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04/Jul/2019
Is trade liberalisation shifting environmental burden from industrialised countries to poorer ones? This question was investigated by a research team at ETH Zurich led by Thomas Bernauer. In particular, they analysed whether, and if so how, commerce driven by free trade agreements is transferring environmental impacts from industrialised countries to poorer ones.
Trade agreements only partly shift environmental burden onto poorer countries : Continue
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03/Jul/2019
On behalf of social security institutions, psychiatrists assess to what extent people with mental health problems are still able to work. However, the work capability assessments tend to be far too dissimilar. A new training course, conducted within the scope of an SNSF-funded study, has helped to reduce the differences.
Work capability assessments: making them more consistent: Continue
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02/Jul/2019
An analysis of sediment transport in the Rhône Valley yields surprising results: melting glaciers overcompensated for the effect of the increased number of hydropower plants. A reduction in construction activities due to the 2008 financial crisis could also be seen in the data. This comprehensive study, the first of its kind in Europe, brings important new knowledge, in particular for flood prevention.
Sediments in Lake Geneva reflect the 2008 financial crisis: Continue
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26/Jun/2019
The National Research Programmes “Energy Turnaround” (NRP 70) and “Managing Energy Consumption” (NRP 71) have investigated the key factors influencing society’s willingness to accept technology and behavioural change and distilled them into specific recommendations. The focal issue “Acceptance” ushers in the concluding phase of NRP 70 and 71.
Lack of knowledge and experience are slowing implementation of Energy Strategy 2050: Continue
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11/Jun/2019
Research with open-ended results is of vital importance to our society. The SNSF is launching a campaign to promote basic research featuring various Instagram posts and a series of animated videos on Youtube.
Benefits of basic research: Continue
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14/May/2019
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is closing a gap in its research funding portfolio: its new funding scheme Spark focuses on promising or daring ideas that would otherwise fall between the cracks.
It's the idea that counts: Spark supports original research projects: Continue
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13/May/2019
A study funded by the SNSF shows that in winter, weak sunlight prevents the Swiss population from producing sufficient levels of vitamin D.
Daily doses of vitamin D are unreachable during Swiss winter: Continue
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09/May/2019
Within the scope of National Research Programme “Energy Turnaround” (NRP 70), researchers studied photovoltaic systems integrated into the roofs and façades (BIPV) of existing buildings from the point of view of aesthetic, ecological and economic criteria. Their findings: all developers and architects could use this technology for the renovation of existing buildings.
Building-integrated photovoltaics: aesthetic, efficient and widely accepted: Continue
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08/May/2019
Switzerland is among the frontrunners in global science also thanks to its strong outreach in Europe and the world. With its research funding schemes, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) again made a strong contribution to international collaboration in 2018.
The SNSF funds 2000 international projects and fellowships abroad: Continue
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30/Apr/2019
The 457 entries submitted to the third SNSF Scientific Image Competition jury are online. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at research through stunning images and intriguing videos. The international jury awarded prizes to 15 entries that will be exhibited at the Biel/Bienne Festival of Photography.
Photography: A fresh look at science: Continue