Menu
Logo Logo
  • DE
  • EN

Natural and artificial

It seems to be part of human nature to constantly want to improve ourselves and our environment.  This ambition has made our lives more comfortable in many ways. At times, however, we overshoot the mark and conclude that it is time to return to our roots.

Read this article
    • Panorama

    “Not all students have to launch a start-up”

    Regula Jöhl has been President of the ZHAW since February 2025. In this interview, she talks about her first couple of months in office, an open university culture and what she thinks of the new university strategy.

    • Interview: Sara Blaser
    06.06.2025
  • Yulia Sandamirskaya, Volker Kiel und Elke Brucker-Kley
    • Interview

    “I don't want to hug a robot”

    Can artificial intelligence comfort us or develop a will of its own? Information scientist Elke Brucker-Kley, humanities scholar Volker Kiel, and robot researcher Yulia Sandamirskaya discuss these (...)

    • Interview: Sara Blaser
    06.06.2025
    • Main Topic

    An unexpectedly long life

    Plastic in the environment is a major problem. One potential solution is the selective replacement of plastic with biodegradable materials. However, degradability is influenced by many factors.

    • Sibylle Veigl
    06.06.2025
  • The fermented mass can be processed into various products, including pasta or snacks. 
    • Main Topic

    Small pea, big potential

    For those who do not eat meat, legumes are often a staple. While they are rich in protein, they lack vitamin B12 and are often difficult to digest. With the assistance of microscopic helpers, this (...)

    • Malolo Kessler
    06.06.2025
  • Using virtual reality glasses, participants immerse themselves in a virtual environment in which they play through an interactive scenario with artificial flatmates in a shared apartment.
    • Main Topic

     My friend AI

    Artificial intelligence with emotional capabilities may one day become part and parcel of everyday life. But is this something that we actually want? By means of virtual reality, researchers have made (...)

    • Tobias Hänni
    06.06.2025
    • Interview
    • Main Topic

    “Both science and society benefit from open science”

    Today, universities have to make the results of their work freely accessible under the postulate of open science. While the opening up of information is desirable, it is not yet easy to realise.

    • Interview: Sara Blaser
    29.11.2024
    • Main Topic

    Open access to education and research

    By 2032, all publicly financed research results should be made freely available in Switzerland. The University Library offers active support for researchers, lecturers and students.

    • Marion Ronca
    29.11.2024
  • A green door of a laboratory. Through the window in the door it looks like there is somthing magical going on in the lab.
    • Main Topic

    As open as possible, as protected as necessary

    Sharing research data is an important part of open science. But what data can actually be shared? A cross-School project is looking for answers.

    • Elena Ibello
    29.11.2024
  • Fabienne Dütschler: “A ramp alone isn't enough to ensure accessibility. If it is too steep, wheelchairs can tip over.”
    • Main Topic

    Greater participation in public space 

    Work, leisure activities and independent mobility are all important factors when it comes to mental health and contentment with life. In a research project, people with disabilities tell us where they (...)

    • Andrea Söldi
    29.11.2024
    • Opinion

    Planetary Health episode 7: Metasynthesis in Food Production

    For thousands of years, human survival has been inextricably linked to agriculture and the natural ecosystems that support it. What if we could produce food without sunlight, without vast tracts of (...)

    • Gisela und Tilo Hühn
    29.11.2024
  • Teaching provides Stefan Flückiger with the opportunity to process his professional experiences at a theoretical level. (Photo: Conradin Frei)
    • People

    “I learnt most of what I know on the job”

    Stefan Flückiger has represented Switzerland at the highest international level. After a long career as a diplomat, the easy thing to do in retirement would be to sit back and enjoy life. Instead, he (...)

    • Seraina Sattler
    29.11.2024
    • Interview
    • Main Topic

    “Nature and the city are intertwined”

    How can urban and natural regeneration succeed? And is it possible to reconcile nature conservation interests with the way we spend our leisure time? Two ZHAW experts from the areas of urban planning (...)

    • Interview by Patricia Faller
    16.04.2024
    Artboard
    • Opinion

    Planetary Health episode 6: Exponential food technology – revolutionising edibles

    According to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024, 170 kilograms of food are thrown away per person in Switzerland every year – the highest figure anywhere in Europe. This has to change. Exponential (...)

    • Gisela und Tilo Hühn
    16.04.2024
    • People

    “Here, you can research for practice”

    Making the financial world more sustainable: Julia Meyer is actively working to achieve this goal – and has probably been doing so for longer than many other experts in the world of finance. With her (...)

    • Elena Ibello
    16.04.2024
    • Main Topic

    Carbon-fibre-reinforced concrete panels: Reusable, filigree and flexible

    Filigree carbon concrete panels developed by the ZHAW are now being used in building construction for the first time. This innovation allows for significant CO2 and material savings and provides the (...)

    • Manuel Martin
    16.04.2024
    gallery
Load more
  • Imprint
  • Data protection notice
  • Netiquette
  • Cookies
© ZHAW
  • Home

  • Categories

    • Editorial

      Foreword by the Editor-in-Chief

    • Alumni

      What ZHAW graduates do today

    • People

      We look over the shoulders of researchers and lecturers

    • Main Topic

      The main topic of each issue

    • Research

      News from ZHAW research

    • Study

      Insight into the study programmes

    • Interview

      Experts discuss

    • Opinion

      Viewpoints of ZHAW members

    • Panorama

      Miscellaneous from campus life

  • Search

  • Archive

  • Previous Issue

  • About the Magazine ZHAW-Impact and the ZHAW

Close