Innovation: Switzerland discovers

From basic scientific research to industrial R&D, we bring you stories of how knowledge born in Switzerland has informed and inspired the world.

Research news

Science Saturday Zurich scientists find link between stress and the brain

A neurotransmitter called noradrenaline, produced in large quantities during stressful situations, reconfigures communications within the brain.

Science Saturday Archaeological discovery confirms Lake Geneva tsunami research

Roman remains uncovered by Vaud archaeologists appear to confirm previous research about a giant tsunami on Lake Geneva in 563AD.

Technology in our lives

Mobility Driverless vehicles may lead to more congestion in cities

A study has found that the introduction of autonomous taxis and privately-owned driverless vehicles on Swiss streets may result in more congestion.

Energy innovation Why our cities aren’t as smart as they could be

Are low-consumption, high-efficiency ‘green’ technologies enough to create the kind of sustainable cities we’d like to live in?

By Celia Luterbacher in Geneva

Green light Intelligent traffic lights guide driverless buses through traffic

Thanks to intelligent traffic lights, SmartShuttles will be able to cross junctions without the help of a driver.

Future of Transport Geneva to test fleet of self-driving buses

The canton of Geneva is set to test a system of self-driving public buses as part of an international project part-funded by the EU.

The business of innovation

Air Mail Swiss post office expands hospital drone delivery system

The Swiss Post is expanding its drone delivery system, transporting laboratory samples between two hospitals in Zurich.

Internet of Things Swiss nanosatellite launched into orbit

A nanosatellite developed by Swiss start-up Astrocast was launched into space Monday at a SpaceX rocket launch in California.

drone frontier Diamonds show promise in extending drone flight times

Lausanne-based LakeDiamond has developed a laser beam system using diamonds that could dramatically extend the flying time of drones.

Roche and Novartis R&D spending hits global record but shrinks in Switzerland

Despite worldwide research and development expenditures reaching an all-time high of $782 billion, Swiss budgets have declined by 10%.

Doing science

‘Swiss Nobel Prize’ British researcher wins top Swiss science award

Materials theory specialist Nicola Spaldin has been awarded this year’s Marcel Benoist prize for her groundbreaking research on multiferroics.

Science Saturday Swiss polytechnic hosts international physics competition

Over 200 physics students are gathering at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne for the 2019 International Physicists’ Tournament.

Access, mobility & funding Brexit’s ‘toxic uncertainty’ impacts Swiss and UK scientists

Scientific progress in Switzerland, and for Swiss citizens, could be at risk if research and innovation are caught up in the politics of Brexit.

By Tara Giroud

Swiss cinema How to tell a science story through film

A unique hackathon event aims to bring a new dimension to science communication through short films that are as entertaining as they are informative.

By Celia Luterbacher in Lausanne

Waste not, want not Urban Mining: a second life for building material

Enrico Marchesi, innovation manager of the NEST building at Empa, explains the concept of Urban Mining and shows some examples.

Digging deep What does the snow layer tell us?

Snow physicist Charles Fierz and his colleague from the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) in Davos demonstrate the various tests and ...

Podcast Meet the researchers challenging the scientific status quo

Science is always a work in progress, and any theory or finding, published in even the most prestigious journal, could someday be turned on its head.

By Celia Luterbacher

AI at WEF The human brain in machine form: a matter of when, not if

How close are scientists to recreating the human brain? What happens when machines become as intelligent as humans? Perspectives from Davos.

By Matthew Allen, Carlo Pisani

Mapping diversity Using planes and lasers for a biodiversity checkup

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new system to measure the diversity and health of forests with a laser scanner mounted on ...

Nuclear emergency Measuring radiation in the air and soil

Spiez Laboratory is a key part of the monitoring and emergency task force set up to deal with a major nuclear or radiological event in Switzerland.

Polluting petrol Swiss researchers dish up the dirt on petrol

Diesel vehicles are to blame for lots of particulate matter, but modern petrol engines produce 100 times more. That's the conclusion of ...

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