10/23/2008
«SCIENCEsuisse» – 25 short films and a book on cutting-edge research in Switzerland
The «SCIENCEsuisse» book and short films give an introduction to the intriguing world of science. The profiles of 25 researchers in a variety of disciplines fit together to form a fascinating portrait of Switzerland's position at the forefront of international scientific research. "SCIENCEsuisse" is an initiative by SRG SSR idée suisse, in collaboration with the Swiss National Science Foundation.
The series of 25 short films was made by Swiss filmmakers. A lavishly illustrated book in four languages with a DVD of all the films will be published by Lars Müller Publishers to coincide with the start of broadcasting.
Research in the 21st century
«SCIENCEsuisse» is intended as a cornucopia of all the diverse scientific activity in Switzerland. Its aim is to give the public an insight into what top scientists are thinking about at the beginning of the 21st century. It does not set out to be a representative selection; instead it presents researchers who have made an international name for themselves by playing a key role in garnering new knowledge for the benefit of society, business and the environment. Like its predecessors, «PHOTOsuisse», «DESIGNsuisse» and «ArchitecTour de Suisse», «SCIENCEsuisse» focuses on areas in which Switzerland has definite strengths.
«SCIENCEsuisse» aimed for an attractive cinematic form while presenting the complex material in an understandable way - a challenge for filmmakers and researchers alike, to be precise yet comprehensible. The researchers speak for themselves in the films, giving a personal feel to the viewer's encounter with them and their research field. The accompanying texts are meant to give an outsider view and have been written by specialized science writers. Andri Pol, known for his original view of the world, has provided the photographs for the «SCIENCEsuisse» book.
The Swiss National Science Foundation, as the primary partner, has assisted the project throughout. The State Secretariat for Education and Research is responsible for the international distribution of «SCIENCEsuisse», while swissinfo.ch is responsible for the English version of the short films.
Book launch and broadcast
To coincide with the broadcast, a national premiere and book launch event is being held in Berne today. A number of the featured researchers are scheduled to attend.
The broadcast schedule of the series is as follows: SF 1 beginning 26 October (in German); TSR 1 beginning 16 November (in French); TSI 1 beginning 10 November (in Italian); and 3sat beginning 17 November. After each broadcast, the films will be streamed on the broadcasters' websites and on swissinfo.ch (also in English).
The 472-page book «SCIENCEsuisse», published by Lars Müller Publishers and priced at CHF 98, will be available in bookstores as of 25 October. Review copies will be available on request from the press offices at SF, TSR and TSI.