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Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences a+

A Panorama of Swiss Society 2024

The new series, "A Panorama of Swiss Society", is published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the Universities of Neuchâtel and Fribourg and the Swiss Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences is the joint initiative of official statistics and social science research in the universities. It is the continuation of the previous Swiss Social Report. The aim of the new series is to make important findings on key socio-political topics and fundamental trends in Swiss society accessible for public interest.

 

The current issue is dedicated to the ageing of society. Demographic change and an ageing society are megatrends. Ageing refers both to individual development that continues well into old age and to the dynamics of institutions and structures as well as societal developments, attitudes and challenges. Conventional perceptions of old age no longer apply. This can be seen, for example, in novel ageing concepts in science and politics. The aim of this Panorama is to explore selected topics relating to ageing in greater depth. The publication thus paints a contrasting, multi-layered picture of various aspects and dimensions of ageing in Switzerland.

  • Swiss Young Academy SYA

    Compassionate Science - Integrating Empathy and Compassion in Research

    This report explores how empathy and compassion shape research practices across disciplines. Drawing on a review of existing literature and illustrative examples from early-career researchers, it shows that empathy and compassion are not abstract ideals but practical dimensions of research that can influence study design, relationships, data interpretation, and knowledge translation. Across fields, integrating these dimensions can strengthen trust, deepen understanding, improve collaboration, and enhance ethical reflexivity.

  • Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences a+

    STEM 2026: Where Switzerland stands today

    Twelve years on from the first STEM Youth Barometer, the new 2026 edition reveals that interest in STEM has remained largely stable, stereotypes persist, and women underestimate their own abilities. At the same time, the findings are more nuanced than expected and point to clear areas for improvement.

  • Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT

    Beyond the transaction: commodity trade and sustainable development

    This factsheet maps the sustainability links of commodity trade, identifies knowledge gaps, and outlines options for commodity hubs, including Switzerland, to reduce economic, environmental and social sustainability risks.

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Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences

House of Academies
Laupenstrasse 7
P.O. Box
3001 Bern