Helping Those Left Behind
Social decline – or just the fear of it – is pushing people to vote for far-right parties. But trust in government rises when those struggling feel valued and receive the right support.
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Playing with Numbers
Number theory is the branch of mathematics dedicated to the magic of natural numbers. Claire Burrin, assistant professor of mathematics, specializes in this field. -
Survival of the Nurtured: Early Institutional Care Lowers Life Expectancy
Infants who grew up in early child care institutions in the 1950s have a much shorter life expectancy. The study provides evidence that early deprivation of affection has serious consequences across the life span. -
Manipulating Protein Factories
Ataman Sendoel is researching how tumors are able to misuse protein production for their purposes. And he is looking for substances to prevent this. -
Cozzarelli Prize Awarded to Jordi Bascompte
UZH evolutionary biologist Jordi Bascompte has received the Cozzarelli Prize for his research on the emergence of eukaryotic cells. -
Who Will Win the 2026 Teaching Award?
Three instructors are competing for this year’s UZH Teaching Award, which will be presented at the Dies academicus. We introduce the nominees. -
From Cleanroom to Market
Wyss Zurich supports promising biotech start-ups in making the difficult, expensive transition from university to industry. -
Dirty Water, White Gold
Human rights are often not sufficiently enforced. Legal scholar Christine Kaufmann recommends to name problems specifically. -
Christian Schwarzenegger Appointed New Provost of Universitas 21
In this role, the UZH Vice President will be in charge of the operational management and strategic development of the global university network U21. -
Equality by Design
The Faculty of Science is applying for an international label for equality, diversity, and inclusion – the first faculty in Switzerland to do so. -
Zero Tolerance Toward Sexual Harassment
UZH is holding a range of events on 21 April to draw attention to the national Sexual Harassment Awareness Day. UZH Deputy President Gabriele Siegert comments on measures to combat sexual harassment. -
Between Campus and Society
Exhibitions that inspire and experiments that lead to new solutions: two UZH employees share how they bring knowledge to life. -
UZH Creates New Fellowship Program for Postdocs
The University of Zurich has set up a new funding instrument for postdoctoral researchers. We present the first three recipients of the Sylvia Isobel Willener Fellowship. -
How Soil Microbes Adapt to Life in Lakes
An analysis of bacteria in Lake Zurich reveals that some soil microbes acquire new traits in order to colonize new aquatic habitats, while others reduce their genome size. -
“Before we can refine, we need to define”
As part of the NFP 79 “Advancing 3R”, UZH veterinary physiologist Christina Boyle explores what life is like for breeding female mice. -
The Role of Gut Bacteria in Boosting Cancer Treatment
New research from Zurich shows that the gut microbiome may have an impact on cancer immunotherapy, giving patients who did not initially respond to treatment a second chance. -
History Set in Stone
Inscriptions from the Hellenistic and Roman periods are rich sources of information about life in ancient times. Databases make them available for research. -
Can Fair Decisions Be Calculated?
Political decisions often create winners and losers. As research by economist Maya Eden shows, predictable and transparent criteria can help minimize unfairness. -
Collecting Data for NASA
UZH provides NASA with flight data from the Orion space capsule to test the possibility of involving external parties in monitoring flight paths. -
The Aromas of Pompeii’s Household Altars
An international research team investigated ash residues from incense burners. The substances they discovered show that Pompeii was part of a global trade network. -
Tailored Development Aid
Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee are fighting poverty with rigorous experiments and concrete policies. An interview with the Nobel-winning economists. -
Victims’ Background Shapes Perceptions of Police Violence
Police violence is judged differently depending on who is affected. When people with an immigrant background are targeted, abusive police actions are perceived as less serious. -
Rebalancing the Tax Burden
There’s no easy way to achieve fair taxation. It takes a bundle of pragmatic measures to close loopholes, minimize false incentives, and tax work and capital evenly. -
HPV Vaccination Uptake in Adults Shaped by Knowledge and Medical Advice
Approximately one in four adults in Switzerland has been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus. A study explores the key factors influencing vaccination uptake. -
Relationships Rather Than Ownership
The new director of the Ethnographic Museum has big plans. The first milestone has already been reached with the return of 14 Benin artifacts to Nigeria. -
Innovative Strength Driven by Basic Research
At UZH, basic research brings about innovative products and applications. Researchers at UZH filed several patents in 2025, and four new spin-offs were created. -
UZH Returns Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
The objects originate from the Kingdom of Benin in what is now Nigeria and hold immense value for the people who live there. -
Unscrupulous Power Politics
Russia, China and the U.S. are flouting the principles of the rules-based international order. Historian Jeronim Perović and international law expert Oliver Diggelmann weigh in. -
AI as a Resource and Challenge
How can we maintain mental health in our AI-driven world of work? Interview with UZH professor of psychology Laurenz L. Meier. -
Researching on Equal Terms in the Amazon
Two researchers have discovered a new palm species in the virgin forests of Colombia. Together with an indigenous community, they mapped its geographical distribution. -
Ideas for a Fairer World
How can poverty be tackled more effectively? How can companies be held accountable? The new issue of the UZH Magazin explores how researchers at UZH are addressing these questions. -
Brief Interventions Reduce Risk of Renewed Suicide Attempt
A single conversation can make the difference: Brief, structured interventions significantly reduce the risk of a renewed suicide attempt. -
How AI Can Learn Better
Today’s artificial intelligence (AI) systems have difficulty understanding complex relationships. Benjamin Grewe wants to change this and draws his inspiration from biology. -
Paving the Way for Dialogue
Meet Elyas and Morana, who help ensure campus life continues to thrive and who encourage dialogue between the university and society. -
“Diplomacy is also a craft”
Ambassador Jürg Lauber is one of Switzerland’s most experienced diplomats. He has represented his country on the international stage for decades. -
Brain Activity Reveals How Well We Mentally Size Up Others
Humans often adapt their behavior to that of other people with lightning speed. A new study shows which brain networks control this social adaptation. -
Imagine Lake Zurich Filled With Diamonds
Sustainability is no longer just nice-to-have, it’s a concrete call to action. The UZH Sustainable event showcased how the University of Zurich is answering this call. -
Global Warming Causes Cropland Areas to Shrink
The subtropics are particularly affected. Explore animated diagrams and interactive maps that show the extent of the decline in various climate scenarios. -
Start School Later, Sleep Longer, Learn Better
On school days, adolescents are chronically sleep-deprived. A new study reveals that a flexible starting time can improve their sleep quality, health and academic performance. -
Bug-Born Breakthrough
Oliver Zerbe is working on an active substance that attacks pathogenic bacteria in a novel way and eliminates them. -
Diving into the World of Languages
A new master's program at UZH explores exciting questions about the origins of language — from a uniquely broad perspective. -
Acknowledge the Good
When we talk about morality, we tend to think about guilt, blame and punishment rather than praise, says philosopher Pascale Willemsen. -
Tackling Global Challenges Together
A symposium held last week showcased the wide-ranging benefits of the strategic partnership between the University of Zurich (UZH) and Kyoto University. -
Starving Emotions into Submission
Nutrition psychiatrist Patrick Pasi treats patients with eating disorders and explores new therapeutic methods at the USZ Eating Disorders Center. -
Innovative Researchers in the Spotlight
At the research gala Sparkling Research, Vice President Research Elisabeth Stark presented seven awards for outstanding achievements in the fields of research and innovation. -
Life’s Big Questions
A new module resumes the ancient tradition of philosophizing on the big existential questions at university. -
A Feast for the Eyes
Since the advent of cinema, characters have been shown eating on screen. A culinary journey through the history of film. -
The Mind Doctor
Rwandan psychologist Celestin Mutuyimana studies how societies can overcome historical trauma – and hopes to help his compatriots heal. -
One-Third of Young People Are Violent Toward Their Parents
Physical aggression by adolescents against their parents is more common than people realize. According to a long-term study, violent behavior peaks at age 13. -
Muons and Childhood Cancer
The University of Zurich has been chosen to host two new National Centers of Competence in Research, for childhood cancer diagnostics and treatment as well as muon research. -
New AI Tool Improves Treatment of Cancer Patients after Heart Attack
Researchers have developed an AI-based risk prediction model that combines cancer-related and traditional cardiovascular factors. -
A Window to the Future
With German language courses and selected lectures in many subject areas, the UZH’s Explore program helps refugees build a foundation for their future. -
Pesticides Significantly Affect Soil Life and Biodiversity
Seventy percent of soils in Europe are contaminated with pesticides. A Europe-wide study now shows that their effects on soil life are substantial, as pesticides suppress various beneficial soil organisms. -
The World Is Getting Fatter
We eat too much and move too little. Physiologist Thomas Lutz and obesity specialist Philipp Gerber know how overweight people can get back on track. -
CHF 75 Million for Science
The UZH Foundation raised a record CHF 75 million in third-party funding for the University of Zurich in 2025. -
When Spirituality Meets AI
A team of four researchers has won the UZH Postdoc Team Award for creating an AI tool that can search through thousands of UN documents for information on religion and spirituality. -
Through Zurich Without Barriers
At the UZH Healthy Longevity Center, researchers working across disciplines are developing solutions that help older people live healthier, happier lives. -
Crime Research and Responsible AI
Two interdisciplinary projects have been awarded seed funding. One researches topics such as new forms of crime, while the other promotes the accountable use of AI. -
The Habits of Healthy Eating
Our eating habits are often unhealthy and take a long time to change. Psychologist Sebastian Bürgler and nutrition scientist Sabine Rohrmann explore why that is and what we can do about it. -
New Skin for Burn Victims
Researchers at UZH have been working on bio-engineered skin grafts for over 15 years, leading to the founding of spin-off Cutiss that produces living skin tissue from the patients’ own cells. -
Einstein’s Dissertation: Groundbreaking Work in Physics
Exactly 120 years ago today, Albert Einstein was awarded his doctoral certificate at the University of Zurich (UZH). Test your knowledge of Einstein’s dissertation in our quiz. -
Alzheimer’s Drug Demonstrates Efficacy Against Sickle Cell Anemia
Memantine, a cost-effective drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, could also benefit patients with sickle cell anemia in the future. Initial clinical data indicate that the active ingredient is well tolerated. -
Staying Single for Longer Affects Young People’s Well-Being
Long-term singles experience a sharper decline in life satisfaction over time and feel lonelier and more depressed – especially in their late twenties. -
Solving the Alzheimer’s Puzzle
How can we influence whether we develop Alzheimer’s disease? Researchers at UZH are examining the factors that trigger the onset of the disease – and those that shield us against it. -
Genetic Risk Factor and Viral Infection Jointly Contribute to MS
In addition to an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, certain gene variants are also partly responsible for triggering MS. Together, these two risk factors lead to the autoimmune disease. -
UZH Research Co-Stars in TV Crime Drama
A federally funded research project aims to improve the implementation of assistive computer technologies, such as audio descriptions of TV programs for visually impaired viewers. -
How Wheat Fends Off Fungi
Although cereals naturally resist pathogenic fungi, powdery mildew can overcome this resistance. Researchers have now discovered one of the mechanisms behind this process. -
Built for Fish, Not Fast Food
The modern world offers an abundance of convenience foods. But our Stone Age physiology isn’t built for modern diets, which are taking their toll on our bodies. -
Melting Glaciers Top the List
Climate change, trust in science and health were among the most popular topics covered by UZH media releases and articles in 2025. -
A Level Playing Field for All
A meritocratic system only works if everyone gets a fair start. Economists Ernst Fehr and Steven Ongena explain how education, a health and social security system and taxation help.