Visit to Syngenta - Stein Centre R&D

14.04.2026

Dr. Claudio Screpanti, Senior Syngenta Fellow

Dr. Sarah Miéville, CUSO Microbiology Program Coordinator

Dr. Claudio Screpanti, Senior Syngenta Fellow

TBA

This activity offers participants a unique opportunity to explore Syngenta’s R&D Centre in Stein through a guided tour of the facility. During the visit, participants will engage directly with experts on a wide range of topics, including:

• Chemistry design and synthesis
• Analytics and biologyScreening operations
• Seedcare research and biologicals
• Soil health research
• Formulation development

This visit complements the lecture:

“Innovation: What Is It and How Can It Shape Your Professional Career?” that will be held ONLINE (TBC) before the visit to Syngenta.

This lecture explores career paths in the private sector and their relationship to innovation. Through historical insights and modern innovation frameworks, it will address both challenges and opportunities for early-career scientists in today’s digital era. Topics include the stages of innovation (discovery, invention, adoption), with a focus on plant sciences and agriculture, and concepts such as the "Pasteur quadrant" and the role of creativity and serendipity in scientific breakthroughs. Practical advice will also be provided for transitioning from academia to private R&D environments.

10:00 – 10:30 Welcome & Introduction Lecture

Overview of the day and introductory presentation on innovation and career development in the private sector.

10:30 – 11:10 Scientific Presentation: Microbiology Applications in Agriculture

Exploring direct applications of microbiology in plant sciences and agricultural innovation.

11:10 – 11:30 Coffee Break (offered by Syngenta)

11:30 – 13:00 Guided Tour of the Syngenta Stein Facility (& closing)

Participants will visit key research areas and interact with experts in chemistry design, synthesis, analytics, biology, screening operations, seedcare, biologicals, soil health, and formulation development.

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break 

Stein Centre R&D

Map

Reimbursements for CUSO Students: Train ticket, 2°class, half-fare from your institution to the place of the activity.

Reimbursement of your travel tickets can be asked online through your MyCUSO. See HERE for the procedure.

For any question concerning reimbursement please contact the CUSO Microbiology coordinator Sarah Miéville

 Important informations :

• A waiting list will be prepared to ensure that there are no empty seats.
• For cancellations after the deadline of registration or no-show: 50 CHF administrative fee

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