Schaffhausen is the 17th “SimplyNano 2” canton
The starting signal for the new SimplyNano 2project in the canton of Schaffhausen took place at AbbVie in the heart of the city. 14 high school teachers from the region experimented with the nano teaching aids and at the same time gained an insight into the training programs offered by the internationally active company.
Nanotechnology has long been part of everyday life – for example in plastics, surface coatings and textiles. Because nanoparticles are invisible to the naked eye, the “SimplyNano 2” experiments offer direct, practical access and arouse curiosity about the special properties of the nanoworld.
In the main part of the course at AbbVie, the teachers carried out the experiments themselves and tested the learning materials. Experiments with an everyday relevance were particularly popular, such as the diaper experiment with superabsorbent nanomaterials or the gecko effect, which makes adhesive forces visible. The immediate usability of the teaching materials in everyday school life was particularly appreciated by the teachers.
Ruth Marxer, Head of Primary and Secondary Level I, took part in the training. She noted that the project is a great benefit for the schools and teachers in Schaffhausen and thanked the Foundation and the companies involved for their generous support.
Click here for the TV report (German)
AbbVie as host
As host, AbbVie facilitated a practical exchange between industry and teachers. This complements the company’s commitment to regional social, cultural and educational projects.
AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines for serious and complex diseases. Last year, more than 60 million patients were treated with AbbVie medicines. The company employs around 55,000 people in 70 countries worldwide, around 280 of whom work at the Schaffhausen and Cham sites. Around 40 employees from 16 nations work on global research and development at the Schaffhausen site. Tobias Kaspar, Patient Relations Manager at AbbVie Switzerland, emphasized how crucial a positive working atmosphere is in this environment.
Funded by the Windler Foundation, Merck, AbbVie and AZAD
The “SimplyNano 2” experiment kits and the associated training courses are made available to schools free of charge. The main sponsor is the Jakob and Emma Windler Foundation from Stein am Rhein, supplemented by contributions from AbbVie, Merck & Cie and AZAD Pharma. Thanks to this support, a total of 254 complete suitcase sets including documents and further training courses are available.
This makes Schaffhausen the 17th canton in which all secondary and intermediate schools as well as the cantonal school will be equipped with class sets of up to 15 experiment kits each. Pupils will thus benefit from hands-on science experiments with a wow effect.
Closing in Schaffhausen on September 24
On September 24, another course will be held at Merck & Cie in Schaffhausen for high school teachers from the canton of Schaffhausen. This training course marks the end of the introduction of “SimplyNano 2” in the canton. There are still a few places available, which will be allocated in the order in which registrations are received.
Source: Innovation Society
Image/video source: Innovation Society / Schaffhauser Fernsehen AG
12.09.2025, Innovation Society