News

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, ETH Zurich and the University of Amsterdam have directly observed the optical Magnus effect for the first time. This phenomenon is the optical counterpart of an effect from classical mechanics. It is relevant to quantum computing because it can influence the precise control of qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information.

The general government, comprising the Confederation, cantons, municipalities and social security schemes, is expected to generate a financing surplus of around CHF 4 billion in 2025. The general government's gross debt, as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is expected to rise by around CHF 5.4 billion to CHF 353.2 billion in 2025 (40.7% of GDP).This is shown in the latest financial statistics figures, which are available on the website of the Federal Finance Administration:Main aggregatesDetailed FS data (financial statistics, for national comparability)Detailed GFS data (Government Finance Statistics, based on the IMF standard)International comparison

From landmark architecture to street signs, our built environment is exposed to the elements. But which atmospheric factors must new buildings be protected from? And how can the “ravages of time” be slowed down when it comes to World Heritage sites? Empa researchers analyze the corrosion of metal building components and are working on an economical and sustainable approach to combating corrosion.

In the 2nd quarter 2026, total employment (excluding agriculture) in Switzerland rose by 2.0% compared with the same quarter of the previous year (seasonally adjusted, +0.5% over previous quarter). Enterprises reported 2.7% more job vacancies than a year earlier and difficulties recruiting skilled workers have increased compared with the previous quarter. The employment outlook remains positive. These are some of the latest findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Between 2023 and 2025, the unemployment rate (based on the ILO definition) one year after graduation rose among graduates of Swiss universities and institutes of technology (UIT) and universities of applied sciences (UAS). It rose from 3.9% to 6.4% among holders of a UIT master’s degree and from 3.4% to 4.9% among holders of a UAS bachelor’s degree. Among graduates of universities of teacher education (UTE), it remained low at just 0.7%. These are some of the results of the Swiss Graduate Survey, conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Thin films made of metal oxides are the key technology behind most of our electronics. However, surprisingly little is known about the mechanical properties of these nanometer-scale technological marvels. Empa researcher Vivek Devulapalli aims to close this knowledge gap. He has been awarded a two-year Empa Young Scientist Fellowship for his research project.

Switzerland’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 1.6% in 2025 at the previous year’s prices. This continued growth compared with 2024 (+1.5%) is linked to strong domestic demand (+2.5 %). Investment in particular (+3.5 per cent) was the main driver of this GDP growth. Gross national income (GNI) at current prices registered an increase of 2.5%, reflecting an improved balance of income with other countries. These initial estimates for 2025 from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) are accompanied by a revision of 2024 GDP growth at previous year's prices, which is now set at 1.5% compared with 1.4% in the initial estimates.

Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) at the summer event of the think tank metrobasel – Check against delivery.

At Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, first positrons have been successfully produced at a test source for CERN’s proposed next-generation particle collider, which could succeed the Large Hadron Collider. The source, installed at the X-ray free electron laser SwissFEL, uses new technologies including high-temperature superconducting magnets to achieve a high yield of positrons. The achievement shows the feasibility of the positron-source concept and marks an important milestone in developing the technologies needed for electron-positron colliders.

Measures to combat fraudulent calls made in the name of public authorities are proving effective. The number of reports fell by over 75 per cent in July following the extension of the mandatory caller ID requirement to calls from abroad that use spoofed Swiss numbers. Nevertheless, the threat of cybercrime remains high: in the first half of 2026, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) received 27,128 voluntary reports and 200 mandatory reports of attacks on critical infrastructure. The latest NCSC semi-annual report also highlights how cybercriminals are using AI to carry out increasingly personalised attacks.

Leaves turning brown as early as July, and watercourses running at record-low levels: the summer of 2026 was extremely dry and hot. Researchers from WSL and SLF answer frequently asked questions.

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter will attend this year's meeting of the finance ministers of German-speaking countries in Liechtenstein on 24 August 2026. The main focus will be on long-term financial policy challenges, financial sector resilience and the strengthening of European competitiveness.