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EAER Press releases
ESA Centre of Excellence opens in Switzerland
The European Space Agency ESA has officially opened the “European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre” (ESDI). Set up in close collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, it is located in the immediate vicinity of the research institute, at Park Innovaare. The opening ceremony was attended by high-ranking ESA representatives, as well as high-ranking Swiss and Aargau politicians.
A laser that can “see” and “think”: Machine learning simplifies industrial laser processes
Laser-based metal processing enables the automated and precise production of complex components, whether for the automotive industry or for medicine. However, conventional methods require time- and resource-consuming preparations. Researchers at Empa in Thun are using machine learning to make laser processes more precise, more cost-effective and more efficient.
Celebration event for the 50 years of ESA in Lausanne
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the convention that established the European Space Agency (ESA). Several member states are holding events to mark the occasion. On 26 May, Switzerland held an event in Lausanne in collaboration with ESA, dedicated to the themes of ‘inspiration, science and exploration’.
Matthias Sulzer: Building bridges between research and industry
The ETH Board has appointed Matthias Sulzer as a member of Empa's Directorate. Since January 2025, Sulzer is the Head of Empa's Engineering Sciences Department, where he deals with the full range of materials and technologies for the built environment. The engineer is convinced that research and industry mutually benefit each other – a principle that he has lived by throughout his career in both “worlds”. The real key to success for him, however, is people.
New standards in nuclear physics
An international research team led by the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI has measured the radius of the nucleus of muonic helium-3 with unprecedented precision. The results are an important stress test for theories and future experiments in atomic physics.
New member of the Empa Directorate and preparatory phase for appointment of the President of ETH Zurich
At its meeting of 21/22 May, the ETH Board appointed Matthias Sulzer as a new Member of the Directorate at Empa and launched the procedure for appointing a new President of ETH Zurich as of 2027.
12 new professors appointed at ETH Zurich and EPFL
At its meeting of 21/22 May 2025 and upon application of the President of ETH Zurich, Professor Joël Mesot, and the President of EPFL, Professor Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, the ETH Board appointed a total of two women and ten men as professors and awarded the title of professor to three individuals and the title of Professor of Practice to two individuals. It also took note of the resignation of 12 professors and thanked them for their services. In the last 12 months, the ETH Board has made a total of 18 new appointments for women and 28 for men; the proportion of women among these new appointments thus amounts to 39%.
Swiss–EU package: chief negotiators initial agreements
The chief negotiators of Switzerland and the EU, Patric Franzen and Richard Szostak, and the Swiss co-negotiators from the relevant federal offices initialled the agreements of the Switzerland–EU package in Bern on 21 May 2025. The initialling formally concluded the negotiation process with the EU. The Federal Council will decide before the summer whether to approve the agreements and open the consultation process, and publish the texts.
Federal Council to strengthen SIFEM AG with additional share capital
On 21 May, the Federal Council decided to increase the capital of SIFEM AG by CHF 75 million. This will enable the federal development finance institution to stabilise its investment volume at CHF 150 million.
Excessive commission rates by Booking.com – Price Supervisor orders reduction
The Price Supervisor has ruled that Booking.com B.V. must reduce its prices in Switzerland. Its analysis showed that the company's commission rates for Swiss hotels are too high and must therefore be reduced by almost a quarter. The reduction must be implemented three months after the ruling becomes final and will apply for three years. The ruling was necessary because the parties could not reach an agreement.
Nanomedicine for treatment of inflammation in pregnancy - Safe medication for mother and child
Special care must be taken with illnesses during pregnancy, as not all drugs are compatible for mother and child. This is why an international research team involving Empa is now developing nanomedicines that will enable safe and effective treatment of inflammatory processes during pregnancy. Pregnancy complications are often caused or accompanied by inflammation, but the treatment options are often not sufficiently effective or are suspected of interfering with the development of the foetus.
Sanctions: Ordinance imposing Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine
On 15 May 2025, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (EAER) has updated the document ‘Interpretative aid for sanction measures’. The modifications are visible in track changes mode.
GDP flash for the first quarter of 2025: Swiss economic growth above average
According to the early estimate of Switzerland's quarterly real GDP around 45 days after the end of the quarter ('GDP flash'), Swiss economic output is estimated to have increased by 0.7% in the first quarter of 2025 (Adjusted for seasonal/calendar effects and sporting events). This growth was driven significantly by the services sector, with industry also showing overall expansion.
Notes: The flash estimate is based on early information available on the production components of GDP. Estimates are used where values are not yet available. The result may therefore change after the complete and updated source data become available. The regular release of quarterly GDP figures, including details on production, expenditure and income as well as updated calculations for the previous quarters, will be published on 2 June 2025.Ukraine: Federal Council implements 16th EU sanctions package against Russia
The Federal Council decided on 14 May 2025 that Switzerland will adopt the measures in the European Union’s 16th package of sanctions against Russia, with effect from 15 May 2025. 48 individuals, 35 entities and 74 vessels were already added to the Swiss sanctions list against Russia on 4 March. The Federal Council is also extending Swiss sanctions against Belarus.
Federal Council elects Anja König to the Innosuisse Board
On 14 May, the Federal Council elected Anja Isabella König, Global Head of the Novartis Venture Fund, as a member of the Innosuisse Board. She will take up her role on 1 June.
Using AI to identify genetic perturbations from cell images
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have developed an AI that could open up a new, cost-effective approach to identifying genetic perturbation patterns in cell images – potentially enabling the development of new drugs.
SECO: Ordinance on measures against Myanmar
On 12 May 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER has amended annex 1 of the ordinance on measures against Myanmar. The entries concerning 14 individuals have been modified. The measures come into force on 14 May 2025.
Nature's fiber composite: Researchers develop living material from fungi
Fungi are considered a promising source of biodegradable materials. Empa researchers have developed a new material based on a fungal mycelium and its own extracellular matrix. This gives the biomaterial particularly advantageous properties.
Farm structure census 2024 – Organic farming loses momentum in 2024
In 2024, there were 47 075 farms in Switzerland, 1.3% fewer than the previous year. Organic farming also lost its momentum, with the number of organic farms ceasing to grow for the first time since 2010. Trends in livestock numbers varied. The number of dairy cows and pigs fell, while poultry numbers remained stable. These results are taken from the Farm Structure Survey conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin on a working visit to Poland
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will visit Poland on 14 and 15 May. During his visit he will sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in education, research and innovation (ERI). Bilateral ministerial meetings are also planned, focusing on ERI and business. The programme will conclude with a visit to the renowned Impact'25 innovation fair.