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EAER Press releases
Switzerland and the United Kingdom discuss science and innovation
The third meeting of the Swiss-British Joint Committee for Science and Innovation was held in London on 21 November 2025. The meeting was chaired by State Secretary Martina Hirayama and the British Director of International Research and Innovation, Adam Jackson, and served to assess and improve bilateral co-operation in research and innovation.
How the cheese-noodle principle could help counter Alzheimer's
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have clarified how spermine – a small molecule that regulates many processes in the body's cells – can guard against diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: it renders certain proteins harmless by acting a bit like cheese on noodles, making them clump together. This discovery could help combat such diseases. The study has now been published in the journal Nature Communications.
In 2024, fewer students had experienced international mobility
In 2024, 19% of students in higher education in Switzerland had undertaken a temporary study period, work placement or other mobility experience in another country since starting their studies, seven percentage points lower than in 2020 (26%). When surveyed for the first time about their experiences of discrimination, 25% of students said they felt discriminated against in their studies on various grounds such as gender, nationality or language. Many more findings are presented in the main report of the 2024 Survey on the Social and Economic Situation of Students, conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Federal Council increases contributions for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships without impacting costs
On 19 November, the Federal Council amended the Ordinance on Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, thereby increasing monthly scholarship contributions to CHF 2,450 starting from 1 January 2026 . This ensures that this funding instrument remains attractive for promising foreign students and researchers and continues to strengthen international exchange at Swiss universities. To implement this change without impacting costs, the number of scholarships available will be reduced. In addition, postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be awarded from the 2027/28 academic year.
First ministerial meeting of the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership: Switzerland promotes open markets
The inaugural ministerial meeting of the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT Partnership) convened in Singapore on 18 November 2025. Switzerland participated in the meeting alongside 15 other states. The FIT Partnership unites small and medium-sized economies committed to open and rules-based global trade.
PFAS in ski wax: Forever chemicals on the ski trail
When the forever chemicals known as PFAS enter the environment, they remain there for generations and can harm humans and nature. Despite increasing bans, many PFAS are still in circulation – including on Swiss ski slopes and cross-country trails, where the toxins enter the environment through abrasion from ski wax. Empa researchers have, in connection with a graduation project, detected elevated PFAS concentrations in snow samples from the Engadin region – and are urging cross-country skiers to switch to fluorine-free waxes.
GDP flash for the third quarter of 2025: Swiss economy contracts
According to the early estimate of Switzerland's quarterly real GDP approximately 45 days after the quarter end ('GDP flash'), Swiss economic output is estimated to have contracted by 0.5% in the third quarter of 2025.[1] Driven by a sharp decline in value added in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector, industry as a whole recorded negative growth. The services sector grew at a below-average rate.
Note: 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 once 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 28 November 2025.
[1] Adjusted for seasonal/calendar effects and sporting eventsDeclaration of intent between the USA and Switzerland on US additional tariffs
Switzerland and Liechtenstein have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the United States. On this basis, the United States will reduce the country-specific additional tariff to 15%.
Highly Cited Researchers 2025: Two Empa researchers recognized for outstanding impact
Empa researchers Maksym Kovalenko and Zhanyun Wang are among the world's most frequently cited scientists in their respective fields. Their influential contributions have earned them a spot on the prestigious list of Highly Cited Researchers 2025.
Switzerland and EU sign agreement on Swiss participation in EU programmes
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva signed the Switzerland-EU programmes agreement in Bern on 10 November 2025. This part of the Switzerland-EU package can be provisionally applied with retroactive effect from the beginning of 2025. Switzerland is thus associated to Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe programme. The agreement also paves the way for association to ITER, Erasmus+ and EU4Health.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures against persons, groups, businesses and organisations associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida
The UN security council has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.
Consumer sentiment the same as a year ago
In October 2025 the consumer sentiment index stood at –37 points. This is the same as in October 2024. The following sub-index is lower than in October 2024: economic outlook. The following sub-indices are higher than a year ago: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases.
Successful funding round for Empa-ETH spin-off: $ 5.7 million to industrialize ultra-thin solid-state batteries
Swiss battery start-up BTRY AG has raised $ 5.7 million in an oversubscribed seed round. The funds will accelerate the industrialization of its ultra-thin solid-state batteries – a new category of energy storage combining fast charging, extreme temperature stability, and intrinsic safety in one of the world’s thinnest formats. They power next-generation devices such as connected labels, wireless sensors, and wearables – applications where conventional batteries could not fit or endure.
Earth observation from space: New satellites deliver precise emission maps
Space offers a new perspective on greenhouse gases and air pollutants: In future, European satellites will for the first time provide detailed emission maps, all the way down to the contributions of individual power plants and industrial facilities. The necessary methods and technologies were developed by Empa researchers within international research partnerships.
Sanctions: Ordinance imposing Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine
On 30 October 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.
Residential property prices increased by 0.8% in 3rd quarter 2025
The Swiss Residential Property Price Index (IMPI) rose in the 3rd quarter 2025 by 0.8% compared with the previous quarter and reached 124.3 points (4th quarter 2019 = 100). Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, inflation was 5.2%. These are some of the results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Ukraine: Federal Council applies 18th EU sanctions package
On 29 October, the Federal Council decided that Switzerland will adopt further measures from the European Union's 18th package of sanctions against Russia, as well as the EU's additional measures against Belarus. The new measures focus on trade in goods and the financial and energy sectors and will take effect on 30 October.
State visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa: Switzerland and South Africa strengthen relations
The state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa is serving as an opportunity for Switzerland and South Africa to strengthen relations. On Wednesday, 29 October, five documents on future cooperation were signed. Prior to that, the South African president was received by the full Federal Council. Official talks focused on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries at international level.
Switzerland – United Kingdom: Extension of the agreement on the mobility of service suppliers
On 21 October, Switzerland and the United Kingdom extended the Services Mobility Agreement until 31 December 2029. The Agreement provides Swiss companies with easy access to British service suppliers and regulates Swiss service suppliers' access to the UK market.
Empa's research in space: “We need a certain critical mass”
From environmental monitoring to future moon bases: Innovative materials, processes, and models are essential for space travel. Lorenz Herrmann, member of Empa's Directorate and Head of the Advanced Materials and Surfaces department, explains how Empa's strengths can benefit the Swiss space industry and why collaborative networks remain key.