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The Swiss Young Academy has admitted six new members from a wide range of disciplines. They were officially welcomed at a ceremony in Bern on 12 June 2026. No sooner had they joined than they were actively contributing to a major debate on artificial intelligence (AI) in research. One key insight emerged: AI cannot replace scientific thinking.

The Swiss Young Academy has published its 2025 Annual Report, looking back on an eventful year marked by numerous interdisciplinary projects, new initiatives and growing networking. The report documents the Academy’s continued development, its thematic priorities, and the activities of joint projects on artificial intelligence, science policy, academic career paths and science communication. A particular highlight was the hosting of the European National Young Academies Meeting (ENYA) in Bern, where around 80 representatives of European Young Academies spent two days discussing the topic of science diplomacy.

Emmanuel Senft has fulfilled a childhood dream: he develops and researches robots. Through the Swiss Young Academy, he works to ensure that artificial intelligence enriches scientific thinking – without replacing the process of discovery itself. And to make the academic system fairer.

Trade in raw materials represents one third of total trade in goods and has a considerable impact on sustainable development. In the most comprehensive scientific study to date conducted by the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT), researchers analysed the influence of trading companies on economic, ecological and social development and show how Switzerland, as a major trading hub, can exploit opportunities and minimise risks worldwide.

The association «smarter medicine – Choosing Wisely Switzerland», of which the SAMS is a founding member, is committed to optimizing healthcare in Switzerland. This year, it is once again awarding a grant for research projects and supporting up to three applications with up to CHF 20’000 each. Applications can be submitted until 21 August 2026.

Diesen Herbst bietet Citizen Science Zürich zum zweiten Mal den CAS Citizen Science und Public Engagement an. Die berufsbegleitende und praxisorientierte Weiterbildung ist zusammengesetzt aus fünf Basis- und zwei wählbaren Spezialisierungsmodulen, von denen eines unter der Beteiligung stattfinden wird.

Can organ donation take place in a Swiss hospital following assisted suicide? Both practices are legally permitted, widely accepted in society, and are already carried out in Switzerland. However, their combination raises new ethical and legal questions. In 2025, the Central Ethics Committee (CEC) of the SAMS published a position statement on the ethical aspects of this issue. Today, the SAMS is publishing a commissioned legal opinion on the subject. Both documents are available on our website.