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Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW

A hot summer and Switzerland’s energy supply

According to MeteoSwiss, the summer of 2026 was the hottest since records began in 1864. At the same time, there had already been very little rainfall during the winter and spring, leading to extreme drought. The stable high-pressure weather also brought Switzerland a duration of sunshine well above the long-term average. These extreme weather events have far-reaching implications for society and the environment, and specifically for the energy supply. Christian Schaffner, Managing Director of the Energy Science Centre at ETH Zurich, provides an analysis for the SATW.
  • Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences SAMS

    News

    Compassionate Science: how empathy and compassion shape research

    The Swiss Young Academy (SYA) gives early-career researchers a voice and provides a platform for inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration. Its recently published report, «Compassionate Science», explores how empathy and compassion shape research practice across different disciplines. The report also offers valuable insights from a healthcare perspective.

  • Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW

    News

    A direct link to space

    In future, satellites are set not only to provide internet access to remote homes, but also to communicate directly with ordinary smartphones. Direct-to-Cell could close mobile dead spots and make communication networks more resilient to crises. However, the path from mobile phones to space poses technical challenges – and raises questions about security and digital sovereignty.
  • Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences SAMS

    News

    Digital surveillance: new factsheet on data protection

    Digital surveillance systems raise fundamental medical-ethical and legal questions, particularly where audio and video surveillance is used. In May 2026, the Central Ethics Committee (CEC) of the SAMS published a position statement on this topic. The factsheet «Überwachung von betreuten Personen», published in September, provides more detailed information on the technical and data-protection aspects of digital surveillance, thereby complementing the CEC’s medical-ethical perspective.

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