Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Switzerland: Students Gather at Scientific Conference to Share Research and Learn from Experts
Largest Research Competition for Students in Switzerland
On 13 June 2025, 180 invited GLOBE students (ages 10–19) presented their research at the 2nd national GLOBE student conference, hosted by the Oeschger Center at the University of Bern. They discussed their work and results with scientists, judges (made up of scientists and experts), and other participating students. The 67 student project teams were accompanied by their teachers.
The framework for the competition and for the conference were created with support from various organizations, including the U.S. Embassy, educational partners (the Federal Office for the Environment and teacher training colleges), and scientific partners (Swiss Academy of Sciences, Oeschger Centre). The conference met all the criteria of a scientific conference with guest speakers, poster sessions, and poster awards. The poster competition was divided into three school levels: primary school (~ages 10–12), lower secondary (~ages 12–15), and upper secondary (~ages 15–19). Because students came from all language regions of Switzerland, large parts of the conference were simultaneously translated into Italian, French, and German.
I would like to extend my compliments to you and all the collaborators at GLOBE for last Friday’s conference! The students were enthusiastic and truly appreciated the opportunity. It was a wonderful way to make science come alive for the students, connecting all generations of scientists around the topic of the environment, which is of fundamental importance for everyone's future. —Lower-secondary educator from Bedigliora
Renowned Researchers Provide Insights into Their Research
The guest speakers took the students on an exciting journey, describing their research and results in their talks.
Sonja Seneviratne, a professor at the Institute of Atmospheric and Climate Science at ETH Zürich.
Keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Sonja Seneviratne gave students insight into her research on climate extremes in Switzerland and worldwide.
I found the atmosphere very positive and the students very motivated! —Prof. Sonia Seneviratne
Thomas Stocker, emeritus professor at the University of Bern (left) and Kathrin Altwegg, emeritus space researcher at the University of Bern (right), introduce the audience to their research topics.
Dr. Thomas Stocker, a professor of climate and environmental physics at the University of Bern, gave insight into his research projects. For instance, he shared with students that the climate history of the last 1.2 million years can be deduced from the almost 2.5-km-long ice cores from the Antarctic ice sheet.
Dr. Kathrin Altwegg, an astrophysicist at the University of Bern, took the young audience on an excursion “into space.” She showed how the universe developed after the Big Bang and how much luck it takes for life to be possible on a planet.
Poster Session Highlights the Work of the Young Researchers
As is customary at science conferences, the young GLOBE researchers presented their work in poster sessions and discussed their posters with the attendees. During the sessions, all research groups had the opportunity to present their work to the judges and other students and to answer questions. Any language barriers in communication were overcome with the help of the educators and the GLOBE team but also thanks to the students’ foreign language skills. The spirit of research was palpable during the sessions!
It was a joy to meet so many enthusiastic young people at the posters and to hear their insights, opinions, and perspectives. A great enrichment for me. Thank you for letting me be part of it.—A Judge
The conference also had an international aspect, with Lenka Kleger, deputy of the GLOBE Europe and Eurasia Regional Coordination Office, joining to talk to students about their research and the international dimension of the GLOBE Program.
Students discuss their posters with other students and adults during the 2nd National Student Conference.
Hear more of what attendees had to say about their experiences:
What a fantastic day we got to experience in Bern! The organization in advance, on the day itself, the engaging presentations (my kids were thrilled), the good catering, the chance to step outside the usual school routine, and so much more. Also, the fact that participants up to high school age were present at the event was a formative experience for the children. A heartfelt thank you for the excellent organization. —Primary school educator from Basel
First of all, I would like to sincerely thank you—also on behalf of my students—for the perfectly organized conference today. It was a great experience for everyone! —High school teacher from Thun
My students really enjoyed the event, and it was great to see students from all over Switzerland presenting their scientific results and getting their first taste of a conference atmosphere. The presentations were also very engaging—a successful event! —High school educator from Baden
View the top student projects (NOTE: The link goes to a handout in German and the linked projects are in multiple languages.)
Learn more about GLOBE Switzerland.
Story courtesy of Martina Brun, GLOBE Switzerland.
Photos courtesy of GLOBE Switzerland/Stefan Wermuth.