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EAER Press releases
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.
Switzerland and China conclude negotiations on optimisation of free trade agreement
President Guy Parmelin and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao announced on 20 August, during a meeting in Bern, that negotiations on the optimisation of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China had been concluded.
CERN Director-General on visit to Bern
On 20 August, the president of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Guy Parmelin, welcomed CERN Director-General Mark Thomson for a working visit to Bern. Together, they reviewed the ties between CERN and Switzerland, where the organisation’s headquarters are located. Mr Parmelin assured the CERN Director-General of Switzerland’s support to ensure that CERN remains the global benchmark in particle physics.
Living sand: Biopolymers for better soil
Desert sand is not suited for agriculture – but perhaps that might change. Researchers at Empa and Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi have investigated a first step in this direction by introducing microorganisms into the sand. The bacteria and fungi secrete biopolymers that make sand more resistant to erosion and slow down the rate at which water seeps through. This could potentially enable the growth of further microorganisms and plants.
Ukraine: Federal Council implements 20th package of sanctions in line with previous practice
On 19 August, the Federal Council decided to adopt the further measures from the European Union’s (EU) 20th sanctions package against Russia in line with previous practice. The new measures will take effect on 20 August. Switzerland already added 115 individuals and entities to its sanctions list on 22 May.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 19.08.2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER updated the notification and authorisation forms for money transfers pursuant to Art. 21 of the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. As of August 26, only the updated forms will be accepted. The forms can be accessed here.
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.
How the “unicorn of the seas” got its helix
A narwhal tale with a twist
EasyGov is valued by companies – redesign to deliver greater impact
The University of St Gallen published in August a new periodic Use Assessment Study of the EasyGov electronic platform on behalf of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The results clearly show that EasyGov saves Swiss SMEs a considerable amount of time and money.