WSL addresses the use and protection of landscapes and habitats, acting as a bridge between science and implementation. WSL is committed to landscapes and forests with a high quality of life, and to responsible handling of natural hazards in the Swiss Alps. In research, WSL has a leading position worldwide and provides foundations for sustainable environmental policy in Switzerland. It develops solution strategies for socially relevant problems, together with its partners from society, industry and the scientific community. In so doing, it works in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary manner; this practice-oriented approach to research is a particular strength. The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) is part of WSL. In 2010, WSL celebrated its 125th anniversary.
WSL employs a good 500 staff in Birmensdorf, Davos, Lausanne, Bellinzona and Sion. About half are scientific staff, while another 75 individuals are working on their theses. The rest are made up of technical and administrative staff, as well as trainees and student apprentices. The year 2011 was declared the International Year of Forests by the UN; in Switzerland, it marks the start of the National Research Programme “Resource Wood” and WSL is represented on this programme’s Steering Committee. Therefore, alongside the other topics which WSL has been addressing for years, such as natural hazards, snow, landscape and biodiversity, particular attention is to be paid to forest research in 2011. In addition, WSL is continuing its anniversary activities, celebrating 75 years of SLF.
