Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences a+
The Role of Science in the Swiss Policy Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
SWISS ACADEMIES REPORTS, VOL. 16. NO 11, 2021
What role did science play in managing the Covid-19 pandemic from January to December 2020? In what way did the Swiss experience differ from selected other countries? Where is there a need for action in the future? The first comprehensive study on the role of science in the Covid-19 pandemic policy response shows a positive track record but also identifies a need for optimization. The potential of science advice to policy is left largely untapped in Switzerland due to its uncertain legal bases and low level of institutionalization. The study by PD Dr. Alexandra Hofmänner documents events, contexts and general conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic and presents six options for future action.
Hofmänner A. (2021) The Role of Science in the Swiss Policy Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Swiss Academies Reports 16 (11).
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.
