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Bridging Science, Society and Humanitarian Innovation: Transdisciplinary Solutions for a Changing World

House of Switzerland • World Economic Forum 2025

Wednesday 22 January 2025
14:30-16:30
Location: Nordside

Organized by the ETH-Domain with ETHZ, EPFL, PSI, WSL/SLF, Empa and Eawag / THE EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED

In an era of escalating global challenges, the need to connect scientific research, technological innovation and humanitarian action has never been more urgent. This panel discussion brings together experts and thought leaders to explore how transdisciplinary co-creation can bridge the gaps between cutting-edge science and real-world humanitarian needs. The aim is to demonstrate how cross-sector collaboration can create lasting, scalable impact. Attendees will gain insights into the importance of co-creating solutions with affected populations and the role of academic institutions in driving technological breakthroughs that align with humanitarian values. 

Welcome speech
- Guy Parmelin, Federal Councillor, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

Podium speakers
- Mr Klaus Schönenberger, Director EssentialTech Centre, EPFL 
- Ms Menna El-Assady, Professor and Head of the Interactive Visualization and Intelligence Augmentation Lab at the Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich
- Felix Seidel Caprez, Principal Investigator and Program Manager at NASA/Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Moderation
- Chris Luebkeman, Head Strategic Foresight, ETH Zurich

Person for information & event registration
Alexandra Cron
Communications Manager ETH Zurich
alexandra.cron@sl.ethz.ch
+41 79 717 96 42

Person for media requests 
Gian-Andri Casutt, Head Communications ETH Board
gian.casutt@ethrat.ch
+41 79 636 94 64