Paläontologisches Institut der Universität Zürich

The Paleontological Institute of the University of Zürich (PIM) is a central facility dedicated to the study of paleontology, an interdisciplinary field that connects biology with the earth sciences. The institute's main goal is to research the mechanisms of the diversification and extinction of organisms and to document their patterns in order to expand our current understanding of biodiversity. The research topics pursued at the institute are diverse and range from reconstructing the evolutionary development of various groups of organisms to investigating the effects of global environmental upheavals on biodiversity over the course of history. In doing so, profound abiotic changes over millions of years are examined that decisively influenced the evolution of flora and fauna.

The institute uses a comprehensive range of methods to study the diversity of extinct and living organisms. These include taxonomy, systematics, comparative anatomy, morphometrics, paleohistology, sedimentology, and geochemistry. These different approaches make it possible to illuminate both practical and theoretical aspects of diversification and macroevolution.

An important part of the institute's scientific communication takes place through the close collaboration between the paleontological and zoological teams. The institute houses a rich collection that includes remarkable exhibits such as the unique pieces from the Middle Triassic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte San Giorgio. This makes the PIM an important destination for scientific visitors from all over the world, who have the opportunity to explore and learn from significant paleontological finds and insights. The institute's location in the heart of Zürich contributes to its visibility and appeal to a broad audience interested in the wonderful world of paleontology.