Science

In our science coverage, we look at where Swiss inno-vation touches the world. We focus especially on solutions to climate change and other areas where Swiss research contributes to global understanding and solutions.

Swiss-Kenyan filmmaker sets lo-fi love story in hi-tech future

Damien Hauser revamps the tenets of Afrofuturism - a genre that centers Black history and culture and incorporates science-fiction, technology, and futuristic elements - by mixing indie filmmaking (low budgets, non-professional actors) with AI tools to create grandiose sceneries.

This content was published on Sep 7, 2025 Damien Hauser’s ‘Memory of Princess Mumbi’ awed audiences at the Venice Film Festival by exploring the ethical and creative tensions of using AI in cinema.

Climate solutions

Ibu Asmania (left) and Arif Pujianto, residents of Pulau Pari in Indonesia, are asking Swiss cement producer Holcim to reduce its CO2 emissions.

Indonesians vs Swiss company Holcim: ‘We want to save our island’

This content was published on Sep 2, 2025 Inhabitants of Indonesia’s Pulau Pari island accuse Swiss cement giant Holcim of contributing to the climate crisis that threatens their existence.

Europe’s tallest dam turns 75

This content was published on Aug 25, 2025 Built by 3,000 workers in the rugged Swiss Alps, the Grande Dixence dam is a towering symbol of Swiss engineering and hydropower innovation.

Switzerland’s Grande Dixence: how Europe’s tallest dam measures up at 75

This content was published on Aug 25, 2025 Built between 1950 and 1961 by 3,000 workers in gruelling conditions, the Grande Dixence is now 75 years old. Here are seven key facts about the spectacular dam.

extreme heat work health. Construction worker Justino cools off during a heat wave in Texas.

Too hot to work? Extreme heat endangers billions of workers

This content was published on Aug 22, 2025 Billions of workers face heat stress, illness and lost income as global temperatures climb, warns a WHO-WMO joint report.

The city of Lucerne: the flood of 2005 is among the worst natural disasters in recent history in Switzerland.

Is Switzerland’s natural disaster insurance a model for the world?

This content was published on Aug 21, 2025 The Swiss insurance system against natural hazards also offers cover in high-risk areas. A unique model that could inspire other countries.

View of the fjord and front of the Eqalorutsit Kangilliit Sermiat glacier in southern Greenland.

Fibre optics detect the invisible waves that melt Greenland’s ice sheet

This content was published on Aug 20, 2025 The breaking off of large chunks of ice from glaciers accelerates the melting of the Arctic ice sheet in Greenland. This has been measured for the first time by a research team using fibre optics.

Luxury or necessity? Five questions about air conditioning in Switzerland and around the world

This content was published on Aug 11, 2025 As heatwaves become more intense and frequent, sales of air conditioners are booming. But this has consequences for the climate and electricity consumption.

A woman speaking into a microphone with an airport in the background.

Truth or tale: is Switzerland injecting harmful chemicals into the sky?

This content was published on Aug 2, 2025 We received a number of social media comments referencing the “chemtrails” conspiracy theory, but is that true?

Volunteers collect waste (mostly plastic and Styrofoam) on the shores of Lake Geneva.

In Geneva, global accord in sight on plastics pollution

This content was published on Jul 29, 2025 Geneva is set to host final talks on a global treaty to curb plastics pollution. But major sticking points remain.

Silent power guzzlers: Switzerland’s booming data centres

This content was published on Jul 25, 2025 Data centres are popping up across Switzerland, driven in part by demand for AI. They come at a cost: by 2030, the centres could consume 15% of the country’s electricity.

Tourists admire the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe.

What is the future of glacier tourism in a world with less ice?

This content was published on Jul 23, 2025 Climate change puts glacier tourism at risk. How can this vital industry be saved for local communities? Here are some adaptation strategies.

Research frontiers

Apertus LLM is intended as a trustworthy and inclusive AI Large Language Model

Switzerland launches transparent ChatGPT alternative

This content was published on Sep 2, 2025 Swiss Apertus LLM aims to compete in a crowded field with openness and accessibility.

What’s the smartest way for countries to compete for world-class research talent?

As the US slashes science funding and pressures universities, many researchers are considering a move. Should Switzerland try to entice them?

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Aug 4, 2025

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How semiconductors are made

This content was published on Aug 4, 2025 Making semiconductor chips for computers, machinery, transport and other devices is a costly and a lengthy process. How exactly is it done?

Switzerland offers no lifeboat to US scientists

This content was published on Aug 4, 2025 Switzerland has declined to launch initiatives to entice US scientists, while Europe has opened its doors. What’s next for Swiss research?

Silent power guzzlers: Switzerland’s booming data centres

The Swiss Fablab project is modelled on other labs , such as Micronova in Finland.

Chip-making factory aims to boost Swiss semiconductors

This content was published on Jul 23, 2025 Switzerland is laying plans to build a national chip production and research centre.

Swiss researchers are active in designing next generation semiconductors

Swiss chip industry fuelled by research, not cash windfalls

This content was published on Jul 15, 2025 Many countries are pouring billions into their semiconductor industries, but Swiss funds focus on research.

AI giants accused of hiding environmental footprint

This content was published on Jul 8, 2025 The boom in artificial intelligence (AI) comes with environmental costs that are still largely hidden.

Swiss Reddit study on fake news stirs ethics debate

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 A controversial fake news study on the social media platform Reddit, has highlighted the ethical challenges of conducting research on society.

The fake news study on Reddit failed to inform particpants in advance

How a fake news study tested ethical research boundaries

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 A controversial fake news study on Reddit has highlighted the ethical responsibilities of conducting studies on society.

Switzerland has road tested some 30 driverless vehicle projects

Swiss roads could see driverless vehicles within three years

This content was published on May 27, 2025 A recent Swiss law change has raised the possibility of automated vehicles operating in real-life conditions in around three years.

Listen to our science podcast

The Swiss Connection Podcast: Hear Swiss science stories for the world

Why is Switzerland so sweet on cryptocurrency? What’s it like to be a Swiss expat in America? Swiss women couldn’t vote until when?!

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on science

What is your country doing to protect you from the impacts of climate change?

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Switzerland violated its citizens’ fundamental rights by not taking enough climate action. Do you think your right to a healthy environment is being respected?

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Apr 12, 2024

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Science and technology: Insights from Switzerland

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Our videos on science

Sara Pisano talks to students about how AI could change their futures.

Is AI making young people rethink their careers?

This content was published on Dec 16, 2024 We spoke with vocational school students in Bern to hear their thoughts on AI and discuss the potential risks it poses to their careers.

Lift off! Swiss students build next-gen reusable rockets

This content was published on Oct 10, 2024 Rocket-building used to be the sole preserve of space-faring nations like the United States or Russia. Now many other players are getting involved from private companies to young researchers, even from Switzerland.

Fish stocks hit by warming lakes. Climate change seems partly to blame.

Fish species are disappearing as Swiss lakes warm up

This content was published on Sep 26, 2024 As temperatures climb in Switzerland, Swiss lakes, fish species and their natural habitat are also suffering. A look at the impact on Lake Geneva.

The first major project under the federal government’s “Solar Express” scheme is being built near the village of Sedrun in southeast Switzerland.

Construction starts on first large-scale solar park in Swiss Alps

This content was published on Sep 13, 2024 Construction starts on first large-scale solar park in Swiss Alps

Pioneering research using dioxin-eating bacteria could help clean up Lausanne

Pioneering research using dioxin-eating bacteria could help clean up Swiss city

This content was published on Jun 7, 2024 Pioneering research using dioxin-eating bacteria could help clean up Swiss city

Fighting soil contamination with bacteria in Lausanne.

Pioneering research using dioxin-eating bacteria could help clean up Swiss city

This content was published on Jun 7, 2024 Dioxin-eating bacteria developed in a lab are to be used to help decontaminate polluted sites in Lausanne in western Switzerland.

More on science

Around 6 per cent of the surface area in Switzerland can be used for solar installations

Some 6% of Swiss surface area suitable for solar plants

This content was published on Sep 6, 2025 Around 6% of Switzerland’s surface area could be used for free-standing photovoltaic systems.

Switzerland and France sign accords on managing Rhone River and Lake Geneva

Switzerland and France sign accords to manage shared waters

This content was published on Sep 4, 2025 Switzerland and France have signed two agreements on the management of the waters of the Rhône River and Lake Geneva, almost 14 years after discussions on the subject began.

Natural hazards as the greatest uncertainty factor for Blatten's future

Natural hazards the greatest uncertainty for Blatten’s future

This content was published on Sep 4, 2025 On Wednesday, cantonal and municipal authorities presented a roadmap for the reconstruction of the Swiss village of Blatten, which was destroyed by a landslide last spring.

Swiss Post tests the use of auxiliary robots for parcel delivery

Swiss Post tests use of robots for parcel delivery

This content was published on Sep 3, 2025 Swiss Post tests four-legged robots in Zurich to aid parcel delivery.

Swiss groundwater is coming under increasing pressure

Swiss groundwater is under growing pressure

This content was published on Sep 3, 2025 Groundwater in Switzerland faces rising threats from chemicals and climate change.

Swiss solar firm Meyer Burger ceases operations at German sites

This content was published on Sep 3, 2025 Meyer Burger shuts German sites, cutting almost 500 jobs amid market pressures.

Zug Cantonal Court deliberates on lawsuit against Holcim for climate damage

Zug Court takes up case against Holcim for climate damage in Indonesia

This content was published on Sep 3, 2025 Zug court considers if Holcim must pay climate damages to Indonesian islanders.

Excavation in Ticino provides new insights into aquatic reptile

Fossil uncovered in southern Switzerland of prehistoric aquatic reptile

This content was published on Sep 2, 2025 During excavations in Meride, southern Switzerland, researchers from the Ticino natural history museum discovered for the first time an aquatic reptile of the genus Lariosaurus with preserved skin.

Switzerland launches transparent ChatGPT alternative

This content was published on Sep 2, 2025 Swiss Apertus LLM aims to compete in a crowded field with openness and accessibility.

Switzerland ends study on exposure to PFAS and pesticides to cut costs

This content was published on Sep 2, 2025 The Federal Office for Public Health has decided to discontinue a long-term study on the impact of forever chemicals on human health due to the federal government’s cost-cutting measures.

Indonesians vs Swiss company Holcim: ‘We want to save our island’

This content was published on Sep 2, 2025 Inhabitants of Indonesia’s Pulau Pari island accuse Swiss cement giant Holcim of contributing to the climate crisis that threatens their existence.

Swiss amateur astronomer makes ‘sensational discovery’

This content was published on Sep 1, 2025 An amateur astronomer in Switzerland has discovered an asteroid moon.

Solar: minimum tariffs under threat in the event of an agreement with the EU

Fixed minimum prices for solar in Switzerland under threat in EU deal

This content was published on Aug 31, 2025 Switzerland’s fixed solar minimum prices face possible removal in EU deal.

Obstacles to the development of sixteen hydroelectric projects

Obstacles delay 16 crucial Swiss hydroelectric projects

This content was published on Aug 27, 2025 The development of 16 hydroelectric projects of overriding national interest has been delayed.

Majority of the population in Switzerland uses AI tools

Majority of Swiss residents use AI tools

This content was published on Aug 26, 2025 AI tools like ChatGPT continue to gain ground in Switzerland: for the first time, a majority of the Swiss population is using them.

Myclimate cuts around ten per cent of jobs

Swiss carbon offset foundation to cut 10% of staff

This content was published on Aug 26, 2025 Myclimate will cut around 10% of its jobs by the end of the year. At the end of 2024, almost 200 employees were working for the foundation.

Europe’s tallest dam turns 75

This content was published on Aug 25, 2025 Built by 3,000 workers in the rugged Swiss Alps, the Grande Dixence dam is a towering symbol of Swiss engineering and hydropower innovation.

Switzerland’s Grande Dixence: how Europe’s tallest dam measures up at 75

Baidu wants to establish robotaxis in Switzerland's peripheral regions

Chinese firm Baidu to launch European robotaxi business in Zurich

This content was published on Aug 25, 2025 Baidu to launch its European robotaxi business in Zurich by 2026.

Too hot to work? Extreme heat endangers billions of workers

This content was published on Aug 22, 2025 Billions of workers face heat stress, illness and lost income as global temperatures climb, warns a WHO-WMO joint report.

Just Eat experiments with meal delivery by robot

Swiss robots to deliver Just Eat takeaway meals

This content was published on Aug 21, 2025 Swiss robots to deliver Just Eat Takeaway meals.

Demand for solar panels has increased in recent years

Swiss solar industry fears end of boom period

This content was published on Aug 21, 2025 Swiss solar panel company goes bankrupt as the domestic industry faces reduction in state subsidies.

Russian propaganda uses familiar patterns of wording

Swiss develop algorithm to filter Russian Telegram propaganda

This content was published on Aug 21, 2025 Swiss researchers develop algorithm to automatically detect propaganda on the messaging service Telegram.

Is Switzerland’s natural disaster insurance a model for the world?

This content was published on Aug 21, 2025 The Swiss insurance system against natural hazards also offers cover in high-risk areas. A unique model that could inspire other countries.

The Aletsch glacier will disappear by 2100, according to an Italian study

Swiss Aletsch glacier ‘will disappear by 2100’

This content was published on Aug 20, 2025 The Aletsch glacier in Switzerland is likely to disappear by 2100, say ecologists.

Fibre optics detect the invisible waves that melt Greenland’s ice sheet

5 megatonnes of emissions from 2050 despite net zero

Switzerland could produce up to 5Mt of emissions annually by 2050

This content was published on Aug 16, 2025 Two to five megatonnes of CO2 equivalents per year: this is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that Switzerland is still expected to produce annually in 2050, a new study shows.

Blatten in Valais to be rebuilt in four years

Destroyed Swiss village of Blatten to be rebuilt within four years

This content was published on Aug 14, 2025 After the devastating landslide, Blatten in Valais should be standing again by 2029. Municipal president Matthias Bellwald confirmed the corresponding plans to the Keystone-SDA news agency on Wednesday, which he had presented at a municipal meeting the previous evening.

Owing to a spike in ozone pollution, public transport will be free throughout the canton, on Wednesday,

Geneva offers free public transport due to ozone spike

This content was published on Aug 13, 2025 Public transport will be free in canton Geneva on Wednesday due to a spike in ozone pollution – a Swiss first.

Jura: harps and muzzles to trap Asian hornets

Switzerland trials muzzles and electric harps against Asian hornets

This content was published on Aug 12, 2025 Scientists have fitted several beehives in Cornol in canton Jura with electric harps and muzzles to electrocute and stop Asian hornets.

Basel research team discovers mini-factories in cells

This content was published on Aug 11, 2025 Basel researchers uncover cell mini-factories that boost protein folding efficiency.

Unusual family tree unveiled in Lower Valais

Giant family tree unveiled in Switzerland

This content was published on Aug 11, 2025 Switzerland unveils 230,000-year family tree tracing Walser ancestry.

Valais: SalorStratos has never flown so high

SolarStratos completes its highest solar flight

This content was published on Aug 11, 2025 The SolarStratos plane didn’t reach its goal of 10,000 metres but still exceeded its highest solar flight ever.

Luxury or necessity? Five questions about air conditioning in Switzerland and around the world

This content was published on Aug 11, 2025 As heatwaves become more intense and frequent, sales of air conditioners are booming. But this has consequences for the climate and electricity consumption.

Blatten: satellite images of ground movements from 2016

Satellite images detect signs of Blatten landslide in 2016

This content was published on Aug 8, 2025 Warning signs of the landslide that wiped out the village in May were visible from space years before, the ESA has found.

Female gorillas prevent inbreeding by avoiding groups with male relatives

This content was published on Aug 6, 2025 Female gorillas do not change groups randomly. They avoid the males they grew up with, thus preventing inbreeding, according to a study by the University of Zurich.