News

The Swiss National Science Foundation has approved the funding application of a large consortium led by the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and the University of Zurich. With the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Muoniverse, muon research at PSI will be equipped for the future to address research questions from science and industry. A lighthouse project with international prominence.

President Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), has decided to launch six new National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs). The federal government thus seeks to reinforce Swiss research and innovation activities in strategically important areas such as medicine, quantum technology and climate. During the initial operating phase from 2026 to 2029, the federal government will provide CHF 98.7 million in seed funding for these extensive research undertakings. Participating higher education institutions and research institutes will contribute additional funding at least equal to the amount provided by the federal government.

The Swiss Residential Property Price Index (IMPI) rose in the 4th quarter 2025 by 0.5% compared with the previous quarter and reached 125.0 points (4th quarter 2019 = 100). Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, inflation was 3.9%. Average annual inflation for residential property in 2025 was 4.6%. These are some of the results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Switzerland is to take over the chairmanship of the Euro–African Dialogue on Migration and Development (Rabat Process) this year. It will succeed Nigeria in leading this forum, which brings together almost 60 countries from Europe, North, West and Central Africa. This year, the forum is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Primary care doctors rate the overall performance of the Swiss health system as good or very good. Almost eight in ten doctors are quite to very satisfied with their jobs, although half report feeling very or extremely stressed. These are the findings of an international survey conducted in ten countries under the aegis of the Commonwealth Fund.

Access to apprenticeship places in Switzerland differs significantly depending on where young people live. This is shown by a new study conducted by the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training SFUVET. It sheds light on the still little-known structure of regional apprenticeship markets. Around 95 per cent of young people have access to more than 100 of the roughly 250 apprenticeship pathways in Switzerland when searching for a training place.

Swiss foreign trade posted increases in both directions of trade in 2025. Exports rose by 1.4% to CHF 287.0 billion, a new record. Having posted negative figures in the two previous years, imports rose by 4.5% to CHF 232,7 billion. This is the second-highest value ever recorded. The trade surplus amounted to CHF 54.3 billion.

The website of the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has been given a makeover. The site has been modernised and adapted to current technical and design standards. The website is still available at www.estv.admin.ch. Saved links will be redirected to the new website.

The Federal Council is responding to the dramatic situation in Haiti. On 28 January, it took the decision to join the EU sanctions aimed at curbing gang violence. This extends the existing Ordinance on measures concerning Haiti. The new measures come into force at 11pm on 28 January.

At its meeting on 28 January, the Federal Council adopted its Anti-Corruption Strategy 2026–29. The strategy sets priorities for fighting corruption in areas of the Federal Administration that are particularly exposed and present an increased risk, and for reducing the vulnerability of Swiss businesses to corruption abroad. The strategy is mainly intended for the Federal Administration but also for target groups outside the Federal Administration.

On 28 January, the Federal Council appointed Professor Tanja Zimmermann to a further four-year term as director of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa). This term will run from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2030.

Financial support should also be provided for subscription and foundation publications when they are delivered by private providers. Currently, this only applies when they are delivered by Swiss Post. At its meeting on 28 January 2026, the Federal Council initiated the consultation procedure on the partial revision of the Postal Services Act.