The centreExternal link, being launched on Friday in Sion, canton Valais, brings together researchers in natural, human and social sciences. It will look into issues as diverse as tourism and health, risks of natural disasters, local produce, weather and sustainability.
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for alpine regions, according to experts. “In general, mountain areas are facing climate-linked processes in an intense way – whether it be in terms of hydrology, avalanches, or natural dangers,” the centre’s director Emmanuel Reynard told Swiss public broadcaster RTS on Friday morning. “These regions are very sensitive to climate change.”
One of the reasons behind the Interdisciplinary Mountain Research Centre (CIRM) is to bring together longstanding expertise from different departments at the University of LausanneExternal link. “We have nearly 50 people – professors, teachers, researchers – who have all shown interest in this centre,” said Reynard.
A call for cross-disciplinary project proposals has been launched within the university. Projects will be selected by the board of the new centre, and research will then begin.
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Swiss glaciers shrink further after extreme 2018 weather
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Weather extremes over the past year, including one of the hottest summers on record, was devastating to the nation’s glaciers, a study has shown.
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Switzerland to host Ukraine mine action conference in October
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Together with Ukraine, Switzerland is organising the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024) in Lausanne on October 17 and 18.
Switzerland revises pension expenditure downwards by billions
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The Swiss government has corrected downwards the projected expenditure on old-age and survivor insurance in 2033 by CHF2.5 billion ($2.66 billion).
Excess mortality rate post-Covid could persist until 2033
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According to a report by reinsurer Swiss Re, many countries are still experiencing excess mortality following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Swiss Army ends clean-up operation in storm-hit Maggia Valley
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The Swiss Armed Forces completed 76 flight hours during the clean-up operation following the storm in the Maggia Valley in Ticino at the end of June.
Swiss cruise ship stranded on Danube River after heavy rains
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Passengers on a Swiss river-cruise ship stranded on the Danube following heavy rainfall are still unable to disembark in Vienna due to flooding.
Golden eagles get better at flying over time, say Swiss researchers
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Golden eagles perfect their flight as they age and learn to make better use of air currents, says a new study co-produced by Swiss researchers.
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Public libraries in Switzerland recorded 46.3 million admissions last year, 7.4 million more than in 2022, says the Federal Statistical Office.
Swiss conservative party seeks referendum against Eurovision contest
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The Swiss Federal Democratic Union is launching a referendum to prevent the Eurovision Song Contest from taking place in Basel next year.
Switzerland nabs 15 medals at WorldSkills championship
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Swiss professionals have won 15 medals at the WorldSkills Championships in Lyon, France for the best finish by a European nation.
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An Alpine village on the frontline of climate change
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Guttannen is a small and rustic village up in the Swiss Alps that exudes serenity. But this tranquil idyll is threatened by an unstable mountain.
Scientist predicts 30% of Swiss glacier ice could be saved
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If the Paris climate accord is implemented, up to one-third of all ice stored in larger Swiss glaciers could be saved, a top glaciologist predicts.
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Global warming is affecting the range of alpine flora – creating winners and losers, says a joint study from Swiss and Austrian scientists.
Most glaciers in central Switzerland to disappear by 2090
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The vast majority of glaciers in central Switzerland will have totally disappeared by the end of the 21st century, a study has revealed.
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