Analytical Research at the Future Fachhochschule Winterthur : Analytische Chemie an den zukünftigen Schweizer Fachhochschulen: Technikum Winterthur Ingenieurschule

Abstract

The Technikum Winterthur Ingenieurschule (TWI) is currently undergoing major structural changes while being transformed into an engineering college. Changes in research activities will be particularly strong: Up to now, TWI focused on teaching, but as a Fachhochschule it is also supposed to engage in applied research and development, especially in technology transfer projects with small and medium sized industrial partners. Anticipating this trend, the analytical chemistry group of the chemistry and biotechnology department at TWI has initiated the setup of a center of competence in the field of Chemical and Biochemical Measurement Techniques and Sensors. Furthermore, analytical services will be offered in the fields of environmental chemistry, building materials, and biochemical and chemical sensors. The center will profit considerably from synergy effects because of the in Swiss colleges unique combination of biotechnology and chemistry in one departement as well as the cooperation with the other departments of TWI, e.g., computer science, electronics, and data analysis.In this paper, a review of actual and planned analytical research projects at TWI is given.