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.
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The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
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Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
Precious archaeological vases and coins returned to Italian museum
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The Italian authorities have recovered over 2,500 precious ancient coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally dug up and sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday.
PrimeEnergy Cleantech declared bankrupt by Swiss authorities
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PrimeEnergy Cleantech has been officially declared bankrupt, the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) reported on Monday.
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The consumption of antibiotics has risen in Switzerland since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, compared to other European countries the Alpine country has one of the lowest levels of antibiotic usage.
Swiss financial watchdog foresees greater uncertainty due to geopolitics
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The Swiss financial sector will face greater uncertainty due to the numerous geopolitical conflicts around the world, warns the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Swiss museums to mark centenary of death of painter Félix Vallotton
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Swiss museums will celebrate the centenary of the death of the artist Félix Vallotton (1865-1925) next year. A major retrospective is planned in Lausanne, his birthplace, in autumn.
Russian mission installs more ‘spy’ antennas in Geneva, Swiss TV report claims
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Russian spies are strengthening their presence in Geneva, according to a report by Swiss public television, RTS. Russian officials have placed new satellite dishes on their diplomatic buildings without authorisation.
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Switzerland should join NATO, as in the future it cannot rely on its long-standing tradition of neutrality for its defence, John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, declared in an interview on Sunday.
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A demonstration was held in Geneva on Sunday calling for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. Around 50 Russians took part in the gathering outside the UN building.
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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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