Adolphe Merkle Institute: Where science meets application in the heart of Fribourg

In the heart of Fribourg, the Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI) has grown into a globally recognized center of excellence in materials science. Founded in 2008 through the visionary endowment of Swiss entrepreneur Dr. Adolphe Merkle, the institute was built on a simple yet powerful belief: fundamental science can bridge the gap to real-world impact.

Dr. Merkle envisioned a research center that would drive innovation, contribute to society, and support regional development. Today, the AMI brings this vision to life through interdisciplinary research at the crossroads of physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. Its work explores the foundational mechanisms of matter while also driving forward new technologies with tangible applications, from biomedical devices to responsive materials.

The institute operates with a unique dual mandate: while committed to curiosity-driven research, nearly half of its activities are geared toward industrial application. Through this approach, AMI works closely with companies in the canton of Fribourg, across Switzerland, and internationally. Whether through joint research projects, technology transfer, or start-up incubation, AMI plays a catalytic role in strengthening Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem.

AMI is also home to the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research for Bio-Inspired Materials. This federal center leverages natural models, such as the structure of spider silk or lotus leaves, to develop smart materials for the future. With over 1,200 scientific publications and 50,000 citations, AMI’s global scientific impact speaks for itself.

Beyond research, AMI fosters collaboration through state-of-the-art labs, partnerships with leading universities, and mentoring of the next generation of scientists. The institute’s open and international environment reflects Western Switzerland’s broader strengths as a hub of innovation, talent, and cross-sector exchange.