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EAER Press releases
Memorial ceremony for the victims of the fire in Crans-Montana which occurred on 1 January 2026
Speech by Mr Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation
New process for stable, long-lasting all-solid-state batteries
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have achieved a breakthrough on the path to practical application of lithium metal all-solid-state batteries – the next generation of batteries that can store more energy, are safer to operate, and charge faster than conventional lithium-ion batteries.
National day of mourning in memory of the victims of Crans-Montana
This coming Friday, 9 January, will be dedicated nationwide to remembering the victims of the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, showing solidarity with the injured and expressing sympathy for all those affected. On this day of mourning, President Guy Parmelin, together with Switzerland’s official religious communities, invites people across the country to observe a minute's silence and a moment of reflection. Church bells will ring throughout the country. A memorial service will take place in Martigny in the canton of Valais.
Empa technology at CES 2026 in Las Vegas: Empa Spin-Offs showcase cutting-edge innovation at CES 2026
Three Swiss deep-tech startups originating from Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, are heading to CES 2026 in Las Vegas, showcasing how Swiss engineering is translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world hardware innovation on a global stage in the areas of energy storage, photovoltaics and cooling technologies for power computing.
Modeling the formation and distribution of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in the atmosphere - How a persistent chemical enters our surface waters
In collaboration with the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the University of Bern, Empa researchers have investigated how trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), the smallest of the PFAS molecules, is formed in the atmosphere and enters water bodies via precipitation. The study combined a three-year measurement period with archived water samples from recent decades and a detailed atmospheric model. The result: The release of this chemical into the environment has multiplied in recent decades – and will continue to increase in the future.
Incendie de Crans-Montana le 1er janvier 2026
Allocution de M. le Président de la Confédération Guy Parmelin
COMCO Closes Chapter on Financial Market Investigations
Over a period of more than ten years and in nine separate proceedings, COMCO investigated agreements on the financial markets. The investigations involving twenty banks in total concerned the business areas of interest rate derivatives, foreign exchange spot trading and precious metals trading. COMCO concluded seven investigations with settlements and discontinued two proceedings. It imposed fines totaling CHF 237.5 million.
Thin interlayers strengthen flexible composite materials: Cool satellites and flexible electronics
Ultra-light, super-flexible, highly insulating: An aluminum-coated polymer film is used to shield satellites from temperature extremes. Researchers at Empa have succeeded in making the material even more resistant by implementing an ultra-thin intermediate layer. The technology could in future also be used to improve flexible electronics and medical sensors.
Economic forecast: outlook improves slightly
The Federal Government Expert Group on Business Cycles has slightly revised upwards its forecast for economic growth in 2026 (GDP adjusted for sporting events: 1.1%; October forecast: 0.9%). The reduction in US tariffs has improved prospects for the sectors concerned. In 2027, growth in Switzerland is expected to normalise at 1.7% as the global economy gradually recovers. The forecast is based on the technical assumption that international tariffs will remain at current levels. However, uncertainty remains high.
Solid-state cooling takes off: Ionic Wind secures US $2.1M to industrialize technology
Swiss deep-tech startup and Empa Spin-Off Ionic Wind has closed an oversubscribed US $2.1 million pre-seed round to fast-track the industrialization of its solid-state airflow technology. The funding will accelerate the rollout of Ionic Wind’s ultra-thin, silent airflow accelerators – a new class of cooling modules with unprecedented design freedom that can eliminate the need for mechanical fans.
L’Escalade, métaphore historique d’une ville en pleine ascension
Allocution de M. Guy Parmelin, Conseiller fédéral, Chef du Département fédéral de l’économie, de la formation et de la recherche (DEFR) à l’occasion de la Fête de l’Escalade 2025
Total revision of the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 12 December, the Federal Council decided to adapt the sanctions against Iran to the status prior to the conclusion of the Vienna Agreement on Iran's nuclear programme. To make that possible, it conducted a total revision of the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The new ordinance enters into force at 11pm on 12 December.
Ukraine: Switzerland expands its sanctions lists
On 12 December, the Federal Council expanded the sanctions lists concerning Russia and Belarus. Switzerland is thus adopting various changes that the EU decided on as part of its 19th package of sanctions. The measures will come into force on 13 December.
The Secretariat of COMCO launches preliminary investigation into NFC access on Apple devices
Swiss app providers have access to the NFC & SE platform on iOS devices. The Secretariat of the Swiss Competition Commission is investigating whether Apple’s terms and conditions for granting access could raise competition law concerns.
Empa Young Scientist Fellowship: Calculating quantum effects in carbon molecules
Modern materials science combines lab experiments with mathematical modeling. However, when it comes to novel quantum materials such as two-dimensional nanographene, existing models reach their limits. Empa researcher Goncalo Catarina wants to develop a reliable model for these quantum molecules. To this end, he has been awarded the two-year Empa Young Scientist Fellowship.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Economic Measures against the Republic of Iraq
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.Reduction in US additional tariffs to enter into force retroactively
The US is applying a tariff ceiling of 15% on imports from Switzerland. This applies retroactively from 14 November 2025. In return, Switzerland will reduce import tariffs on certain fish and agricultural products from the USA. The basis for this is the joint statement published on 14 November between Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the USA.
ALLOCUTION DEVANT L’ASSEMBLÉE FÉDÉRALE
Discours de M. le Conseiller fédéral Guy Parmelin, Chef du Département fédéral de l’économie, de la formation et de la recherche (DEFR) à l’occasion de l’élection à la présidence de la Confédération 2026
Laser draws made-to-order magnetic landscapes
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, Colorado, have for the first time succeeded in using existing laser technology to continuously vary the magnetic properties of two-dimensional materials. This simple and fast method should make a large number of applications possible, including techniques for data storage and processing.
How microtubules take part in cellular signal processing
Microtubules perform an active role in communication within the cell by transmitting received signals to the cell's functional units. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel have now, for the first time, structurally elucidated how these protein strands of the cytoskeleton accomplish this. Their findings could help make it possible to intervene in this communication and, for example, prevent tumour growth. The study was published in the scientific journal Cell.