Visit to Syngenta - Stein Centre R&D

20 April 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 discover the Syngenta R&D Centre in Stein through an in‑depth guided tour of its research facilities. Throughout the visit, participants will meet experts and young scientists working across a wide range of fields, gaining first‑hand insight into daily research activities and career paths in industrial R&D.

The program covers key areas such as:

• Chemistry design and synthesis
• Analytics, biology, and screening operations
• Seedcare research and biologicals, including microbials and emerging technologies
• Soil health research
• Formulation development

The visit is complemented by the online lecture "Innovation: What Is It and How Can It Shape Your Professional Career?".

This lecture introduces career opportunities in the private sector and examines how innovation drives scientific and technological progress. Through historical examples and modern innovation frameworks, it explores the stages of innovation-from discovery to adoption-with a particular focus on plant sciences and agriculture. Concepts such as the "Pasteur quadrant," the role of creativity and serendipity in scientific breakthroughs, and practical guidance for transitioning from academia to private R&D will be discussed.

09:30 – 09:45 Welcome & Introduction Lecture

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

09:45 – 10:30 Scientific Presentation: Microbiology Applications in Agriculture

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

10:30 – 10:50 Coffee Break (offered by Syngenta)

10:50 – 12:20  Guided Tour of the Syngenta Stein Facility

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.

12:20 – 13:00  Lunch (offered by Syngenta)

13:00 – 13:30 Innovation: What Is It and How Can It Shape Your Professional Career? by Claudio Screpanti

This lecture explores career opportunities in the private sector and their connection to innovation. Through historical analysis and contemporary innovation models, we will examine both pitfalls and opportunities for young scientists in today's digital era.

Science and technology have long driven societal progress, with both academic institutions and private R&D organizations acting as engines of innovation. The lecture will cover the stages of the innovation process-discovery, invention, and adoption-with a focus on examples from Plant Sciences and Agriculture. Frameworks such as the "Pasteur quadrant" will be introduced, along with reflections on the roles of serendipity and creativity in scientific breakthroughs. Practical guidance will be offered for navigating the transition from academia to private R&D environments. 

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

Registration deadline 14.04.2026

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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