Latsis Symposium 2025: Science for Global Development & Humanitarian Action

Science and new technologies have great potential to tackle global challenges such as food security, climate justice, poverty and humanitarian crises. Nevertheless, many people in low- and middle-income countries often benefit little or very late from technological advances. The Latsis Symposium 2025 brings together leading researchers and experts to discuss how science can benefit the entire world population more quickly.

Programme highlights: 10¨C12 September 2025

The symposium will begin on the evening of 10 September at ETH Zurich with a keynote speech by Prof. Gilles Carbonnier, Vice President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, on the topic of "Humanitarian Aid in the 21st Century: Technological Opportunities and Challenges".

The following two days will feature presentations and interactive panels on topics including

• the role of engineers in developing solutions for populations living on less than $10 a day (65% of the world's population),
• research-based solutions in areas such as global health and nutrition, sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure or inclusive adaptation to climate change,
• the potential - and the risks - of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) for improving global living conditions.

On 11 September, young scientists are invited to present their research and their contribution to sustainable and equitable development. On the afternoon of 12 September, workshops will offer the opportunity for in-depth discussions on topics such as ¡®Scientific evidence for NGOs¡¯ or ¡®Effective and equitable research collaborations between financially unequal partners¡¯.

The preliminary programme and the list of speakers can be found on our website and will be updated regularly. Registration for the symposium is now open. Participation is free of charge.