WSL, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research
WSL, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research
Location: Davos
Category: Environment, Physics
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Snow and Landscape Research WSL focusses on the use and protection of landscapes and habitats. Being a part of the ETH domain, the particular function of the research institute is to act as a bridge between pure theoretical science and the practical implementation of scientific findings. WSL research aims at finding ways to sustainably manage landscapes and forests for maximum benefit to people’s quality of life and to handle the natural hazards that typically occur in mountainous countries in the best possible ways for maximum protection at affordable costs. WSL research maintains an international top position and provides the fundamental knowledge for sustainable environmental policies in Switzerland.
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When a River Melts Faster Than Expected
Avalanche bulletin and snow situation
Forest Report 2025: Swiss forests under pressure
Avalanche bulletin and snow situation
WSL adapts its organigramm
WSL is adapting its organisational chart and reducing the number of research units from twelve to nine.
Interview with WSL Director Rolf Holderegger
The Federal Council has appointed biologist Rolf Holderegger as Director of WSL, and he has been in office since October 2024. In the interview, he talks about tight finances and WSL's new strategy, and emphasises the importance of implementing research results.
World Soil Day: earthworms for the climate
Earthworms are the "master builders" of the soil. They make nutrients available and sequester the greenhouse gas CO2 in the form of leaves in deep soil layers. A Swiss-German research team is investigating their work in Rendzina soils, the Swiss soil of the year 2025, which was chosen by the Swiss Soil Science Society on Soil Day, December 5.
Nature in the city needs interconnected habitats
Avalanche bulletin and snow situation
’Snow and blueberry pie are connected.’
Snow-free slopes at 1,900 m.a.s.l.: SLF biologist Christian Rixen explains the consequences for plants, why late frost becomes a risk and what that means for the blueberry harvest.
Roots keep growing in winter
When temperatures drop, the trunk and woody roots of trees stop growing. That was what everyone assumed, but research by scientists, led by the University of Antwerp involving WSL, now shows that there is indeed winter activity in wood underground.
Engage in biodiversity policy-making
In view of biodiversity loss, it is important that early-career researchers get involved not only in science but also contribute to biodiversity policy. The Blue-Green Biodiversity research initiative of Eawag and WSL organised a workshop to facilitate cooperation between science, practice and politics.
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