What importance do you attach to science in society?

"Science and the understanding of its methods are very important for society and technological progress. They help to overcome major problems such as climate change and promote rational discussions on social issues."

"Science is very important to me personally. However, it should have much higher status in society than is currently the case. The marginalisation and ignorance of technical facts by society and politics is one of the greatest challenges of our time."

"To me, science is the foundation of our future. But it must not be an end in itself. It becomes valuable when it provides answers to questions that really concern us as a society. Through my work in industry and with start-ups, I realise time and time again that research must reach the people. We need to make complex topics tangible in order to strengthen trust in facts. We can only tackle the major challenges of our time together if we show how technology can improve our lives in concrete terms."

"A sound understanding of science and technology is the basis for successful innovations. Only on this basis can technical solutions of the highest quality be implemented with maximum reliability and safety."

"Science's mission is to illustrate the beauty of our environment and universe and to understand their complexity. It should help humanity to meet the global challenges of everyday life and to develop rational approaches to solving complex problems."

"For me, science has a central role in society. It provides guidance in a complex world, enables evidence-based decisions and forms the basis for responsible technological, economic and social developments."

"To me, science plays a central role in society, as it provides the basis for reasoned decisions, technological innovations and sustainable developments. It helps us to understand complex problems such as climate change and energy and resource shortages. At the same time, science is valuable because it promotes critical thinking, openness and a willingness to learn."

"Science should be the essential basis for most decisions made in our society. Unfortunately, science is increasingly losing recognition nowadays, which is why we scientists need to take action."

"To me, science is of key social significance: it can bring knowledge and progress, provide fact-based guidance for important decisions, develop talent and thus create the breeding ground for innovation and the resulting prosperity. However, this requires trust, which is created through responsible and transparent action and open dialogue."

"I believe that science plays a key role in the economic development of society, in advancing the quality of life, and in addressing societal challenges such as climate change."

"Science is of central importance to me. Its aim is to develop an independent and neutral basis that will enable us to tackle the challenges of our time in a solution-orientated manner. It must not remain in an ivory tower, but must proactively seek dialogue with the public, communicate clearly, offer guidance and create enthusiasm."

"In Switzerland, which is poor in raw materials, the sciences are key to society’s prosperity. This includes, in particular, leading universities and cutting-edge research in order to attract the best people. These will also make our companies competitive at a later stage."