Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) is present at various locations in Switzerland: in Birmensdorf, Davos (Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF), Cadenazzo (Sottostazione sud delle Alpi), Lausanne and Sion where research is focussed on forestry, ecology and agriculture as well as snow and avalanches. The WSL has over 500 FTEs and receives CHF 60 million (2019) from the Confederation each year.

The WSL is a research facility devoted to the use, management and protection of natural and urban habitats as well as on the handling of natural hazards. In these research fields, it is among the world’s top research facilities. Research findings are used to prepare presentations and offer solutions to decision-makers on the careful and responsible use of Swiss landscapes and forests. Through its implementation and pragmatic programmes, the WSL contributes to a sustainable environmental policy in Switzerland.

The WSL staff supervise PhD theses, teach at higher education institutions and provide services of national interest. Examples include the avalanche forecasting service and the plant protection lab, which is jointly managed with the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). The latter enables diagnosis of harmful organisms affecting wood and shrubs as well as safe testing of pest control measures.