Some of the most pressing challenges worldwide, from global pandemics to the climate and environmental crisis, require efforts at the interface of science, policy, and diplomacy. To this end, skills development for scientists engaged with science for policy and diplomacy is increasingly important, yet relevant educational offers in Switzerland and worldwide remain limited. The Swiss Young Network for Science Policy and Diplomacy, in collaboration with the Geneva Science-Policy Interface and the Franxini Project of Reatch, considered educational offers in science for policy and diplomacy available for early-career academics, including courses, workshops, and webinars in Switzerland, across Europe, and beyond.

Misinformation, half-truths, and conspiracy theories can cause considerable harm to society. Therefore, it is crucial to take effective measures to counter their spread. Researchers from the Swiss Young Academy (SYA) and the University of Zurich have decided to tackle this challenge head-on. In a three-wave Delphi study scholars and practitioners from 13 countries were asked to identify current challenges in responding to online misinformation and conspiracy theories, to predict developments in this area, and to use these findings to develop targeted measures that respond to the challenges. The recommendations presented in this flyer are specifically aimed at the DACH region and are intended to support decision-makers in politics, technology platforms, journalism, academia, and other fields.

How do scientific insights find their way into parliament? Researchers in Switzerland often do not have a clear answer to this question. A new publication by the Swiss Young Academy provides practical tips, insights and background information on the legislative process. This orientation guide is intended to enable (young) scientists to successfully contribute their knowledge to parliamentary deliberations.