Dialogue
Serving society
Switzerland’s prosperity is based to a large extent on its outstanding education and research system. Switzerland has been deliberately investing in this sector for generations and has created favourable framework conditions from which we benefit today. ETH Zurich is at the service of society and maintains a lively dialogue with the public, policymakers and business. Scientific progress and far-reaching technological change require open engagement with a range of stakeholders. As a leading scientific and technical university, researchers and staff at ETH Zurich impart knowledge that serves as a sound basis for decision-?making and makes a key contribution to fact-?based, democratic discourse.
CYBATHLON in the classroom
CYBATHLON @school aims to make schools more aware of the everyday challenges faced by those with disabilities and to promote inclusion. In the modules, teachers and their pupils experience the psychological and physical barriers faced by people with disabilities. The young people are encouraged to find ways of removing obstacles and of designing aids. The modules are aligned with Curriculum 21. The workshops can take place in the students’ own classroom or be booked as a visit to ETH Zurich.
Encounters with the world of politics
ETH often has the privilege of welcoming foreign heads of state to Zurich accompanied by members of the Federal Council. While this dialogue helps to maintain the university’s international profile, it also gives ETH an opportunity to fulfil its role as a forum for the open exchange of ideas and discussions.
Visit by the President of Moldova
Following talks on bilateral cooperation, Moldovan President Maia Sandu visited ETH Zurich accompanied by former President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset. During a panel discussion in the Audi Max, they talked about the Republic of Moldova’s role in the geopolitical context of Eastern Europe and the impact of the war in Ukraine on the country. The event also included a discussion between Maia Sandu, ETH President Jo?l Mesot and Viorel Bostan, Rector of the Technical University of Moldova. They discussed possible collaboration in the academic field.
ETH expertise for the general public
Switzerland is one of the world’s most competitive countries. Many of its innovative technologies are based on academic research, to which ETH makes a significant contribution. The university is also committed to open science communication and maintains a dialogue with the public.
ETH in action against hate speech
Hate speech has become a widespread problem. That is why alliance F and ETH Zurich are launching the Public Discourse Foundation (PDF), which will take an in-?depth look at hate speech and its impact on democracy. The aim is to explore public discourse on the Internet and foster a culture of respectful discussion. The Foundation supports media companies with comment moderation, while a knowledge centre will look for effective ways of dealing with hate speech.
At the Olma trade fair in St Gallen, ETH Zurich illustrated how research can help to make Swiss food and agriculture sustainable. There was a focus on ETH spin-offs: Yasai, for example, aims to conserve resources through vertical farming. Planted produces meat alternatives from pea protein and Caterra has developed a weeding robot that kills weeds using AI and laser light. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter visited the ETH booth and stressed the importance of innovation for Swiss agriculture.
Sustainability and diversity
“Ultimately, we strive to bring the relevant stakeholders together to find comprehensive solutions and achieve a real-?world impact.”Oliver Akeret, sus.lab Co-?Lead
Although most of the Swiss population feel well informed about global inequality, many people would like better information. As a scientific partner of the six-week Open Your Eyes photo festival, ETH Zurich presented perspectives and solutions for sustainable development. Supported by world-class photography, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations were presented and debated at ten locations in the heart of Zurich. The 2030 Agenda is a multinational compass for the development of a more peaceful and just world.
The Annual Report is produced in German and translated into English. Only the German version is binding.
? ETH Zurich, April 2024