Swiss Stories

Olympic torch, Glacier 3000

Lausanne 2020

Society
After St Moritz back in 1928 and 1948, Switzerland is now set to host an Olympic event for the third time. The sixth Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will get under way shortly in Lausanne. Former IOC President Jacques Rogge is the inspiration behind the youth event which was launched in 2008. The YOG, which take place this year from 9–22 January, bring together the world's best athletes in the 15–18 age group to compete in 8 sports, 16 disciplines and 81 medal events.
Lake Lucerne

Combating climate change with Swiss lakes

Environment
Switzerland’s lake surface waters contain vast amounts of thermal energy, collected from the sun and stored as heat. This can be extracted and used for heating. At the same time lake water can be used as a coolant.
Artist's impression of the space telescope © ESA/ATG medialab

Switzerland in space

Science & Education
Switzerland is leading the consortium of 11 European countries participating in the CHEOPS mission. The CHEOPS telescope was launched in 2019 to learn more about the little-known world of exoplanets. This is the first mission Switzerland has led within the European Space Agency (ESA), although it has been a member since the agency's inception. Other missions are in the pipeline – more on that below.
lerichti

Inside @lerichti's Instagram

Society
Today, we turn our attention to @lerichti. His account is not devoted to images of Swiss mountains but to Switzerland's architecture.
SSW

Seedstars, an idea born in Switzerland

Economics

When most people think of emerging markets, they still assume them to be hubs of low-cost manufacturing and unskilled labour.

Alisee de Tonnac

by Alisée de Tonnac

Nicolas de Flüe

St Nicholas of Flüe, a genuine Swiss legend

History
St Nicholas of Flüe could take first place in the Swiss hall of fame. Nicholas of Flüe, also known as Brother Klaus, was a legendary figure in his lifetime and remains one to this day. Portrait of a peacemaker who is admired far beyond Switzerland's borders.
"Planet earth first"

Sonia Seneviratne – Swiss expertise furthering the fight against climate change

Science & Education
Swiss researcher Sonia Seneviratne, a specialist in heat waves, droughts and other extreme events, combines scientific rigour with a commitment to fight global warming. Co-author of the latest IPCC report on the physical impacts of climate change, she is considered one of the world's most influential climate scientists.