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EAER Press releases
State Secretary Hirayama attends informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation
On 10 and 11 March, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation in Warsaw. The main topics of the meeting, which takes place twice a year, were the strategic shape of the next EU R+I Framework Programme, FP10, which begins in 2028, and European competitiveness. State Secretary Hirayama took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with counterparts from various countries.
Silicone that moves: Muscles from the printer
Empa researchers are working on artificial muscles that can keep up with the real thing. They have now developed a method of producing the soft and elastic, yet powerful structures using 3D printing. One day, these could be used in medicine or robotics – and anywhere else where things need to move at the touch of a button.
Ordinance on measures against Myanmar
On 10 March 2025, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER has amended annex 1 of the ordinance on measures against Myanmar. One entity has been added to the annex. The measures come into force on 11 March 2025.
Consumer sentiment significantly higher than a year ago
In February 2025 the consumer sentiment index stood at –34 points. This is 9 points higher than in February 2024. The following sub-indices were higher than in February 2024: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index is lower than a year ago: economic outlook.
Easing of sanctions against Syria on behalf of the civilian population
On 7 March, the Federal Council lifted certain sanctions against Syria. In doing so, it is following the decision of the EU, which has suspended various sanctions in view of the change of government in Syria. The decision comes into effect at 6pm on 7 March.
18 new professors appointed at ETH Zurich and EPFL (last modification, the 06.03.2025)
At its meeting of 5/6 March 2025 and upon application of the President of ETH Zurich, Professor Joël Mesot, and the President of EPFL, Professor Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, the ETH Board appointed a total of nine women and nine men as professors and awarded the title of professor to six individuals and the title of Professor of Practice to two individuals. It also took note of the resignation of eight professors and thanked them for their services. In the last 12 months, the ETH Board has made a total of 21 new appointments for women and 27 for men; the proportion of women among these new appointments thus amounts to 44%.
President of ETH Zurich Joël Mesot to hand over the baton at the end of 2026 after two successful terms of office
At its meeting of 5/6 March, the ETH Board took note of the decision of the President of ETH Zurich, Joël Mesot, not to stand for a third term of office. The ETH Board debated the allocation of resources for 2026 and the outlook for the following years given the pressure exerted by Relief Package 27, and approved the consolidated reporting to the Confederation for 2024. It also appointed Annette Oxenius as the new member of the Executive Board of ETH Zurich. At the meeting, the ETH Board paid tribute to Christiane Leister, who died recently after having been a member of the Board since 2017.
Die Lage auf dem Arbeitsmarkt im Februar 2025
Das Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft SECO publiziert seine neusten Erhebungen zur Arbeitsmarktsituation in der Schweiz. Die Zahl der Arbeitslosen verringerte sich im Februar 2025 gegenüber dem Vormonat um 327 (-0,2%) auf 135’446. Im Vergleich zum Vorjahresmonat erhöhte sich die Arbeitslosigkeit um 23’567 (+21,1%). Die Arbeitslosenquote sank im Februar 2025 gegenüber dem Vormonat um 0,1 Prozenpunkte auf 2,9%.
Carbon-based quantum materials: New Empa laboratory to unlock the quantum potential of carbon
At the end of January, Empa opened a new laboratory that aims to harness quantum effects from carbon. This could pave the way for sustainable quantum technologies, including quantum computers. The project is supported by the Werner Siemens Foundation.
Ukraine: Switzerland expands its sanctions lists
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), in its capacity as the competent body for sanctions, has expanded its list of sanctions against Russia. Switzerland is adopting the additional measures decided by the EU in response to Russia’s continuing military aggression against Ukraine. The measures will take effect on 4 March.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Zimbabwe
On 3 March 2025, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research has amended annex 2 of the ordinance on measures against Zimbabwe. The last remaining entity has been removed. The measures come into force on 5 March 2025.
Business, innovation and sustainability: the International Cooperation Forum 2025 debates the future of international cooperation
The fourth International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum), which focused economic development, ended today at ETH Zurich. Participants including federal councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis discussed the importance of local initiatives and cooperation between the private and public sectors. The IC Award was also presented to three Swiss companies for their innovations in the field of development cooperation. Over 1,500 people took part in the forum, both in person and online.
Successful European battery project: From raw material to an (almost) finished car battery
In a four-year EU project led by Empa, eleven collaborators from research and industry succeeded in significantly improving batteries for electric cars. One of the main objectives of the project was to scale up the new materials and technologies so that they can be brought to market as fast as possible.
Gross domestic product in the fourth quarter of 2024: Swiss economy shows solid growth
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Switzerland's GDP adjusted for sporting events grew by 0.5%, following 0.2% in the previous quarter. [1][2], Growth was driven roughly equally by industry and the services sector. On the expenditure side, both consumption and investment provided a positive impulse.
Economic development takes centre stage at the International Cooperation Forum 2025 in Zurich
The fourth edition of the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland (IC Forum) will take place at ETH Zurich on 27 and 28 February 2025. Together with representatives from politics, business, research, philanthropy and NGOs, federal councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis will be looking for innovative ways to promote economic development in developing and partner countries. More than 1,500 people from over 120 countries are expected to attend in Zurich or participate online.
Half of students in higher education took online courses in 2024
In 2024, 53% of students in higher education took online courses. Last year, students spent less time studying (‒2.1 hours per week on average) and more time in paid employment (+0.7 hours) than in 2020. In 2024, more students worked upwards of 40% of full-time equivalent hours. These are the initial results of the 2024 Survey on the Social and Economic Conditions of Student Life carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Working visit by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), received the Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim in Bern on 24 February.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures against Individuals and Entities Associated with Usama bin Laden, the Group «Al-Qaïda» or the Taliban
Bern, 24.02.2025 – 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.
Chair of WTO Committee on Trade and Environment reappointed
Ambassador Erwin Bollinger was appointed to a second consecutive term as chair of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Trade and Environment on 18 February. Ambassador Bollinger is head of the Swiss Mission to the WTO.
New diagnostics for thyroid tumors: More precise cancer diagnosis thanks to 3D computed tomography
Empa researchers have developed a new 3D tissue analysis for thyroid tumors. This special X-ray method uses artificial intelligence to enable more precise diagnoses without damaging the tissue removed. In the future, this examination method could also be used for other types of cancer and replace more complex procedures with simpler imaging methods.