Cooperation between the scientific, political, and diplomatic communities is decisive to overcoming global challenges. How to involve young academics in the political and diplomatic discourse through “science diplomacy” was the issue at this year's meeting of the European Network of National Young Academies (ENYA) in Bern, organised by the Swiss Young Academy.

Five years after it was established, the Swiss Young Academy has published its first public Annual Report.

Environmental epidemiologist Marloes Eeftens – a member of the Swiss Young Academy – has proved for the first time that pollen allergies have a greater impact on health than was previously assumed. In this portrait, she explains what drives her and why pollen should become a public health issue.