Swiss Young Academy SYA
Countering online misinformation and conspiracy theories - Recommendations from scholars and practitioners in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
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.
Swiss Young Academy SYA
Innovative Teaching Formats at the Science-Society Interface: Reflections and Future Directions in Swiss Higher Education
Science-society dialogue is crucial for addressing pressing societal challenges. One important avenue for strengthening this link, in an inter- and transdisciplinary perspective, is teaching formats that encourage students to engage in the public sphere. However, an illustrative collection of best practices in Swiss higher education has been lacking so far. This practice-driven report draws on a non-exhaustive stocktake of existing courses in Switzerland and participatory workshops among lecturers. It features illustrative examples from Swiss higher education institutions and introduces a new typology of science-society teaching formats, offering educators a structured way to design and analyze courses across six dimensions. In addition, the publication discusses both the opportunities and challenges of implementing such teaching formats. To further advance science-society education, the report identifies three priority areas for action.
Swiss Young Academy SYA
On Science for Policy and Diplomacy Education in Switzerland and Beyond: A Brief Overview
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.
Swiss Young Academy SYA
Podcast "Spark - Stories from Advocates for Global Change"
Spark offers young listeners (ages 16–23) an accessible entry point into the world of transdisciplinary research, showcasing how collaboration across different fields of study is essential to solving complex real-world problems. Through engaging storytelling, the podcast highlights how careers in science can take many shapes, offering insights into the diverse paths within this field. By connecting young listeners with the stories behind the research, Spark aims to foster public engagement with science, encourage deeper connections between established experts and young audiences, and inspire greater involvement in global issues.