Press information
EAER Press releases
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.
AiiDAlab: software that drives research forward
The software platform AiiDAlab was originally developed to simplify computer simulations in materials research. A team of researchers, led by the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and Empa, have now demonstrated its use in new areas: from atmospheric research and controlling experiments to teaching.
Consumer sentiment slightly higher than a year ago
In April 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –40 points. This is 2 points higher than in April 2025. The following sub-indices are higher than in April 2025: economic outlook and past financial situation. The following sub-index is lower than a year ago: moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index has barely changed compared to April 2025: financial outlook.
Cooling without pumps: New measurement data for modular reactors
Passive cooling systems for nuclear power plants operate without pumps or electricity: They rely solely on physical effects such as density differences to dissipate heat. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have now experimentally investigated such systems for small modular reactors, collecting high-resolution measurement data for the first time. This provides an important basis for developing future generations of reactors.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine
On 7.05.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended the formular “ Reporting services and software (art. 28e (9) Ukraine Ordinance) ”.
Empa spin-off Lepto GmbH: More efficient communication for satellites with terahertz radiation
Terahertz radiation is a promising part of the electromagnetic spectrum that has so far been underutilized. Empa researchers Elena Mavrona and Erwin Hack want to help close the so-called terahertz gap. With their spin-off company Lepto, they manufacture filters and other devices for terahertz radiation, enabling a wide range of applications both in space and on Earth.
Scenarios for Switzerland’s future
How could life in Switzerland develop socially, economically and politically by the end of the century? Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL investigated this as part of the NCCS-Impacts programme. The result? Five scenarios with significantly different impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, as shown by modelling in a new publication.
President Parmelin meets with President Mattarella and Deputy Prime Minister Tajani in Rome
On Tuesday, 5 May, President Guy Parmelin met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome. The talks focused on bilateral relations, security issues and competitiveness in Europe, as well as current international affairs. The response to the devastating fire in Crans Montana was also discussed. On 6 May, President Parmelin will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Swiss Guards at the Vatican. During his visit, he will meet Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
Field Trial with Cisgenic Potatoes: Sustainable Disease Resistance Sought
Agroscope is testing the use of new breeding technologies by cultivating a late blight-resistant potato cultivar in the field. Authorised by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the field study serves as a basis for researching potato varieties containing no foreign DNA. These so called ‘cisgenic’ varieties reduce the need for plant-protection products and can better withstand extreme weather conditions.
Diplomatic Corps excursion programme spotlights history and innovation
At the invitation of President Guy Parmelin, foreign ambassadors accredited to Switzerland travelled to the President’s home canton of Vaud on Friday, 1 May, for their annual outing. The programme took the party from Chillon Castle to the Genolier Innovation Hub.
President Parmelin attends European Political Community summit in Armenia and pays visit to Italy and the Holy See
President Guy Parmelin will represent Switzerland at the eighth summit of the European Political Community (EPC), which is to be held in the Armenian capital of Yerevan on 4 May. On 5 and 6 May, Mr Parmelin will meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome, hold talks at the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV and attend the swearing-in ceremony of new recruits to the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
Innosuisse and armasuisse launch a call for projects in the field of dual-use technologies
Through this initiative, Innosuisse and the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) aim to strengthen research, development and innovation in the fields of security and defence, whilst generating tangible benefits for the economy and civil society. The call for projects focuses on dual-use technologies, i.e. those that can be used in both civilian and security sectors. It contributes to the implementation of the armament policy strategy of the Federal Council and will be launched on 1 July 2026. The budget for this initiative amounts to CHF 20 million and will be shared between Innosuisse and armasuisse.
First-ever Swiss presidential visit to North Macedonia
On Wednesday, 29 April, President Guy Parmelin met with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Speaker of Parliament Afrim Gashi, and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje. The presidential visit was accompanied by an economic delegation and focused on bilateral relations, in particular on economic exchange and the international cooperation programme.
Sanctions : Ordinance on measures against individuals and groups associated with the Taliban
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.
State Secretary Martina Hirayama attends OECD Skills Summit in Istanbul
On 27 and 28 April, delegations from over 30 countries gathered in Istanbul for the OECD Skills Summit, held under the theme ‘Unlocking Talent Across Generations’. The summit focused in particular on the policy measures needed to adapt education systems to the skills required in the age of artificial intelligence, while promoting lifelong learning and inclusion.
Sanctions : Ordinance on measures against Sudan
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.