Our Solar System may contain alien comets that were stolen from another star flying past 4.5 billion years ago. Far away in a distant cluster of young stars, a similar close encounter might have also sent the inter-stellar visitor “Oumuamua” flying on its way towards us, and there must be many more of these free-floating objects in the Galaxy. These are results of a new study by astrophysicists at the University of Zurich. More …

With a range of grasslands, wetlands and woods, Irchel Park is rich in ecosystems and is habitat to a host of plants and animals. A new trail has been designed to give visitors to Irchel Campus the chance to discover the park’s natural environment. Marking International Day for Biological Diversity, the Irchel Nature Trail officially opens today. More …

The current issue of the UZH Journal focuses on exam stress and what can be done about it. Also in the spotlight are the new guidelines for supervision of doctoral candidates. More …

Gottfried Keller is the most famous Zurich writer of the 19th century. He had close links with UZH and bequeathed the university his complete estate and archive, laying the foundations for modern-day Keller research. A major international congress is now being held on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Keller’s birth. From 23 to 25 May, congress attendees and speakers will examine Keller’s literary heritage. More …

The University of Zurich is strengthening and combining its quality assurance tools. More …

With her commitment to the environment, 16-year-old Swede Greta Thunberg has provoked a debate on values among young people all over the world. How do values arise, and how do they change? An interview with social ethics expert Monika Wilhelm and economist Martin Kindschi. More …

Fifty years ago, on 21 July 1969, humans stood on the moon for the first time. To celebrate the anniversary of the moon landing, UZH astrophysicist Ben Moore has written a biography of the moon. In this interview he tells us about the new space race, and explains how the Earth’s satellite came into being. More …

Chlamydiae are bacteria that can be transmitted from pigs, goats and sheep to humans and can cause infections. We talked to veterinarian Nicole Borel whose work follows these highly adaptable and sometimes mystifying pathogens. More …

Every third teenager is subject to violence from peers. How can we identify risk factors at an early stage and intervene in time? A UZH study investigated these questions, evaluating data from the Zurich long-term study “z-proso”. More …

The University’s Annual Report for 2018 has just been published. In addition to the current statistics on student and staff numbers and the latest financial figures, highlights from research, teaching and campus life are presented. One of the topics explored in more depth is digitalization and how UZH is stepping up to the challenges of digital change. More …

Free access to all academic publications is the goal of the open access movement. But how quickly should academic publishing be transformed? UZH put this question up for debate at a well-attended panel discussion on Tuesday evening. More …

Is better legal protection against stalking needed in Switzerland? UZH doctoral candidate Aurelia Gurt is researching this politically hot topic. More …

Developments in artificial intelligence are continuing apace, dramatically impacting our lives in the process. In his guest lecture at UZH, UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston explains how human rights offer an important normative framework for regulating artificial intelligence. More …

The University of Zurich is innovative – it’s official! UZH has achieved ninth place in “Europe’s Most Innovative Universities” ranking. More …

Children are mostly open and tolerant towards foreigners but, in contrast to adults, their attitudes are easier to change. Much depends on their friends. More …

Immunologist Janine Reichenbach is doing research into serious congenital immune deficiencies. And she is developing gene therapies – for some patients the last hope of a cure. More …

Chatchavan Wacharamanotham, Professor of Interaction Design, is a highly motivated teacher with an innovative, interactive approach to sharing his subject matter with students. It’s earned him this year’s Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching. More …

Many former Verdingkinder suffered a traumatic childhood, but some have managed to cope with the potentially damaging experience. Psychologist Myriam Thoma wanted to know how. More …

Do you need to be especially tough to be the criminal investigation police chief? In this video interview, UZH alumna Christiane Lentjes-Meili tells us how she got into this unusual profession. More …

UZH News has compiled some quiz questions to get you thinking ahead of the holiday weekend. We wish you all a Happy Easter! More …