What we offer
ESM fosters industrial materials research.
Since its creation more than 65 years ago, ESM has granted over CHF 2 million to projects in fields where less common elements play a crucial role (physics, materials science, engineering, etc). Typically, the funding covers:
- knowledge creation: Studies & Reports
- knowledge sponsorship: PhD Theses and Research Support
- knowledge carriers: ESM Fellowships
- knowledge cooperation: European and international Public Private Partnership projects
- knowledge dissemination: Seminars and Conferences
Most of these grants were given to beneficiaries within the ETH Domain. Additional funding was provided to recipients of other Swiss universities and to young scientists to support their work experience in other laboratories in Europe, Asia or USA.
Contact us for further information.
Here you find further information about the fields that are supported by ESM Foundation.
Material criticality for decision-makers
The IRTC-Business workshop summary.
Critical Metals in the Swiss Industry
“Critical Metals: How the Swiss industry can take precautions”
Greater circularity leads to lower criticality
This paper elaborates the connections between circularity and criticality and how circularity can improve material’s criticality. The paper can be found here.
How to determine raw material criticality
A review study on various criticality assessment methods
Handling Critical Materials
You find the results of the ESM session at the World Resources Forum on “Handling Critical Materials” here.
Industry Survey
Survey about rare metals conducted within the Swiss industry
Tungsten
Report about Tungsten by Mehdi Sadegh Ahmadi (EPFL, Empa Dübendorf), supervised by ESM
Service Capacity of Cobalt
German study conducted by Fraunhofer IWKS Augsburg – authors Jörg Nispel, Karina Fries, Rebecca Hentschel, Gert Homm, Armin Reller
Service Capacity of Molybdenum
German study conducted by Fraunhofer IWKS Augsburg – authors Jörg Nispel, Karina Fries, Rebecca Hentschel, Gert Homm, Armin Reller
Years | Thesis author | Supervisor | Title | |
2017 | A. El Shimy | Dr. V. Moreau, Energy Center, EPFL | Competition for Energy Metals (Masters thesis) | |
2000-2003 | A. Spiegel | Prof. P. Schmuki, University of Erlangen, and Prof. Heinrich Hofmann, EPF Lausanne | Selektive Metallabscheidung auf ionenimplantierten Oberflächen | |
2001-2002 | A. Kündig | Prof. P. Uggowitzer, ETHZ, Prof. A. Dommann, NTB Buchs, Prof. Speidel, ETHZ | Bulk Metallic Glasses for Micromechanical Systems | |
1998-2001 | B. Peter | Dr. S. Mischler, EPFL | Biotribologie d’implants en titane: Simulation | |
1998-2001 | C. Curty | Prof. S. Virtanen, ETH Zürich | Lokale Korrosion von Ti, Zr und Ti-Legierungen | |
1998-2001 | Y. Müller | Prof. S. Virtanen, ETH Zürich | Passivschichten auf Titan | |
1986 | A. Tobler | Prof. H. Böhni, Dr. O. Dossenbach, ETH Zürich | Elektrolyse borathaltiger Schmelzen:
| |
1984-85 | R. Holliger | Prof. H. Böhni, ETH Zürich | Computergestützte Erfassung der Lochbildungskinetik von passiven Metallen | |
1984 | R. Alberto | ETH Zürich | New Synthesis of K2 (TcF6) | |
1984 | K. Cenzual | University of Geneva | Hexagonal Y13Pd40Sn31, a New Structure Type Containing Intergrown CaCU5– and MnCu2Al-Type Derived Structure Segments | |
1981 | E Hovestreydt | University of Geneva | Equiatomic Ternary Rare Earth-Transition Metal Silicides, Germanides and Gallides | |
Fritz Hunkeler | Untersuchung über die Inhibierung der Lochfrasskorrosion bei Aluminium und Nickel | |||
1980 | Z.I. Harmati | Prof. H. Böhni, Prof. W. Epprecht, ETH Zürich | Vergleichende Untersuchungen über die Benetzung metallischer Werkstoffe gegenüber wässerigen Elektrolytlösungen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Korrosionsverhaltens | |
1978 | P.A.F. Bohac | Prof. E. Baumann, Prof. N. Ibl, ETH Zürich | Über halogenidfreie Schmelzelektrolyte zur Herstellung von Hexaboriden der Seltenen Erden | |
1974 | A.d. Casa | Dr. A Gäumann, ETH Zürich | Entwicklung angepasster Herstellungs- und Kontrollmetalle im Bereich fester Halbleiter, binäre 5/6 Verbindungen | |
1972 | M. Schweizer | Prof. W. Form, University of Neuchâtel | Rekristallisierungsmechanismus von Zweiphasenlegierungen | |
1971 | Martin Creydt | Prof. E. Amstutz, Dr. R. Fichter, ETH Zürich | Diffusion in galvanisch aufgebrachten Schichten und Weichloten bei Temperaturen zwischen 23 und 212°C | |
1971 | J. P. Oswald | Prof. W. Baumgartner, AFIF | Die Temperaturbestimmung und die dynamische Kalorimetrie von thermischen Effekten mit Hilfe der Differential-Thermoanalyse (DTA) unter spezieller Berücksichtigung der Konstruktion von Phasendiagrammen | |
1970 | S.C. Malik | Prof. G. Schwarzenbach, Prof. G. Anderegg, ETH Zürich | Chelates of Antinomy (III) and Palladium (II) | |
1968 | R. Halonbrenner | Prof. H. Günthard, P.-D. A. Bauder, ETH Zürich | Blitzlichtspektroskopie von Chromylchlorid | |
1967 | H. Böhni | Prof. W. Epprecht, Prof. A. Bukowiecki, ETH Zürich | Über das Korrosionsverhalten verschiedener seltener Metalle gegenüber wässerigen Säurelösungen, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von Niob und Tantal | |
1962 | H.J. Plüss | Prof. H. Fischer, Universität Zürich | Veränderungen der Haematopoese unter Germaniumoxyd und organischen Germaniumverbindungen |
Years | Student | Supervisor | Project Title | |
2010-2011 | M. Russo | Prof. P. Smith and Prof. W. Cesari, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich | Hybrid materials of titanium oxide hydrates and polymers with a view to optical applications | |
2009-2011 | L. Duarte | Dr. Christian Leinenbach and Laboratory for Joining and Interface Technology, Empa Dübendorf | (Ni, Ti)-Al-Ge alloys for brazing of advanced alumina | |
2008-2009 | N.C. Woo | Prof. R. Spolenak, Laboratory of Metallurgy, ETH Zürich | Superplasticity in Thin Films |
Years | Research Group | Project |
2005-2007 | EPFL, Dr. S. Mischler, Prof. H Hofmann | Bioactive Nanostuctured Implant Surfaces |
2003-2005 | Prof. P. Uggowitzer, ETHZ; Prof. Löffler, ETHZ; Prof. M. Textor, ETHZ, Dr. P. Schmutz, EMPA; Prof. A. Domman, NTB | Mikrostrukturierte metallische Gläser für die Medizintechnik |
2000-2001 | Prof. H. Hofmann, EPFL; Prof. D. Rüfenacht, University Hospital of Geneva; Prof. F. Baumgartner, NTB; Prof. B. von Rechenberg, Tierspital Zürich | Suparparamagnetic particle in an artificial material (bone cement, polymer) for cancer treatment by hyperthermia methods |
1999-2002 | Prof. S. Virtanen, ETHZ; Dr. S. Mischler, EPFL; Prof. B. von Rechenberg, Tierspital Zürich | Biocorrosion and Biotribology of Titanium Implants: Effect of Anodic Oxide Films on their Biologic Environment and the Influence of Local Tissue Homeostasis on the Implants |
1996-2000 | Naturhistorisches Museum Bern | Project Sumifos |
1995-1998 | EPFL, Prof. H. Hofmann | Entwicklung neuer Herstellungsmethoden anorganischer Metallverbindungen für funktionelle Werkstoffe |
1995-1998 | ETH Zürich, M. Textor | Modifizierung der technischen Eigenschaften von Aluminium-Oberflächen durch Gallium und Indium |
1995-1996 | ETH Zürich, Prof. M. Textor | Support of activities in the group Lengenbach, Binntal Wallis |
1984 | University of Bern, W. Nowacki | Beitrag zu Beitrag zu 50 Jahren kristallographischer Forschung 1932-1982 |
1979 | ETH Zürich | The crystal structure of a thalium sulfosalt Tl8Pb4Sb21As19S68 |
1978 | LSRH, R. Bonetti, Dr. H.E. Hintermann | Bor- und Boridbeschichtungen |
1977 | ETH Zürich, K. Bhandary, K. Girgis | Coordination Polyhedra and Structure of Alloys; Binary Alloys of Vanadium with Group IIIB and IVB Elements |
1976 | University of Bern, D. Scott, W. Nowacki | The crystal structurue of alloclasite, CoAsS, and the alloclasite-cobaltite transformation |
1976 | University of Bern, J.E. Iglesias, W. Nowacki | Refinement of the crystal structure of domeykite, a structure related to the A15 Type |
1976 | LSRH, P. Niederhäuser, Dr. H.E. Hintermann | Schutz von Beryllium gegen Verschleiss und Korrosion und Vermeidung der Bildung toxischer Produkte durch geeignete Überzüge |
1976 | ETH Zürich, K. Bhandary, K. Girgis | A New Approach to Limit the Coordination Number in Alloys I. Binary Alloys of Vanadium with IIIb and IVb Elements |
1975 | ETH Zürich, K. Girgis | Crystallographic Studies and Superconductivity of V3-xMexGa(Me=Cr, Mn, Fe) |
1975 | University of Bern, V. Divjakovic, W. Nowacki | Die Kristallstruktur von Galchait (Hg0, 76 (Cu, Zn) 0, 24) 12 Tl 0, 96 (AsS3)8 |
1974 | University of Bern, J.C. Portheine, W. Nowacki | Refinement of the crystal structure of zinckenite Pb6Sb14S27 |
1972 | Dr. M. Schenker | Das Molybdänglanzvorkommen im Baltschiedertal (Wallis); Zusammenfassung der bisherigen Beobachtungen und kritische Bemerkungen zu den Erzreserven |
1969 | ETH Zürich, A. Gäumann, J. Troxler | Zonenschmelzen |
1968-1971? | LSRH, H. Breitner, Dr. H.E. Hintermann | Herstellung von Borstäben nach dem CVD-Verfahren (discontinued) |
1968 | University of Bern, W. Nowacki | Die Mineralfundstelle Lengenbach im Binnatal (Wallis) |
1967 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Bern, B.J. Wuensch, W. Nowacki | The crystal structure of marrite, PbAgAsS3 |
1967 | University of Bern, W. Nowacki, V. Kunz, F.Marumo | Über einige Mineralstufen aus dem Lengenbach (II) |
1967 | ETH Zürich, A. Gäumann | Präparation von Fotohalbleitern |
1966 | ETH Zürich, A. Gäumann | Differential-Thermonanalyse und Zustandsdiagramm |
1966 | ETH Zürich, W. Epprecht | Versuche zur Frage des Zusammenhangs zwischen der Qualität und den mechanischen Eigenschaften von Uhrentriebfedern |
1965 | Unversity of Bern, W. Nowacki, F. Marumo | The crystal structure of rathite-I |
1965 | University of Bern, Prof. Th. Hügi, J.-P. Saheurs, E. Spycher | Berylliumgehalte in granitischen Gesteinen der Schweizeralpen |
1965 | University of Bern, Prof. Th. Hügi | Möglichkeiten einer schweizerischen Urangewinnung |
1964 | ETH Zürich, W. Epprecht | Untersuchungen an Federlegierungen mit unterschiedlichem E-Modul und verschieden hoher Streckgrenze |
1964 | University of Bern, W. Nowacki, F. Marumo, Y. Takeuchi | Untersuchungen an Sulfiden aus dem Binnatal |
1964 | University of Bern, W. Nowacki, V. Kunz, F. Marumo | Über einige Mineralstufen aus dem Lengenbach (I) |
1964 | University of Bern, W. Nowacki | Zur Kristallchemie der Sulfosalze, insbesondere aus dem Lengenbach |
1964 | University of Bern, W. Nowacki, F. Marumo | The Crystal Structure of Lautite and of Sinnerite, a New Mineral from Lengenbach Quarry |
1964 | University of Bern, W. Nowacki, J.B. Wuensch, V. Kunz | Über eine stengelig-faserige Ausbildung von Jordanit aus dem Lengenbach |
1965 | University of Bern, Y. Takeuchi, S. Ghose, W. Nowacki | The crystal structure of hutchinsonite (Tl,Pb) 2As5S9 |
1964 | ETH Zürich | The Crystal Structure of the Thallium-Lead Sulfosalt Hutchinsonite |
1963 | University of Bern, Prof. Th. Hügi | Uranvorkommen in der Schweiz; mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der radioaktiven Fossilknochen von Langenthal |
1955 | ETH Zürich, W. Epprecht | Kritische Stellungnahme zu den zugänglichen, bis zum Frühjahr 1955 durchgefühten geologischen Untersuchungen über die Molybdänglanz-Lagerstätte am Alphorn |
ESM Foundation provides support for research projects on different levels. In accordance with its bylaws, it aims to promote research into Critical Raw Materials, particularly their industrial application. Faced with the current challenges involving CRM, those resarch projects could be about:
- Swiss consumption of precious and rare metals for modern technologies in fields like electromobility, energy production and storage, or information and communication technology and the challenges they represent for our economy;
- what role CRM stocks und flows play for economic questions like concerned Swiss markets and future price scenarios;
- environmental considerations about the use of CRM in Switzerland using Life Cycle Assessment or other methods; social and legal consideration concerning regulations and standards;
- potentials of metal recycling in Switzerland from a technological, logistic and econonomic point of view;
- other sustainable solutions for the future supply of Switzerland with CRM like substitution potentials, cycle models etc.
Projects should also be conforming with the overall goal of ESM Foundation, which is opening up new economic areas in Switzerland. If you apply for financial or other support, please describe your research project, its contribution to the goals of the foundation and the required help in a letter of not more than two pages to the foundation. The board will evaluate your request and contact you as soon as possible.