Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL
Research ServicesZurich, Switzerland501-1000 Employees
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL conducts research addressing forests, landscapes, biodiversity, natural hazards, and snow and ice in a changing world. As a federal research institute within the ETH Domain, WSL pursues rigorous research and practical applications aimed at benefiting nature and society. It is recognized as a leading Swiss center for terrestrial environmental systems, generating knowledge at national and international levels to inform environmental decision-making and governance. It collaborates with researchers, practitioners, and public partners to support environmental decision-making and governance. It also provides teaching and continuing education in terrestrial environmental science to prepare the next generation of decision-makers. Based in Birmensdorf in the Zurich region, it sits within Switzerland's federal science establishment; in April 2026, Janine Schweier was appointed head of the Forest Resources and Management research unit.