EDPY News and events

F. Avino, L. Song, L. Pipoz - © 2026 SPC/EPFL

When plasma-activated water stimulates rather than kills bacteria

— Plasma-activated water is increasingly studied as an alternative to conventional chemical disinfectants. New research from EPFL’s Swiss Plasma Center shows that its effects on bacteria are more complex than simply killing them: at intermediate concentrations, it can increase bacterial activity before becoming fully bactericidal at higher concentrations.

© iStock

How do you measure one third of an electron?

— EPFL researchers have developed a graphene device that measures the tiny, fractional electric charges carried by some of the strangest objects in quantum physics.

Credit: Paresa Arabmoheghi ©2026 EPFL

How proximity steals energy from nanoresonators

— EPFL researchers have shown that placing insolating materials near ultracoherent nanomechanical resonators causes energy loss. The work reveals a previously overlooked design constraint for devices that rely on bringing tiny mechanical structures close to other components.

A technician holds a wafer at a semiconductor manufacturing plant © iStock

A better way to predict semiconductor properties

— A study led by EPFL researchers introduces a new computational method that predicts the electronic properties of semiconductors more accurately, including materials that existing methods can sometimes misclassify as metals.

Suliana Manley. ©2026 EPFL

Suliana Manley elected EMBO Member

— Suliana Manley has been elected among the 2026 EMBO Members, a distinction that recognizes outstanding achievements and research excellence in the life sciences.


Past & present at one table…
EDPY Program directors (left to right): Prof. O. Schneider (2009 – 2014), Prof. V. Savona (2015 – 2018), Prof. F. Mila (2018 – present)

Klaus Kern celebrates the 100th thesis of his laboratory!

For the past 28 years, Klaus Kern has directed his doctoral students, young researchers in the training phase, leaving them all the freedom required to be successful in developing their ideas.

This important milestone, a first at EPFL, highlights not only the huge research activity led in his laboratory, but also his qualities in attracting talented scientists to our school.

Indeed, one of the important roles of laboratories hosted by academic institutions such as EPFL is to train the next generation of scientists and leaders be it in the fields of academic research, entrepreneurship, or the society at large.

In the frame of the Doctoral Program in Physics, we wish him a successful continuation to this 100th and we congratulate him and all the people in his department for this exceptional achievement.

 
Photo: Shai Mangel (EDMX – 100th), Klaus Kern, Anna M. Roslawska (EDPY – 99th)