Priority Themes for Swiss Sustainability Research
Launch of the SRI white paper
What are the priority issues in the context of the 2030 Agenda that science must address? This question has been explored by the Initiative for Sustainability Research. On December 8, we launched the resulting white paper.

In the course of about 18 months and in a participatory process, we identified and developped priority themes for sustainability research in Switzerland. On December 8, we launched the resulting white paper. The main authors presented highlights in an expert talk, before we put the topics up for broader discussion with key players.
The recording of the livestream is provided below.
Programme
17.00 Welcome & Introduction
Marcel Tanner (President, Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences)
Peter Edwards (President, Steering Group Sustainability Research)
17.15 Expert talk on the priority themes
Urs Niggli (agroecology.science)
Heike Mayer (University of Bern)
Michael Stauffacher (ETH Zurich)
Marc Chesney (University of Zurich)
Marlyne Sahakian (University of Geneva)
Christian Pohl (ETH Zurich)
17.45 Panel discussion
Michael Hengartner (President, ETH Board)
Katharina Michaelowa (Presidium of the Research Council, SNF)
Maria Stoll (ARE, Sustainable Development Section)
Elgin Brunner (Head of Transformational Programmes, WWF Switzerland)
Florian Egli (Member, Swiss Young Academy)
Moderator of the two rounds of talks: Thomas Häusler, SRF
18.45 Summary and outlook
Philippe Moreillon (President, Swiss Academy of Sciences)
Related topics

Which research topics should be prioritised to best support our committment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals? What is the role of science on this path towards a more just and sustainable society?
Image: Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz
Welche Forschung die nachhaltige Entwicklung der Gesellschaft in der Schweiz bestmöglich unterstützt, legen Forschende im «Whitepaper Nachhaltigkeitsforschung» der Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz dar. Zusammen mit Personen aus Wissenschaft, Regierung, NGOs und dem privaten Sektor identifizieren sie sechs prioritäre Themen wie Ernährungssysteme, lebendige Räume oder Wertewandel. Das Whitepaper soll der Forschungscommunity als Wegweiser dienen, um gezielt vernetzte Forschungsprojekte zu entwickeln und zu finanzieren.
Image: Hansjakob FehrUsing six priority themes, the "White Paper on Sustainability Research" outlines Switzerland's most urgent research needs in order to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The priority themes were developed by 30 experts from science and practice on the basis of a broad-based dialogue with over 100 stakeholders from science, business, administration and civil society.
Image: Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences
Under the leadership of SCNAT, the Sustainability Research Initiative is developing priority topics for sustainable development research in Switzerland. At a review meeting in early July, several well-known experts gave the draft research agenda very good marks. They especially appreciated the systemic approach and encouraged the authors to place even more focus on pathways towards transformation.
Image: WikipediaContact
Dr. Gabriela Wülser
SCNAT
Steering Committee Sustainability Research
House of Academies
PO Box
3001 Bern
Switzerland