2026

One year after the landslide in Blatten

Sun, 31 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

A year on from the devastating landslide, the future of the Valais mountain village of Blatten is uncertain. How should we approach the issue of mountain regions that are increasingly threatened by climate change? Christian Huggel has spoken on this topic in several interviews with Swiss and German media outlets.

Simply Complex – The Concrete Benefits of Biodiversity

Sat, 30 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

From 13 to 22 June 2026, part of Kirchner Park in Davos will be transformed into a sculpture park. Twelve sculptures will present scientific findings on the topic of biodiversity. This exhibition sheds light on these complex interconnections with sculptures that translate scientific findings into clear visual statements. Each composition invites you to explore, recognise patterns, decipher meanings and understand connections.

ESA Mission to explore understory biodiversity

Tue, 26 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The HiBiDiS mission aims to provide new insights into forest understory biodiversity, answering key questions about its composition, the state of ecosystems, the global carbon cycle and climate change. UZH is participating in the mission as a scientific partner.

Prof. Hans Elsasser (1943 - 2026)

Mon, 25 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

We mourn the loss of our esteemed former colleague, Prof. Dr. Hans Elsasser. He passed away on 15 May 2026 at the age of 82.

“Not a question of density”

Tue, 19 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

In an interview with the WOZ, social geographer Hanna Hilbrandt analyzes the SVP’s population control initiative as a distraction from the real problems facing the housing market. She discusses the potential of rent regulations and the importance of responsible urban planning in making housing socially and environmentally sustainable.

Open Doors @ GIUZ, May 21, 2026

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The Department of Geography will open its doors on Thursday, May 21, 2026, offering exciting insights into its research and teaching. It’s also a great opportunity to network and exchange ideas – with the department’s staff, alumns, teachers, partners, and anyone else interested.

Spotlight on climate in Switzerland 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Where does Switzerland stand in addressing climate change? The latest report from the Swiss Academies of Sciences (SCNAT) provides an answer to this question. It also assesses future risks associated with climate change and presents a wide range of scientifically proven, effective options for climate protection and adaptation.

Involuntary part-time work

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Thousands of people in Switzerland work part-time against their will, often because they are denied the opportunity to work longer hours. For those affected, this can lead to financial insecurity and increased psychological stress, as Karin Schwiter and Reta Barfuss explain in the online publication Social Security by the Federal Social Insurance Office.

Climate change affects the landscape: practical knowledge from experience and research

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT

From droughts to heavy rainfall and retreating glaciers – climate change is altering Switzerland's landscapes. At the same time these landscapes protect us from the consequences of climate change, such as flooding and avalanches. How can we safeguard these landscape services in the future?

March 21 is World Glacier Day

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT

A diverse program at the intersection of research, art and virtual reality offers insights into current glacier research at ETH's main building, including several contributions from the Department of Geography: exhibitions, lectures, interactive stations, and much more.

Glaciers – Melting Giants

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:00:00 GMT

An ARTE documentary about melting glaciers worldwide and their consequences for local natural hazards, regional water availability and global sea level rise. Well-known glaciers serve as examples, and glaciologists such as Simon Allen, Laura Niggli, Inés Dussaillant and Michael Zemp from GIUZ are interviewed.