Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences
One Health governance in the European Union
One Health sees human, animal and environmental health as a single system. Two reports within the framework of the EU Science Advice Mechanism propose EU policy measures for One Health, such as improving the coherence of EU policy, strengthening education and training and increasing support for research and innovation in this area.
The scientific review was written by renowned researchers from the academies' consortium SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies). The policy recommendations based on this were drafted by the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors for the attention of the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. Both reports emphasise the relationships between mental health, physical health and social conditions as well as the need for interdisciplinary research into human behaviours that affect One Health, e.g. wildlife trade, farming practices, water management and vaccination acceptance.
Jakob Zinsstag, researcher at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel with several engagements at the Swiss Academies and co-chair of the SAPEA working group, says: «Europe should actively support regional, local, and global efforts, promoting the sharing of best practices and integrating a One Health perspective in education, professional training, and public awareness».
Swiss Young Academy SYA
Impact of AI on Early Career Researchers: Challenges, Opportunities and Responsibilities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming science and is therefore profoundly reshaping the work of Early Career Researchers. Against this backdrop, the publication Impact of AI on Early Career Researchers: Challenges, Opportunities, and Responsibilities, developed by members of the Swiss Young Academy, namely Emmanuel Senft, Sabrina H. Kessler, Pamela Delgado, Devi Bühler, and Alexandre Bovet, offers a timely interdisciplinary reflection on these changes. The booklet examines both the opportunities and risks of AI across five key areas – research, teaching, science communication, policymaking, and sustainability – while also addressing critical issues such as research integrity, data privacy, misinformation, governance, and environmental impact. It further highlights the responsibilities of Early Career Researchers and higher education institutions in promoting AI literacy, transparency, ethical standards, and responsible use of AI in science.
Swiss Young Academy SYA
Innovative Teaching Formats at the Science-Society Interface: Reflections and Future Directions in Swiss Higher Education
Science-society dialogue is crucial for addressing pressing societal challenges. One important avenue for strengthening this link, in an inter- and transdisciplinary perspective, is teaching formats that encourage students to engage in the public sphere. However, an illustrative collection of best practices in Swiss higher education has been lacking so far. This practice-driven report draws on a non-exhaustive stocktake of existing courses in Switzerland and participatory workshops among lecturers. It features illustrative examples from Swiss higher education institutions and introduces a new typology of science-society teaching formats, offering educators a structured way to design and analyze courses across six dimensions. In addition, the publication discusses both the opportunities and challenges of implementing such teaching formats. To further advance science-society education, the report identifies three priority areas for action.
Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT
Strategy for natural history collections in Switzerland
Thirty-seven institutions, take a decisive step towards unlocking the full potential of natural history collections in Switzerland. Together, they publish and endorse a strategy based on 6 pillars and 52 key activities to better preserve collections, ensure their accessibility and promote their use for science and society.