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. As guests of Swissmedic, they took away useful input for the classroom as well as exciting information about technical teaching professions.
Nano experiments to amaze
From this school year, around 700 “SimplyNano 2” experiment kits will be available to upper secondary schools in Bern. 41 exciting experiments from the fields of nano-bionics, nano-materials and nano-products provide answers to technical questions, for example: How does a smoke detector work? Why does water roll off the rain jacket? What makes diapers so absorbent? The “SimplyNano 2” cases bring “hands-on science” into the classroom.
Enthusiastic teachers visit Swissmedic
In the introductory course, the teachers slipped into the role of the pupils, carried out the experiments independently and were visibly enthusiastic. The direct practical relevance was particularly appreciated: the materials can be used immediately in the classroom. Following 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 cases in the classroom.
The course took place on the premises of Swissmedic. The teachers gained valuable insights into the technical apprenticeships at the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products. Brigitte Wyss, head of vocational training for EFZ laboratory technicians specializing in chemistry at Swissmedic, emphasized: “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to network with the teachers. This is a sustainable contribution to the development of our future specialists.”
Demand exceeds available places
In the current project in Bern, 56 schools are benefiting from the free “SimplyNano 2” cases and courses. However, demand clearly exceeds the available places. All course places in the current program are fully booked and there are waiting lists. Due to the great interest, it is currently being examined whether a follow-up project can be realized for the canton of Bern. There is clearly a need in the schools and the positive feedback from the previous courses impressively confirms the relevance of the offer.
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 realized in collaboration with the Innovation Society St.Gallen. Find out more: https://simplynano.ch/
Note for editorial offices: Pictures are available online: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13M4WBzk2coKxtxgeLezi3jbQOtQT1oYr
Contact for media inquiries:
Dr. Christoph Meili
Managing Director, Die Innovationsgesellschaft
Tel. 076 326 77 97
E-Mail: christoph.meili@innovationsgesellschaft.ch