Swiss Stories

Sebastian, Gert-Jan, Grégoire and David

Swiss neurotechnology

Science & Education
Paraplegics are being given new hope by Swiss researchers who have come up with a technological breakthrough that is helping people who have suffered spinal cord injuries to walk again.

by Lea Huszno

iPhone: Siri

The Swiss inventor of Siri

Science & Education
The man behind Siri, the Apple voice assistant used by hundreds of millions of people around the world, is a Swiss engineer who divides his time between the canton of Vaud and San Francisco. In his own words, this allows him to "keep his feet on the ground".
Lucerne

Basel and Lucerne – when carnival becomes art

Society
Did you know that Switzerland is (also) home to the carnival? A number of cities organise carnivals every year, like Basel and Lucerne. Over the course of several days, locals adorn themselves in festive costume – to the delight of all.

by Dimitri Kas

A future in protecting the environment

A future in protecting the environment

Environment
Ecosystem, sustainable development, renewable energies, carbon footprint, environmental protection: in recent decades, a number of terms that were previously only familiar to specialists have enriched our everyday vocabulary. We have become more aware of ecological challenges and the need to protect the environment. These are also issues we face in Switzerland. Here are five examples.
Swiss made plastic house

Upcycling: Swiss made plastic house

Environment
Switzerland is often cited as a model for recycling because of the rubbish collection, waste separation and waste recovery methods deployed. Public bodies, research institutes, companies and citizens are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment and society. Businesses are innovating and developing technologies for resource management, rubbish collection and recycling more effectively with a view to creating a more circular economy.
Tavillon

The 'tavillon' or wooden shingle – ancestral craft and living tradition

History
The smooth covering of wooden scales that clothes the curves of many a roof are part of Switzerland's built heritage. A technique passed on orally from generation to generation
Michelle Gisin St. Anton

Michelle Gisin: jewel in the family crown

Society
The 27-year-old Engelberg native has emerged this winter as the new star of Swiss skiing. She and her older sister Dominique have each won an Olympic gold, while their brother Marc also made his name a few seasons back on Kitzbühel's legendary Streif. Presenting the Gisins: a family of gifted skiers.

by Bertrand Monnard