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Académie suisse des sciences techniques SATW
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The PFAS dilemma: Why replacing and phasing out these substances is becoming a project for generations to come
Headlines about PFAS are becoming increasingly frequent: this group of substances, which went unnoticed for a long time, is everywhere – even in food and in the bodies of humans and animals – and it is not simply going to disappear. Whilst environmental and consumer protection campaigners are pushing for a swift end to exposure, industry is searching for alternatives for key technologies. However, the path to a PFAS-free future is a generational project that will challenge business, research and society for decades to come. In an interview with SATW, Manfred Heuberger (Empa), Martin Scheringer (ETH Zurich) and Dominique Werner (Scienceindustries) explain what the biggest challenges are when dealing with PFAS.Académie suisse des sciences techniques SATW
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Why we trust a lift, but not yet an AI
In our day-to-day lives, we often rely on technology without giving it much thought. Standards establish common rules for this. When it comes to artificial intelligence, these rules are particularly important because they help determine safety, trust and market access.Académie Suisse des Sciences Médicales ASSM
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Élargissement du principe d’intégrité aux dispositifs médicaux
La loi sur les produits thérapeutiques prévoit que les médicaments soumis à ordonnance doivent être prescrits, remis ou utilisés sans incitations financières. L’ASSM a répondu positivement à la consultation lancée par le Conseil fédéral visant à appliquer également ce principe d’intégrité aux dispositifs médicaux.
Jeune Académie Suisse JAS
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Elections du nouveau comité directeur et du porte-parole
Les membres de la Jeune Académie Suisse ont élu leur nouveau comité directeur pour 2026/27 lors de l’assemblée générale. Le comité directeur a ensuite nommé Clément Meier porte-parole et Clara Zemp vice-porte-parole. Au cours de l'année à venir, leur objectif est de faire mieux entendre la voix des chercheuses et chercheurs en début de carrière, à l’heure où la recherche est confrontée à des restrictions financières croissantes et à des attentes grandissantes de la société. Ils continueront à œuvrer en faveur d'un environnement de recherche favorable et inclusif, à promouvoir la collaboration interdisciplinaire et transdisciplinaire, et à encourager la diplomatie scientifique comme moyen de renforcer la coopération internationale et de contribuer à l'élaboration de réponses scientifiquement fondées aux défis globaux.
Académie suisse des sciences techniques SATW
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Professional development: SATW supports urban dialogues on sustainability and outreach
As part of its specialist funding programme, SATW is supporting the project ‘Dialogues urbains: durabilité et médiation’. It combines cultural and scientific outreach, sustainable urban development and project-based learning. The ‘Ville en tête’ association brings together students and lecturers from EPFL and the Vaud University of Teacher Education. Together, they tackle the challenges facing our living environments.Académie suisse des sciences techniques SATW
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From waste to raw material: How Switzerland is reinventing recycling
Gold from old computers, fertiliser from wastewater, batteries with a second life: the SATW’s Technology Outlook highlights where Switzerland stands today in terms of recycling and which innovations from universities and industry are paving the way towards a genuine circular economy.Académie suisse des sciences techniques SATW
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Pharmaceutical start-ups in Switzerland: the ecosystem, innovation and significant gaps
Pharmaceutical innovation rarely arises in the laboratory alone – it requires an entire network. The SATW has interviewed two experts and, in this article, highlights different perspectives on the Swiss life sciences ecosystem: Katja Jenni-Szaloky from the Office for Economic Affairs and Labour in Basel-Stadt describes how the canton creates the right framework conditions; and Julia Biwer, COO and co-founder of Abbmira Therapeutics, explains how a young Basel-based biotech start-up operates within this ecosystem and where it encounters its limitations.Académie suisse des sciences techniques SATW
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‘We’re not making the most of this opportunity right now’: Claudia Röösli on Switzerland’s decision not to participate in Copernicus
The Federal Council has decided that Switzerland will not participate in the European Earth observation programme Copernicus during the 2028–2034 programme period either – despite repeated calls from Parliament and a recent study which concludes that the benefits of joining clearly outweigh the costs. Switzerland will therefore continue to use the freely available satellite data, but will remain excluded from participation in Copernicus services, tenders and committees. In an interview with the SATW, Dr Claudia Röösli, Head of the Earth Observation Applications and Services Group at the University of Zurich’s Remote Sensing Laboratories, analyses the decision. Her conclusion: Switzerland is foregoing a say in the matter, economic potential and the development of expertise in a field of the future.