Science

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

How AI data centres risk straining Switzerland’s water resources

This content was published on May 16, 2026 Switzerland’s rapidly expanding data centre sector is consuming ever‑greater amounts of water, driven by AI and the push for digital sovereignty.

Climate solutions

Climate fatalism and disengagement in Switzerland are on the rise

This content was published on May 12, 2026 Despite being one of the world’s fastest-warming countries, Switzerland stands out for its public’s relatively low appetite for climate action.

skiers using a ski lift on a strip of snow on green fields.

Five numbers show how the climate is changing in Switzerland

This content was published on May 7, 2026 Switzerland ranks among the countries most affected by climate change. We break down the impacts using five key figures.

Switzerland’s fossil fuel dependence explained

This series explains why Switzerland remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels despite its climate goals.

Where Switzerland gets its oil and gas

This content was published on May 5, 2026 Switzerland imports its oil and gas. Discover where its energy comes from, key suppliers like the US and Norway, and how the system works.

Why Switzerland’s fuel stockpiles are for Swiss use only

This content was published on May 4, 2026 In the event of fuel and heating oil shortages, Switzerland can draw on compulsory stockpiles. It does not have to share these with other countries.

Colombia summit marks ‘historic’ step toward phase-out of fossil fuels

This content was published on May 1, 2026 Representatives from nearly 60 countries met in Colombia to discuss a global shift away from fossil fuels, a move Switzerland’s environment ambassador described as a positive step forward.

Solar panel prices fell by almost 70% from early 2022 to the end of 2025, driven by massive overcapacity in China.

Fossil fuel shock revives clean power as security priority

This content was published on May 1, 2026 The war in the Middle East is exposing the price of energy dependence. As fossil fuel shocks ripple through markets, clean energy is being reframed as a security necessity.

How the war in Iran is affecting Swiss consumers

This content was published on Apr 30, 2026 Two months of war in Iran have sent shockwaves through global energy markets and economies. Switzerland has so far escaped the worst – but the fallout is starting to be felt.

High oil prices could boost renewables, says Energy Vault CEO

This content was published on Apr 25, 2026 Robert Piconi, the Chair and CEO of Energy Vault, says high oil prices could actually be good news.

Swiss oil traders anticipate high prices and strong profits

This content was published on Apr 24, 2026 The Iran war and subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are driving up energy prices.

Worker installing solar panels on the roof of a residential house in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Switzerland lags as Europe rushes to renewables amid the oil crisis

This content was published on Apr 24, 2026 As the Iran war pushes up fuel costs, households across Europe are turning to solar panels, heat pumps and electric cars. In Switzerland, residents face hurdles on the path to renewable energy.

Research frontiers

How AI data centres risk straining Switzerland’s water resources

This content was published on May 16, 2026 Switzerland’s rapidly expanding data centre sector is consuming ever‑greater amounts of water, driven by AI and the push for digital sovereignty.

Swiss bankers wary, but not spooked by Mythos AI threat

This content was published on May 1, 2026 The Swiss financial sector is assessing the potential threat posed by frontier artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Why Merantix founder Adrian Locher chose Berlin over Zurich for his AI start-up

This content was published on Apr 18, 2026 Ten years ago, Adrian Locher from Bern set out to find the ideal location to develop an AI ecosystem – and ultimately chose Germany over Switzerland.

Swiss organisation wins award for tracking data centre pollution

This content was published on Apr 16, 2026 The Swiss Datacenter Efficiency Association has received international recognition for a computer that measures, for the first time, the environmental and climate impact of a data centre.

How Swiss AI recognises wild animals – and helps biologists worldwide

This content was published on Apr 8, 2026 From identifying bears in Alaska to tracking deer in the Alps, Swiss AI could open new frontiers in wildlife conservation. But it still needs humans sending back the data from the field.

An aerial view of the ongoing construction work on the world's largest redox-flow battery storage system in Laufenburg, canton Aargau.

Switzerland builds world’s most powerful redox-flow battery

This content was published on Apr 7, 2026 A Swiss firm is constructing what it claims is the world’s most powerful redox‑flow battery in Laufenburg, northern Switzerland.

‘I don’t remember what it was like without AI’: Swiss youth are getting hooked on chatbots

This content was published on Apr 1, 2026 From study aides to emotional support, AI chatbots are becoming constant companions for many young people in Switzerland, raising concerns about attention levels, loneliness and dependence.

girls sitting on the bed with their mobile phones in their hands.

Ban social media for teens? What Switzerland can learn from Australia

This content was published on Apr 1, 2026 Australia has banned social media for those under 16, sparking debate in Switzerland and around the world. But experts warn that bans alone are not enough.

Science podcast: cracking the chip code

This content was published on Mar 27, 2026 Unpacking semiconductors, Switzerland’s chip strategy, and the high-stakes global race for tech dominance in our latest podcast.

AI has increased global appetite for semiconductors

How Switzerland could shape the chip industry’s power balance

This content was published on Mar 12, 2026 Swiss-based RISC-V open-source movement frees chip designers from extra cost and restrictions.

Universities use open-source technology to design chips

Switzerland hosts ‘CERN of semiconductor research’

This content was published on Mar 12, 2026 Swiss universities rely on open-source technology to design more efficient chips.

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Science

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How AI data centres risk straining Switzerland’s water resources

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Climate fatalism and disengagement in Switzerland are on the rise

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Five numbers show how the climate is changing in Switzerland

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Switzerland’s fossil fuel dependence explained

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Where Switzerland gets its oil and gas

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Why Switzerland’s fuel stockpiles are for Swiss use only

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Colombia summit marks ‘historic’ step toward phase-out of fossil fuels

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Fossil fuel shock revives clean power as security priority

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How the war in Iran is affecting Swiss consumers

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High oil prices could boost renewables, says Energy Vault CEO

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Swiss oil traders anticipate high prices and strong profits

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Switzerland lags as Europe rushes to renewables amid the oil crisis

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How AI data centres risk straining Switzerland’s water resources

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Swiss bankers wary, but not spooked by Mythos AI threat

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Why Merantix founder Adrian Locher chose Berlin over Zurich for his AI start-up

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Swiss organisation wins award for tracking data centre pollution

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How Swiss AI recognises wild animals – and helps biologists worldwide

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Switzerland builds world’s most powerful redox-flow battery

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‘I don’t remember what it was like without AI’: Swiss youth are getting hooked on chatbots

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Ban social media for teens? What Switzerland can learn from Australia

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Science podcast: cracking the chip code

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How Switzerland could shape the chip industry’s power balance

More

Switzerland hosts ‘CERN of semiconductor research’

Listen to our science podcast

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on science

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