New laboratory for plant research on the Hönggerberg
The Institute of Molecular Plant Biology is getting a new laboratory on the Hönggerberg. Construction work began this week and should be completed in June 2025
Construction work on the new greenhouse (HPY) and associated laboratory space on the Hönggerberg campus has been underway since this week. The greenhouse will serve as an additional research facility for the Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (IMPB). The new building will consist of a greenhouse area and a zone for laboratory work with the corresponding infrastructure and ancillary rooms.
The flat roof of the laboratory wing will be greened and equipped with photovoltaics. When designing the outdoor space and planting, attention was paid to planning in accordance with the listed landscape. For example, a tree protection concept was drawn up and care was taken to ensure that the visual axis from the Steiner Garden to the forest is preserved.
Timeline
In addition to the new laboratory for plant research, the Real Estate department is currently renovating the HPT teaching, research, workshop and office building, which will then be the IMPB's new home.
Institute of Molecular Plant Biology
The IMPB is part of the Department of Biology. With the relocation of the institute from the Centre Campus to the Hönggerberg Campus at the beginning of 2025, the entire Department of Biology will be united on the Hönggerberg.
The IMPB is primarily involved in basic research. The main aim is to use certain methods to produce large quantities of transgenic plants and to modify the plants so that they can generate higher yields, produce more vigorous seeds or have a higher starch content. All of this can be of great importance for agriculture, especially in developing countries.
In the new laboratories, the IMPB can dedicate itself to growing plants for research, particularly in the fields of RNA biology, plant evolutionary genetics and plant biochemistry. For new findings, it is particularly important to grow the plants under controlled, yet near-natural conditions. Thanks to the modern laboratory equipment, the new greenhouse area is perfectly suited for a wide variety of experiments. Plant work and initial analyses can also be carried out directly on site in the attached laboratory and work area.
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