Press information
EAER Press releases
New insights into human vision
The retina of the human eye contains six to seven million cone cells. These cells contain light-sensitive proteins known as cone opsins. They enable us to perceive our surroundings in detail in daylight. In a new study, researchers led by Polina Isaikina from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have now, for the first time, determined the three-dimensional molecular structure of human cone opsins in their dark state, that is, before they are activated by light.
Metal 3D printing extends the service life of steel components
Bridges, support structures, and industrial steel constructions are often subjected to stress for decades. As they age, fatigue cracks can compromise safety. However, replacing permanently installed components is often impractical or very costly. Empa researchers are therefore investigating how steel components can be specifically repaired or even redesigned in the future – using metallic 3D printing.
President Guy Parmelin leads economic and scientific mission to North America
From 29 June to 9 July, President Guy Parmelin will visit the US and Canada on an economic and scientific mission. He will then continue to Mexico, where he will meet President Claudia Sheinbaum. The purpose of the trip is to strengthen and extend Switzerland’s economic and scientific ties with North America. On 2 July, Mr Parmelin will attend the Swiss national team’s round of 32 match in the football World Cup in Vancouver.
Federal Council prioritises international cooperation and strengthens humanitarian aid
At its meeting on 24 June 2026, the Federal Council set out the key parameters for international cooperation from 2029. In future, Switzerland will focus its development cooperation in a more targeted manner, establish a clear division of responsibilities between the SDC and SECO, and strengthen its humanitarian aid. In doing so, it is responding to the altered geopolitical situation, enhancing the impact of its international cooperation and, at the same time, achieving savings for the federal budget. The budget for international cooperation remains virtually unchanged at around CHF 2.4 billion per year. The measures that have been adopted will result in an annual reduction of around CHF 20 million from 2027. The FDFA and the EAER were tasked with drafting a consultation document on the International Cooperation Strategy 2029–32 on this basis.
Günther Dissertori to become the new president of ETH Zurich
On 24 June, the Federal Council appointed Günther Dissertori as the new president of ETH Zurich, following a proposal by the ETH Board. The 56-year-old is currently the rector of ETH Zurich and a professor of particle physics. He will take up his post on 1 January 2027, succeeding Joël Mesot.
Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026: Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction
Switzerland will be represented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) to be held in Gdańsk from 25 to 26 June by a delegation led by Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council’s Delegate for Ukraine. Launched in Lugano in 2022 at Switzerland’s initiative, the Conference has become the key international forum for the reconstruction of Ukraine. This year’s event will focus on the country’s economic recovery, support for critical infrastructure, strengthening security capabilities, and promoting reforms and the fight against corruption.
President Parmelin attends EFTA Ministerial Conference in Reykjavik
On 22 June, President Guy Parmelin attended the Ministerial Conference of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Reykjavik. The ministers of the four EFTA states commended the significant progress made towards an imminent conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement with Viet Nam. Iceland, Norway and Switzerland signed updated bilateral agricultural agreements with the Palestinian Authority. On the fringes of the ministerial conference, a working meeting took place between President Parmelin and Icelandic Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir.
Virtual tissue staining in 3-D
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have developed an AI platform that stains tissue images from computed tomography as if they had been made from classical tissue sections. This could in the future enable non-destructive and three-dimensional analysis of pathological changes. The study was published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface.
Economic forecast: Iran crisis clouds the outlook
The Federal Government Expert Group on Business Cycles has revised its growth forecast for Switzerland slightly downward. GDP is now expected to increase by 0.9% in 2026 – well below the historical average – followed by 1.6% in 2027 (March forecast: 1.0% and 1.7% respectively). [1] The crisis in the Middle East is driving up energy prices and weighing on the global economy. Uncertainty remains high.
Toward a just energy transition: Vanja Djinlev elected to the Swiss Young Academy
Empa researcher Vanja Djinlev has been appointed a member of the Swiss Young Academy. The appointment recognizes his scientific achievements as well as his commitment to bridging the gap between research and society, particularly in the pursuit of greater energy justice.
Responsible Business Conduct: OECD gives Switzerland high marks
The Swiss National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct, which is based within the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), has undergone an review by the relevant OECD committee. On 17 June 2026, the OECD recognised the Swiss National Contact Point for its high level of professionalism and effectiveness. At the same time, the report contains recommendations aimed at further strengthening the visibility, transparency and impact of the mechanism.
Savings Measures: Agroscope Sharpens the Focus of its Research Portfolio
Because of various savings measures passed by the Swiss Parliament and the Federal Council, Agroscope’s ordinary budget shows a structural deficit of around CHF 10 million. This makes a narrowing of the thematic focus of the research portfolio essential, and leads to a loss of 58 full-time positions. Even with this narrowed focus, Agroscope will remain a competent and competitive research institution for the Swiss agriculture and food sector over the long term. The site strategy for Agroscope passed by the Federal Council in May 2020 will continue to be implemented.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine
On 15.06.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 8 to the ordinance. In this process, 16 individuals and 7 organizations were added to the annex. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 16.06.2026.
SECO: Ordinance imposing measures against Syria
On 15 June 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 7 to the ordinance. The entries concerning 18 individuals and 4 entities have been modified. In addition, 7 entries have been removed. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 16 June 2026.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against individuals and entities who support Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
On 15 June 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended the annex of the ordinance on measures against individuals and entities who support Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Ten individuals have been added to the annex. The measures come into force on 16 June 2026 at 11 p.m.
ERC Grant for Empa researcher Dorina Opris: Developing fluorine-free transducers for the market
Storing energy, moving robots, detecting vibrations: The innovative silicon materials developed by Empa researcher Dorina Opris can do all this – and much more. She has now received a Proof of Concept Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) to bring the materials from the laboratory to market.
State Secretary Martina Hirayama on a science mission to Canada
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, will travel to Canada on a science mission from 15 to 19 June. While there, she will attend ministerial-level meetings and visit science and technology institutions in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. Discussions will focus on key areas including quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, life sciences and polar research.
President Guy Parmelin greets participants of the Évian G7 Summit
Ahead of the G7 summit in Évian, President Guy Parmelin greeted arriving heads of state and government at Geneva Airport on Monday, 15 June. In addition to the G7 countries, numerous other countries are taking part in the summit. Over the course of the day, Mr Parmelin held lengthy talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, President of the European Council, as well as with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Further bilateral talks are also planned.
Consumer sentiment slightly lower than a year ago
In May 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –38 points. This is 2 points lower than in May 2025. The following sub-indices are lower than in May 2025: economic outlook and financial outlook. The following sub-indices have barely changed compared to May 2025: past financial situation and moment to make major purchases.
Investment Screening Ordinance: Federal Council opens consultation
On 12 June, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the Investment Screening Ordinance, which sets out the implementing provisions for the Investment Screening Act passed by Parliament on 19 December 2025.