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EAER Press releases
State Secretary Martina Hirayama represents Switzerland at the International Space Summit in Paris
The International Space Summit, convened at the initiative of President Emmanuel Macron, was held in Paris on 9 and 10 September. High-level representatives from government, science, business, the military and civil society discussed shared visions and approaches to key issues raised by the growth in space activities. Switzerland was represented by State Secretary Martina Hirayama.
Consumer sentiment higher than a year ago
In August 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –33 points. This is 7 points higher than in August 2025. The following sub-indices are higher than in August 2025: economic outlook and past financial situation. The following sub-indices are lower than a year ago: financial outlook and moment to make major purchases.
Microplastics in Switzerland: This is how much microplastic enters soils and water bodies from the air
For the first time, Empa researchers, in collaboration with researchers from Eawag and Agroscope, have systematically investigated how much microplastic enters the environment in Switzerland via the atmosphere. The result: More than 200 tons of plastic particles contaminate soil and water bodies each year. Of this amount, about 40 percent end up on agricultural land and in lakes and rivers.
First nationwide measurements in Switzerland show low levels of microplastics entering the environment from wastewater treatment plants
Every year, Swiss wastewater treatment plants release around 5 tonnes of microplastics into the environment. That is relatively little: It is estimated that around twice as many microplastic enters Swiss water bodies via the atmosphere. These figures come from the largest nationwide investigation to date on ultrafine plastic particles in the air, water and soil, a joint project by Eawag, Empa and Agroscope. These figures were made possible thanks to a new approach to sampling that yields significantly more reliable results than previous processes..
Dwelling vacancy rate falls below 1% in 2026
On 1 June 2026, there were 45 493 vacant dwellings in Switzerland. This was 0.93% of the total dwelling stock (including single-family houses). There were thus 2962 fewer vacant dwellings compared with the previous year, a decrease of 6.1%. The downward trend in the vacancy rate observed since 2021 therefore continues. These are the latest results from the Federal Statistical Office's (FSO) Empty Dwellings Census.
Federal Council joins EU sanctions against trade in gold from Sudan
The Federal Council has banned the purchase and import of gold originating in Sudan. The sale to Sudan of certain goods used in gold mining and gold extraction is also prohibited. In so doing, the Federal Council is aligning itself with the EU’s equivalent sanctions. The measures will come into force on 10 September.
Switching chiral phonons with electricity
Scientists from Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have used an electric field to reverse the handedness of atomic vibrations known as chiral phonons. Chiral phonons link magnetism with atomic motion. The ability to control them opens new possibilities for phonon-based information technologies.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals, Groups, Companies, and Organisations Associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaïda
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.
Spintronics plus quantum: PSI researcher receives major grant
Giacomo Sala is combining two previously separate disciplines of physics: the established field of spintronics and the emerging field of quantum geometry. His Q-GEOMSPIN project at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI could pave the way for more efficient data storage – and is now being funded with approximately CHF 2.2 million by the European Research Council (ERC).
Gross domestic product in the second quarter of 2026: strong, broad-based growth – large contribution from the chemical and pharmaceutical industry
In the second quarter of 2026, Switzerland’s gross domestic product (GDP) adjusted for sporting events grew by 1.5%, following growth of 0.5% in the previous quarter.(1)(2) This is the strongest GDP growth recorded since the third quarter of 2021. The chemical and pharmaceutical industry made the largest contribution to growth, while value added also increased across a wide range of other sectors. Domestic demand recovered after a weak start to the year.
Federal Council elects Tobias Walser to the ETH Board
On 2 September, the Federal Council elected environmental scientist Tobias Walser to the ETH Board as a delegate of the university assemblies of ETH Zurich and EPFL.
Novel flame-retardant and recyclable fiber-reinforced composite: Making trains and airplanes recyclable
Airplanes and passenger trains must meet strict safety requirements, including fire safety standards. This calls for materials that are flame-retardant, lightweight, robust, and scalable. Empa researchers, in collaboration with their industry partner Elantas, have now succeeded for the first time in making such a material – a composite – fully recyclable.
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.
A surprising twist in the quantum world
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, ETH Zurich and the University of Amsterdam have directly observed the optical Magnus effect for the first time. This phenomenon is the optical counterpart of an effect from classical mechanics. It is relevant to quantum computing because it can influence the precise control of qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information.
Metal corrosion of buildings: Rust never sleeps
From landmark architecture to street signs, our built environment is exposed to the elements. But which atmospheric factors must new buildings be protected from? And how can the “ravages of time” be slowed down when it comes to World Heritage sites? Empa researchers analyze the corrosion of metal building components and are working on an economical and sustainable approach to combating corrosion.
Rise in unemployment among higher education institution graduates between 2023 and 2025
Between 2023 and 2025, the unemployment rate (based on the ILO definition) one year after graduation rose among graduates of Swiss universities and institutes of technology (UIT) and universities of applied sciences (UAS). It rose from 3.9% to 6.4% among holders of a UIT master’s degree and from 3.4% to 4.9% among holders of a UAS bachelor’s degree. Among graduates of universities of teacher education (UTE), it remained low at just 0.7%. These are some of the results of the Swiss Graduate Survey, conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Empa Young Scientist Fellowship: Young researcher investigates tiny fractures with major consequences
Thin films made of metal oxides are the key technology behind most of our electronics. However, surprisingly little is known about the mechanical properties of these nanometer-scale technological marvels. Empa researcher Vivek Devulapalli aims to close this knowledge gap. He has been awarded a two-year Empa Young Scientist Fellowship for his research project.
First positrons for the Future Circular Collider
At Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, first positrons have been successfully produced at a test source for CERN’s proposed next-generation particle collider, which could succeed the Large Hadron Collider. The source, installed at the X-ray free electron laser SwissFEL, uses new technologies including high-temperature superconducting magnets to achieve a high yield of positrons. The achievement shows the feasibility of the positron-source concept and marks an important milestone in developing the technologies needed for electron-positron colliders.
The 2026 drought: Frequently asked questions and answers
Leaves turning brown as early as July, and watercourses running at record-low levels: the summer of 2026 was extremely dry and hot. Researchers from WSL and SLF answer frequently asked questions.
Demonstration plant for sustainable aviation fuel inaugurated at PSI
A look ahead to the future of flying: on August 20, the “aerobrew” demonstration plant was officially inaugurated on the campus of the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI. It is a joint project of PSI and the Zurich-based company Metafuels. Here the production of sustainable aviation fuel is being tested and prepared for commercialisation: synthetic kerosene produced in an exceptionally efficient way.