Press information
EAER Press releases
Fewer animal experiments thanks to virtual mouse: AI-supported in silico mouse model for biomedical research
Artificial intelligence (AI) can save lives. At least mouse lives. Empa researchers have developed an AI-supported computer model of a mouse body that uses machine learning to predict how different nanomaterials are distributed in the mouse organism. In line with the ‘Safe and Sustainable by Design’ principle, the model will not only serve as a decision-making aid in drug development, but also reduce animal testing.
Switzerland launches call for investment projects involving the Swiss private sector to support reconstruction in Ukraine
The third call for proposals aimed at supporting reconstruction in Ukraine involving the Swiss private sector was launched today. The focus is on investment projects aimed at constructing facilities for long-term production and/or operations in Ukraine. The federal government is providing up to CHF 50 million to co-finance the projects.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki pays state visit to Switzerland
Polish President Karol Nawrocki, accompanied by his wife Marta Nawrocka, began a two-day state visit to Switzerland on Wednesday, 27 May. He was received by the Federal Council with military honours in Parliament Square to mark the start of his visit. The delegations then discussed how to further strengthen the already excellent bilateral relations. They also addressed issues relating to economic development and security in Europe.
Federal Council reappoints Martin Ackermann as Eawag director
On 27 May, the Federal Council appointed Professor Martin Ackermann to a second term as director of the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag). The four-year term will run from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030.
Official speech by President Guy Parmelin on the occasion of the state visit by President Karol Nawrocki of the Republic of Poland
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Export control exemptions to apply to all EU and EFTA states
On 27 May 2026, the Federal Council decided to extend country-specific exemptions under Swiss export control legislation on trade in military equipment to include all EU and EFTA states. The annexes to three federal ordinances will be amended accordingly. As of 1 July, states added to the lists will benefit from the same concessions as those already applicable to most EU member states and to Norway.
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar on an official visit to Switzerland
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar met with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in Bern on Tuesday, 26 May. The official talks at the Lohn estate focused in particular on further strengthening the excellent relations between Switzerland and Slovenia, European policy matters and the security situation on the continent.
Practical tools for tackling climate change
Anyone who works with nature experiences climate change first hand: forests, bodies of water and agricultural land are becoming increasingly unreliable resources. As part of the NCCS-Impacts research programme, a research team led by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) is developing new tools to better assess risks and adapt planning.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida
The UN sanctions committee 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.
Ukraine: Switzerland expands its sanctions lists
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) expanded the sanctions lists concerning Russia and Belarus on 22 May. Switzerland is thus adopting various changes that the EU decided on as part of its 20th package of sanctions. The measures come into force at 11pm on 22 May.
ETH Domain strengthens existing cooperation with the DDPS and armasuisse
At its meeting of 20/21 May, the ETH Board discussed the conditions for the cooperation with the DDPS and the Federal Office for Defence Procurement, armasuisse, which is to be intensified in accordance with the Federal Council’s new armaments policy strategy. Like the Federal Council, the ETH Board rejects the “No to a Switzerland with 10 million” initiative. In addition, the ETH Board appointed three new members to the Directorate of PSI and two to the Directorate of WSL.
19 new professors appointed at ETH Zurich and EPFL
At its meeting of 20/21 May 2026 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 six women and thirteen men as professors and awarded the title of professor to five individuals and the title of Professor of Practice to two individuals. It also took note of the resignation of 15 professors and thanked them for their services. In the last 12 months, the ETH Board has made a total of 25 new appointments for women and 27 for men; the proportion of women among these new appointments thus amounts to 48%.
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki to pay a state visit to Switzerland next week
President Karol Nawrocki of Poland is expected to arrive in Switzerland on Wednesday, 27 May, for a two-day state visit. This invitation from the Federal Council, headed by President Guy Parmelin, highlights the importance of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland. Since the turning point in 1989, a Polish head of state has visited Switzerland every decade.
New materials for electrolysis: Making green hydrogen more affordable
Green hydrogen – produced from water using renewable energy – is an important sustainable fuel and energy storage medium. However, its industrial production is significantly more expensive than the conventional production of hydrogen from fossil sources. Empa researchers and their partners are developing materials for water electrolysis that are not only efficient and more cost-effective but can also be scaled up to an industrial level.
GDP flash for the first quarter of 2026: Growth accelerates compared to the previous quarter
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 grown by 0.5 % in the first quarter of 2026 [1]. Both the industrial and services sectors contributed to this growth.
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 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 1 June 2026.
[1] Adjusted for seasonal/calendar effects and sporting events. Growth relative to the previous quarter.Pollution from aircraft
During takeoff and landing, planes emit ultrafine aerosol particles. Some particles also contain lubricating oil, as shown by measurements made by researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI in the environs of the Zurich Airport. Low-sulphur fuels could be the solution.
Swiss Science Council recommends national AI infrastructure strategy
The Swiss Science Council SSC sees significant strategic development opportunities for Switzerland in the field of data- and compute-intensive research. In a recent report, the SSC highlights the potential for the targeted further development of existing academic computing infrastructures in order to meet growing demands, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), in a sustainable manner. To ensure internationally competitive research on and with AI, Switzerland requires a suitable national computing infrastructure with sufficient computing ressources and international connectivity. Computing resources are understood to include all necessary components, services and personnel required to make them usable for the end-user. The SSC proposes a multi-tiered, interoperable computing infrastructure system that covers regional to international levels, is based on a national strategy, is led by a strategic committee and is supported by long-term funding.
PFAS-free outdoor clothing: Alternatives to PFAS in textiles
Hiking, jogging, biking – when enjoying outdoor activities, it's easy to get caught off guard by unexpected weather. Modern performance clothing can be waterproof and stain-resistant, but it is often treated with chemicals containing PFAS. It's not easy to find alternatives to these harmful substances. Researchers at Empa are therefore working with textile manufacturers to develop a technology that can be used to find substitutes for PFAS and apply them more precisely – in line with the Safe and Sustainable by Design principle.
Professional education: An asset for independents
A year after completing their studies, 13% of people who obtain an Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education are self-employed. Agriculture and healthcare are among the most common fields of study for those who go on to be self-employed. Most of these professionals were already self-employed before obtaining their qualification and continue to work in the company or practice that they founded. These are the findings of the Survey on Professional Education conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Greater biodiversity through the restoration of wetland forests
Wetland forests are particularly valuable for biodiversity and help to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, many of these forests in Switzerland have been drained during the last few centuries. In a newly published guide, researchers from Eawag, WSL and the ETH, together with experts from the field, set out the positive effects of wetland forests and the measures required to restore them.