On the occasion of the Day of Italian Research in the World (GRIM) 2026, the Consulate General of Italy in Zurich, together with ETH Zurich, organize the scientific event:
The Alps, Shared Mountains
Collaborative Science and Policy to Protect Fragile Mountain Ecosystems and their Vital Role for Society
April 23, 2026
Audi Max HG F 30 – ETH Zurich
Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zurich
18:00 – 20:30
The Alps are a fascinating mountain range that spans eight countries — Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, and Switzerland — and represent a natural, cultural, and social space of extraordinary importance. The challenges affecting this region are often transboundary in nature and require responses based on international cooperation.
This spirit underpins the Alpine Convention, the first international treaty dedicated to the sustainable development and protection of an entire mountain range, whose 35th anniversary will be celebrated in 2026. The Convention provides the legal framework for safeguarding the sensitive Alpine ecosystems, regional cultural identities, and the natural and social heritage of the Alps.
The conference, in coordination with a parallel event at the Embassy of Italy in Wien, will present the contributions of Italian and Swiss researchers involved in research projects across the Alpine region, highlighting the role of international scientific collaboration in studying climate change and its effects on the cryosphere, mountain ecosystems, and Alpine communities.
The event will offer an overview of ongoing joint research activities and their contribution to the development of effective policies for the protection of the Alpine environment and the mitigation of climate change impacts.
An apèro after the conference will be offered to participants.
Registration page here.
Preliminary Program
17:45 Doors opening
18:00 Welcome by the ETH Zurich Rektor, Prof. G. Dissertori
18:05 Welcome by the Consul General of Italy, Mr. M. Baldi
18:10 Introduction to conference theme: Dr. L. Valenziano (Science Attaché to Switzerland)
18:15 Introductory Remarks by the Mrs. Anna Giacometti, Swiss National Councillor, co-chair of the interparliamentary group on Polar Regions (In Italian)
18:20 Keynote presentation: Prof. Aisling O’Carroll (ETH Zurich)
Alpine histories: geology, architecture, and climate science in a shifting landscape
18:50 Panel discussion: Science and policy for the protection of Alpine environment.
- Martin Funk, ETH Zürich
- Alessandra Bottero, WSL Davos
- Andrea Manconi, WSL Davos
- Fabrizio Troilo, Fondazione Montagna Sicura, Aosta
- Danièle Rod, Swiss Polar Institute (Moderator)
19:20 Apèro
20:30 Event closure