is the task of the FAI to anticipate these challenges, address them scientifically, and integrate the resulting insights into selection, training, and care.
To fulfill all these tasks comprehensively, yet efficiently and effectively, the FAI consistently leverages both national and international potential and maintains close contacts with all relevant institutions. There has been a long-standing and successful collaboration in research and the development of procedures between the University of Zurich and the Air Force. With the establishment of the Center for Space and Aviation, this collaboration will not only be strengthened but elevated to a level previously unimaginable. This is especially true for the space sector, which will be an integral part of the Air Force from 2026 onwards. As in Switzerland, the fields of aviation and space are increasingly merging. The FAI aims to contribute its experience to advance the development of aviation and space together with its partners.
Colonel Dr. Andres Kunz
Director Aeromedical Institute, Swiss Air Force
Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL)
The Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL) combines academic study and applied research in a way that responds to the needs of today’s society. With part-time programmes designed for working professionals and research that focuses on real-world challenges, UFL offers a dynamic environment for learning and discovery.
A closer look reveals that research in laboratory medicine and translational medicine aims to accelerate the transfer of scientific insights into clinical practice – ultimately contributing to better healthcare. UFL also contributes to improved health monitoring and prevention, addressing global health challenges with hands-on expertise. The Faculty of Law adopts a comparative approach, exploring legal systems in an international context. Its research addresses current legal, societal and ethical issues, ensuring both academic precision and practical relevance.
With the establishment of the Center for Space and Aviation, UFL is expanding its research into a future oriented field. The centre brings together technological, medical and legal expertise to explore new approaches to the responsible use of space. Continuing education is a central element of UFL’s academic profile. Programmes are specifically designed for working professionals who want to deepen their knowledge in legal, technical and health-related aspects of spaceflight. Participants benefit from an international, interdisciplinary learning environment.
As part of the Center for Space and Aviation, UFL contributes its legal and medical expertise to an interdisciplinary environment that connects research with real-world application. This perspective complements the centre’s broader mission and reflects UFL’s strength in combining academic depth with practical relevance.
Dr. phil. Barbara Gant
President, Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL)
Prof. Dr. Lorenz Risch
President of the Board of Trustees, Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL)
Swiss SkyLab
As the Civil Research Flight Facility of the Center for Space and Aviation, SkyLab leads the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of research and test flights across a wide range of aircraft types and mission profiles. The research flight operations at the Dübendorf military airfield have been, and continue to be, largely led by Swiss SkyLab using a variety of aircraft types and programs – such as the Swiss Parabolic Flight Program.
Harnessing aviation for research, innovation, and regional value creation represents a key strategic advantage of the Center for Space and Aviation. This unique capability is made possible through the framework provided by Art. 38 of the Federal Aviation Act (Luftfahrtgesetz, LFG). Swiss Skylab forms a bridge between the civilian infrastructure of the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich and the military airfield infrastructure of the Swiss Air Force, providing access to civilian facilities including hangars, ground infrastructures, and operational ground handling from the civilian Air Force Center. National and international institutions continue to rely on the research flight operations in Dübendorf and are already advancing joint innovation projects on site in collaboration with Swiss SkyLab.
In addition, SkyLab conducts its own aviation research and development and contributes to European research programs – such as within the Horizon Europe SESAR framework – focusing on sustainable aviation, flight operations, air traffic management, and aviation meteorology. Through the use of the Dübendorf airfield for research and flight test operations, Dübendorf can establish itself as a civilian aviation research and test infrastructure and generate value for the Greater Zurich economic area. Beyond research, the airfield already serves as a platform for scientific education in aviation and space-related disciplines – such as the ETH student focus projects.
Swiss SkyLab promotes the scientific, technological, and academic use of flight platforms in Switzerland. In this regard, the organisation supports research and development as well as education, further education, and the promotion of young talent. As a non-profit, tax-exempt foundation, SkyLab operates in the public interest and does not pursue commercial interests.
Prof. mult. Dr. Dr. Oliver Ullrich
President, Board of Trustees
Capt. Martin Gerber, M.Sc. ETH
Manging Director, Member of the Board of Trustees
Dr. Cora Thiel
Member of the Board of Trustees
Liechtenstein: An Emerging Partner in the New Space Economy
Liechtenstein and Space – a fascinating connection that builds on historical achievements and opens up new perspectives today. At the time of the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, a company from Liechtenstein played an important role by providing the coating for the astronauts' helmet visors. This early involvement reflects Liechtenstein's potential, which is now being further developed in an increasingly complex space sector. Today, the space industry has evolved from a purely technological field into a comprehensive economic sector that not only includes the construction of launch vehicles and satellites but also produces space-based applications that drive innovations in numerous industries. These technologies advance the digitization of established business models, open up new markets, and strengthen the strategic autonomy and resilience of our infrastructures and society.
A key driver of this growth is the so-called New Space approach, characterized by a strong focus on commercial customers, private investment, and a high pace of innovation. The space sector is increasingly linked with traditional economic sectors such as the digital economy and the pharmaceutical industry. The diverse applications and data from space promote innovative solutions that reach far beyond the sector itself.
Geographically, Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe, nestled in a region with a thriving space industry – such as the Lake Constance region, Munich, and Zurich – and enjoys access to significant economic areas through its customs union with Switzerland and membership in the European Economic Area (EEA). This locational advantage strengthens the country as a hub for international business relations and enables strategic cooperations in the space economy. Moreover, Liechtenstein relies on an innovation-driven economy with companies like Hilti, Thyssenkrupp Steering, and Oerlikon Balzers, as well as a strong SME sector and two universities. These players contribute specialized skills in digitalization and high-tech innovations. A competitive tax system and taxation agreements with numerous states offer international companies a stable and predictable environment. This strong foundation is rounded off by flexible administration and carefully established, efficient approval procedures under the Space Act. Clear regulations for private space activities create legal certainty and encourage investments in research and development.
In this context, Liechtenstein becomes a partner of the "Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein." This partnership allows the Office for Communications, as the responsible authority, to bring in expertise on issues such as the approval and monitoring of space activities, space debris and sustainability, national and international coordination, assignment of radio frequencies, electronic communication, cybersecurity, and space law. Through this collaboration, Liechtenstein can further expand its role as a reliable and forward-looking partner in the global space economy and actively participate in developments in the space sector.
Dr. Bianca Lins, LL.M.
Head of Space Department, Office for Communications, National Administration, Principality of Liechtenstein
Canton of Zurich
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