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.

Obstacles delay 16 crucial Swiss hydroelectric projects

Obstacles to the development of sixteen hydroelectric projects

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

Climate solutions

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.

Fading fast: the final years of East Africa’s glaciers

This content was published on Jul 23, 2025 East Africa’s tropical glaciers, from Kilimanjaro to Mount Kenya, are disappearing due to climate change. What does this mean for the continent’s water supply?

Research frontiers

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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A man standing in front of an image of a smartphone

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.

UBS deploys AI analyst clones

This content was published on May 20, 2025 Zurich-based bank using OpenAI and Synthesia models to create lifelike avatars of its experts.

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

Our monthly newsletter helps you understand how developments in science and technology out of Switzerland are shaping our lives.

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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

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.

Natural catastrophes lead to second most expensive half-year for insurers

Natural disasters lead to second most expensive half-year for insurers

This content was published on Aug 6, 2025 The wildfires in California and storm damage have led to the second most expensive first half of the year ever for the insurance industry.

One in three new vehicles had a plug in July

One in three new vehicles in Switzerland are plug-ins

This content was published on Aug 5, 2025 Plug-in vehicles account for 33% of new car registrations in Switzerland.

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?

Join the discussion

Aug 4, 2025

6 Comments

View the discussion

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?

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?

Artificial intelligence to make scarecrows more effective

Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective

This content was published on Jul 31, 2025 The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.

Two robots play hide-and-seek in space with Swiss help

This content was published on Jul 31, 2025 Robots developed separately have worked together at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, helped in part by a control centre in Switzerland.

Earth’s magnetic field is older than previously thought: Swiss scientists

This content was published on Jul 31, 2025 Scientists at the Swiss federal technology institute ETH Zurich have shown that the protective magnetic field already existed more than a billion years ago.

German mountaineer dies in fall on the Riffelhorn in Valais

German mountaineer dies in fall near Zermatt

This content was published on Jul 31, 2025 A 55-year-old mountaineer from Germany has fallen to his death on the Riffelhorn south of Zermatt.

A glacial mummy reveals the craft of prehistoric tattooing

Swiss scientists reveal the complex craft of prehistoric tattooing

This content was published on Jul 31, 2025 An international research team led by the University of Bern has analysed tattoos on a Siberian glacial mummy that is over 2,000 years old.

Marmots move a little higher due to climate change

Swiss study shows marmots move to higher altitude due to climate change

This content was published on Jul 29, 2025 Swiss study finds that marmots move higher due to multiple factors, including climate change.

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.

A tropical parasite moves from Switzerland to Germany

A tropical parasite spreads from Switzerland to Germany

This content was published on Jul 27, 2025 A pest from the tropics is giving Swiss agriculture a hard time. The caterpillar of the tomato moth (Helicoverpa armigera) devours almost everything. The moth is now spreading northwards.

Geneva hosts some 1,350 foundations, many of which receive public funding from Switzerland and other countries.

International Geneva

A Geneva-based global health foundation came close to ‘collapse’. Where were regulators?   

Swiss Politics

Will Switzerland finally do away with imputed rental-value tax on homeowners?

King Albert I enjoyed climbing in the Swiss Alps, where he went almost every year. The picture was coloured using AI by the National Museum.

History

King Albert I: the mountaineering monarch

Cooks at work in the kitchen, pictured during a look behind the scenes at Hotel Seedamm Plaza in Pfaeffikon, canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, on March 31, 2014. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

Foreign Affairs

In Switzerland four out of ten people have a migrant background – who are they?

Healthcare innovation

Can Saudi Arabia’s billions unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier life?

Does your country of residence offer an e-ID?

Switzerland is voting on a new e-ID system. Has your country of residence already introduced one? And does it make your life easier?

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Aug 15, 2025

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Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?

Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?

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Jul 21, 2025

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24 Comments

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Are you noticing or anticipating any changes in your life as a result of the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump?

How do you think your life could be impacted by the US tariff policy? Let us know.

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Aug 5, 2025

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Science

More

Obstacles delay 16 crucial Swiss hydroelectric projects

More

Europe’s tallest dam turns 75

More

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

More

Too hot to work? Extreme heat endangers billions of workers

More

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

More

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

More

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

More

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

More

In Geneva, global accord in sight on plastics pollution

More

Silent power guzzlers: Switzerland’s booming data centres

More

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

More

Fading fast: the final years of East Africa’s glaciers

More

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

More

How semiconductors are made

More

Switzerland offers no lifeboat to US scientists

More

Silent power guzzlers: Switzerland’s booming data centres

More

Chip-making factory aims to boost Swiss semiconductors

More

Swiss chip industry fuelled by research, not cash windfalls

More

AI giants accused of hiding environmental footprint

More

Swiss Reddit study on fake news stirs ethics debate

More

How a fake news study tested ethical research boundaries

More

Swiss roads could see driverless vehicles within three years

More

UBS deploys AI analyst clones

Listen to our science podcast

More

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

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on science

More

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

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Our videos on science

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Is AI making young people rethink their careers?

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Lift off! Swiss students build next-gen reusable rockets

More

Fish species are disappearing as Swiss lakes warm up

More

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

More

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

More

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

More on science

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Majority of Swiss residents use AI tools

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Swiss carbon offset foundation to cut 10% of staff

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Europe’s tallest dam turns 75

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

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Chinese firm Baidu to launch European robotaxi business in Zurich

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Too hot to work? Extreme heat endangers billions of workers

A Geneva-based global health foundation came close to ‘collapse’. Where were regulators?   