Robotics inspires children in the Arc jurassien

Eleonore Poli, an engineer and materials scientist based in Neuchâtel, is investigating how space technologies can be utilised on Earth, whilst simultaneously preparing for her own spaceflight. As an analogue astronaut, she has already completed several simulation missions under extreme conditions. Alongside her research, she volunteers as a mentor with Swiss TecLadies, the SATW’s national programme for promoting young talent, which encourages young women to pursue careers in mathematics, engineering, natural sciences and technology (STEM). In this interview, she talks about her visions for the future of space travel and explains why role models are so important for younger generations.

A biotech company without a laboratory? What sounds like a contradiction is, for Abbmira Therapeutics, the smartest business model. The Basel-based start-up is developing a drug to treat cancer and relies entirely on external experts from the Basel life sciences cluster. In an interview with the SATW, Julia Biwer, COO and co-founder, discusses why this model works, why venture capital is hard to come by in Switzerland, and what this reveals about Switzerland’s culture of innovation.