Spiez Laboratory

Spiez Laboratory, also known as the Spiez Institute, is a Swiss federal laboratory that conducts analysis and research of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) substances. It operates under the authority of the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, providing scientific support for national CBRN preparedness and response. The laboratory’s work includes the examination of samples suspected to contain hazardous agents and the provision of expert assessments to federal agencies.

As Switzerland’s designated facility for CBRN analysis, Spiez Laboratory serves both domestic users and international partners that require verified data on toxic substances. Its scope covers the verification of compliance with international disarmament treaties and the investigation of alleged chemical or biological incidents. The institution’s role in the analysis of the Novichok nerve agent used in the Salisbury poisoning is a notable example of its contribution to global non‑proliferation efforts.

The laboratory’s strategic importance was highlighted in 2018 when Russian military intelligence (GRU) actors, identified as the Sandworm group, launched a phishing campaign using spoofed emails containing malware against the facility. Swiss authorities reported that no confirmed data exfiltration occurred from the attack, which was aimed at participants of an upcoming chemical weapons conference. This incident illustrates the interest that state‑sponsored actors have in institutions engaged in sensitive CBRN work.

Structurally, Spiez Laboratory is not an independent commercial entity but a constituent part of the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, a federal agency within the Swiss administration. This placement ensures that its scientific output directly informs national policy on CBRN threats and international cooperation. No further details on ownership, subsidiaries or financial scale are provided in the available sources.