Swiss Stories

Moderna

Moderna, the coronavirus vaccine made in Switzerland

Science & Education
The Moderna vaccine against COVID-19 was one of the first vaccines available worldwide. All doses supplied to Europe are manufactured by Swiss firm Lonza. Read more…
Community feedback at the Yii Adult Basic Education Centre in Moyen-Chari Region (run by PADI) © Enfants du Monde (Florent Dupertuis)

Multilingualism in Swiss schools inspires international cooperation

Science & Education
For students in Switzerland, being taught in their regional language – French, German, Italian or Romansh – is the norm. Many children around the world, however, attend school in a language they don't understand. Plurilingualism and teaching languages in schools have long been important values in Switzerland – and this strength of the Swiss school system serves as a blueprint for the country's international cooperation in its programmes to support education.
Some six million tonnes of goods are transhipped annually at the Port of Switzerland alone. © Patrik Walde

Full speed ahead thanks to Swiss batteries

Science & Education
ll aboard Ellen, the world's largest fully electric-powered ferry. As it makes its regular crossing, there is none of the noise or the fumes and smoke of a diesel engine. Without a single drop of heavy fuel oil, Ellen has paved the way for further advances in electric maritime mobility. The electrification of shipping is gaining ground, making an important contribution to emissions-free transport. Among the global leaders in innovative e-transport solutions are Swiss companies such as Leclanché.
Scewo Bro

The wheelchair of the future – made in Switzerland

Science & Education
What started as a university project to build a stair-climbing robot turned into a start-up pushing the limits for wheelchair users. Scewo is also the story of three Swiss students who came together to turn their idea into a new business, ready to disrupt an old industry.
Senegal © Secours Protestant

The Swiss tap that saves water and lives

Science & Education
Good hand washing practice has come firmly into focus during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the clamour for hand sanitiser and protective face coverings in Europe, it must not be forgotten that there are around 3 billion people who are not able to wash their hands at home with soap and clean water. 1.7 million children die each year due to diseases transmitted by unclean hands. Exciting Swiss innovations, such as The Drop, recently recognised on UNICEF’s May 2020 list of ‘Handwashing Stations and Supplies for the COVID-19 response’, are being developed to meet these needs.
Umweltpreis

Swiss Award for the environment

Science & Education
Profitability and sustainability are steadily becoming a reality in many areas. Each year the Business Award for the Environment is awarded to innovative projects that are environmentally friendly and economically viable.
© Évéquoz Ferreira architectes

Energypolis: the Swiss ecosystem for sustainable development

Science & Education
Since 2015, the city of Sion has been home to a global training and research hub in the field of sustainable development.Recent events have shaken the entire world, causing us to rethink our future. One of the approaches to safeguarding our future on this planet is sustainable development. Back in 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." It was on this premise that the campus in Sion was born. Since 2015, Energypolis has brought together EPFL Valais Wallis, HES-SO Valais-Wallis and The Ark Foundation under one roof. Thanks to the combined skills of these three partners, Energypolis is training tomorrow's thinkers – in energy, health and the environment.