"SimplyNano" sparks enthusiasm
The "SimplyNano 2" education project for Bernese schools is on course for success: all courses are fully booked. The fifth of a total of six further education courses took place on March 4, 2026 - and left a lasting impression on the 16 teachers. The focus was on amazement, experimentation and discovery.
Nano experiments to amaze
Starting this school year, around 700 “SimplyNano 2” experiment kits will be available to secondary schools in Bern. Forty-one exciting experiments in the fields of nanobionics, nanomaterials, and nanoproducts provide answers to technical questions such as: How does a smoke detector work? Why does water bead up on a rain jacket? What makes diapers so absorbent? The “SimplyNano 2” kits bring “hands-on science” into the classroom.Enthusiastic teachers visit Swissmedic In the introductory course, the teachers slipped into the role of students, carried out the experiments independently, and were visibly enthusiastic. The immediate practical relevance was particularly appreciated: the materials can be used in the classroom right away. After the course, each participating school received a class set of twelve experiment kits. The anticipation is great. Many teachers emphasized that they can hardly wait to use the kits in class.
The course took place at Swissmedic's premises. The teachers gained valuable insights into the technical apprenticeship professions at the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products. Brigitte Wyss, vocational training manager for laboratory technicians EFZ specializing in chemistry at Swissmedic, emphasized: “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to network with teachers. This is a sustainable contribution to promoting our next generation of skilled workers.”
Demand exceeds available places
In the current Bern project, 56 schools are benefiting from the free “SimplyNano 2” kits and courses. However, demand significantly exceeds the number of places available. All course places in the current program are fully booked and there are waiting lists. Due to the high level of interest, the possibility of a follow-up project for the canton of Bern is currently being explored. There is clearly a need in schools, and the positive feedback from previous courses impressively confirms the relevance of the program.
The current project is made possible by a broad range of sponsors. Thanks to the support of over 30 companies, foundations, and associations, all materials and courses are free of charge for schools. “SimplyNano” is one of the best-known STEM promotion initiatives in Switzerland. It is supported by the SimplyScience Foundation and implemented in collaboration with the Innovation Society St. Gallen. Find out more: https://simplynano.ch/
Note for editors: Images are available online: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13M4WBzk2coKxtxgeLezi3jbQOtQT1oYr
Contact for media inquiries:
Dr. Christoph Meili
Managing Director, The Innovation Society
Tel. 076 326 77 97
Email: christoph.meili@innovationsgesellschaft.ch