Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS)

Clean Air Policies in the Global South: What Works? 🌍 Air pollution is a major global health crisis—yet many lower- and middle-income countries lack the monitoring capacity to guide action. In a new PNAS paper, the research team shows that even without perfect data, proven solutions can be implemented now to reduce pollution and protect public health. 🔗 Watch the Final Workshop Video https://lnkd.in/eCRvmDrD 🔗 Read the article https://lnkd.in/ed_hfKAY This interdisciplinary project investigated urban air pollution policies in Accra 🇬🇭, Kampala 🇺🇬, Johannesburg 🇿🇦, Jakarta 🇮🇩, Dhaka 🇧🇩, and Delhi 🇮🇳. Drawing on interviews, surveys, and roundtable discussions, the team identified policy packages that are both environmentally effective and politically feasible. This research was supported by the Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS) 🔗 Learn more about the project https://lnkd.in/ejzKt2XM Research Team: Coordinator: Thomas Bernauer | Co-Coordinator: Keith Smith Principal Members: Vally Koubi, Ella H. Institutions: ETH Zürich, University of Bern SNIS Members: Director: Bernhard Fuhrer | Program Manager: Damien Marti #UrbanAirPollution #EnvironmentalPolicy #GlobalSouth #PublicHealth #ClimateAction #SustainableCities #SNIS #PNAS #CleanAir #DevelopmentPolicy

🔍 How can we use AI efficiently & ethically in global research? 🌍 Join KFPE_CH (soon GRP-Alliance) on 20 June for a conference + online workshops to learn, share & connect! 📢 Register now: https://lnkd.in/eSnQ65Jw #AI #GlobalResearch #Ethics #Collaboration #KFPE #GRPAlliance

One Health and Citizen Science Approaches for Contextualised, Community-Led Interventions Tackling Water-Borne Parasitic Diseases in Chad 🇹🇩 Empowering local voices in global health: How can citizen science improve water-borne disease control in Chad? A milestone moment for the ATRAP UGIDRC team! The recent visit to Guéra, Chad, marks the start of deep collaboration with local communities to tackle neglected tropical diseases through citizen engagement and interdisciplinary science. These field insights will be instrumental in developing sustainable, culturally grounded interventions. This project investigates how One Health and citizen science approaches can empower communities to better understand and manage water-borne parasitic diseases like schistosomiasis. Through collaboration with health professionals, researchers, and community members, the project explores how locally adapted knowledge and inclusive methods can improve disease surveillance and response. It aims to generate practical, evidence-based solutions for public health policies in Chad and beyond. This research project has been funded by the Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS) 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e2exs2hb Research Team: Coordinator: Helena Greter Co-Coordinator: Salome Dürr Principal Members: liesbet jacobs, Mahamat Bechir, Tine Huyse, Richard Bongo Naré Ngandolo, Annour Adoum Batil Institutions: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Bern, University of Amsterdam, ONG ASRADD, The Royal Museum for Central Africa, IRED Chad SNIS Members: Director: Bernhard Fuhrer Program Manager: Damien Marti #OneHealth #CitizenScience #ATrap #GlobalHealth #Chad #ParasiticDiseases #PublicHealth #InterdisciplinaryResearch

The Empty Office: An International Study of Teleworking 🧑💼 🏢 👨💼 How does remote work reshape our social lives? A recent workshop held at the University of Geneva with Professor Bernie Hogan (University of Oxford) provided valuable insights into the use of Network Canvas, a digital tool designed to collect and visualise personal network data. This training has strengthened the methodological foundations of The Empty Office project and further enhanced the team’s capacity to analyse the complex social dimensions of remote and flexible work. The session exemplifies the collaborative and interdisciplinary ethos underpinning this international research initiative. Teleworking is now a defining feature of modern labour markets, yet its impact on well-being remains unclear. While it promises flexibility and better work-life balance, recent studies point to growing isolation, weaker social support, and tighter managerial control. The Empty Office explores these dynamics through a longitudinal, mixed-methods study of teleworkers’ personal networks in Switzerland, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. Combining insights from sociology, economics, psychology, and public health, the project examines how remote work is reshaping social relations and daily life. This research project has been funded by the Swiss Network for International Studies (Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS)). To explore how teleworking is reshaping work, life, and well-being in Europe, visit the project page below: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/en-sXb9J Research Team: Coordinator: Mattia Vacchiano Co-Coordinator: eric widmer Principal Members: Melanie Arntz-Retherford, Manal Azzi, Nicola Cianferoni, Koorosh Massoudi, Oscar Molina Romo, Stephanie Steinmetz Institutions: University of Geneva, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research, International Labour Organization, SECO Economic Cooperation and Development , Université de Lausanne, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, University of Amsterdam Associate Members: Stéphane Cullati Associate Institutions: University of Geneva SNIS Members: Director: Bernhard Fuhrer Program Manager: Damien Marti #TheEmptyOffice #Teleworking #RemoteWork #SocialNetworks #WorkLifeBalance #PublicHealth #Sociology #MixedMethods #SNIS #Europe

🚰 Urban Sanitation & Power Structures: Rethinking the Status Quo 🌍 Sanitation remains a global challenge. Two billion people still lack access to safe sanitation, particularly in informal urban areas where large-scale sewer networks are neither practical nor affordable. Despite efforts to promote Citywide Inclusive Sanitation centralized infrastructure remains dominant. At Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS), we support research that challenges established models and explores inclusive, adaptable solutions. The U-STASIS project, hosted by the Université de Neuchâtel, investigates the economic and political forces shaping urban sanitation policies and their influence on SDG 6.2 implementation. 🔍 Key findings: 💰 Multilateral development banks have played a crucial role in shaping sanitation policies since the 1960s, often reinforcing utility-based models that don’t always maximize public health outcomes. 📊 The "sanitation bargain" typology identifies different models of service provision and their impact on social equity. ⚖️ Truly inclusive sanitation requires rethinking financing, governance, and service delivery to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. 📽️ Watch Andri Heidler’s video on urban sanitation & inequality 👉 https://lnkd.in/e5jMd8cN 📖 Read the full article on sanitation bargains 👉 https://lnkd.in/dsQjkA9Z 🎓 Research Team: 🔹 Coordinator: Olivier Crevoisier 🔹 Co-Coordinator: Christoph Lüthi 🔹 Principal Members: Andri Heidler, John Gaventa, Josiane Nikiema, Eng., M.A.Sc., Ph.D., Mahbub-Ul Alam, Tim Fettback 🔹 Associated Members: Sareen Malik, Martin Gambrill, Alan Nicol, Johannes Heer 🏛️ Institutions Involved: 🔹 Université de Neuchâtel 🔹 Sandec-Eawag 🔹 International Water Management Institute (IWMI) (IMWI), 🔹 CGIAR Research Center 🔹 INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR DIARRHOEAL DISEASE RESEARCH BANGLADESH 🔹 The World Bank, Water Global Practice 🔹 BORDA – Tanzania, Dar es Salaam 🔹 African Civil Society Network on Water and Sanitation (ANEW) 🔹 International Centre for Water Management Services (CEWAS) 🔹 Institute for Development Studies, University of Sussex SNIS Members: 🔹 Director: Bernhard Fuhrer 🔹 Program Manager: Damien Marti At SNIS, we foster transdisciplinary research that creates real-world impact. #UrbanSanitation #Inequality #CWIS #SNIS #SDG6 #TransdisciplinaryResearch #GlobalDevelopment #SanitationForAll #PowerStructures

📢 Video Release: Insights from the Closing Conference on Syrian Refugee Return Policies Following the successful conclusion of the Syrian Refugee Return Policies research project, funded by SNIS, we are excited to share a video capturing key insights from the closing conference. This discussion comes at a pivotal moment as shifting geopolitical landscapes reshape migration policies. 🎥 Watch the video to hear from experts on: ✅ The interconnected nature of deportation policies in Denmark, Jordan, and Lebanon. ✅ How political shifts, including the fall of the Assad regime, impact return frameworks. ✅ The crucial role of international cooperation in safeguarding refugee rights. This research brings fresh perspectives on the urgent need for evidence-based refugee return policies. The Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS) is proud to support work that informs policy discussions at a global level. 🔹 Research Team Lisa Borrelli – Coordinator Stefanie Kurt – Co-Coordinator 🔹 Principal Members Nora Stel Annika Lindberg Nadine Kheshen 🔹 Institutions Involved HES-SO Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale Radboud University University of Gothenburg Refugee Rights and Protection 🔹 SNIS Members Bernhard Fuhrer – Director Damien Marti – Program Manager 🔍 Read more about this project on our website: https://lnkd.in/e5wivtqk 📹 Check out the SNIS YouTube page: https://lnkd.in/d5Cu2PRJ #SNIS #ResearchHighlights #RefugeeRights #MigrationPolicy #GlobalHealth #ConflictResolution

🔹 Join ScienceComm25! 🔹 At SNIS, we recognize the crucial role of science communication in addressing global challenges. That’s why we encourage researchers and practitioners to take part in ScienceComm25 on September 3–4, 2025, at SQUARE, University of St. Gallen. With the theme "Attention! Engage!", this event tackles key questions: 🗣️ How do we balance scientific integrity and visibility? 🌍 How can we reach polarized or distant audiences? 📖 How do we turn complex knowledge into compelling stories? The Call for Participation is open until March 31 – submit your contribution and be part of the conversation! More info: https://www.sciencecomm.ch #ScienceComm25 #ScienceCommunication #SNIS

Expanding Global Research on the Vaginal Microbiome 🧐 Are we overlooking key insights in women’s health? 📢 A new study in Trends in Microbiology reveals critical gaps in vaginal microbiome research—only 13% of studies focus on Africa and South America. Thanks to funding from the Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS), researchers from Swiss TPH are addressing this imbalance by promoting a global, transdisciplinary approach to microbiome research. 🧬 Why does this matter? The vaginal microbiome is essential for preventing infections, supporting reproductive health, and reducing preterm births. However, research has largely focused on high-income countries, leaving social, cultural, and environmental influences on vaginal health underexplored. This study questions current classification models and advocates for rethinking antibiotic-based treatments in favor of long-term microbiota-based solutions. 💡 With Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS) support, this research is helping to fill critical gaps in evidence by studying menstrual health practices in Peru and Cameroon. By engaging local researchers and community stakeholders, the project aims to build a more inclusive and representative health evidence base for future policymaking and interventions. 📢 Global research requires global perspectives! How can we ensure that women’s health research reflects diverse populations and lived experiences? 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/dJMXnKbX Research Team 👩🔬 Sonja Merten – Coordinator, Swiss TPH 👩🔬 Adriane Martin Hilber – Co-Coordinator, Swiss TPH Principal Members Monica R. Ticlla, PhD, Marie Dumbaugh, Ethel Mendocilla Sato, Sandra Condori Catachura, Forgu Esemu Livo, josiane Kenfack zanguim Associate Members Sarah Lebeer, Sarah Ahannach, Leonore Vander Donck, Sébastien Kenmoe, Airy Barrière Fodjo Yetgang, VIVIANA VANESSA PINEDO CANCINO Institutions Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia SNIS Members 🔹 Director: Bernhard Fuhrer 🔹 Program Manager: Damien Marti #WomenHealth #MicrobiomeResearch #GlobalHealth #HealthEquity

🔍 Important Findings: Combining Sociological, Economic, and Epidemiological Evidence to Target Malaria Interventions in Papua New Guinea and Beyond Important findings from the recent study on malaria interventions in Papua New Guinea! The research reveals how addressing socio-economic, cultural, and health system factors, in addition to traditional epidemiological data, can improve malaria intervention success. These insights will help shape more effective, tailored strategies in PNG and beyond, providing valuable lessons for other malaria-endemic regions. This work, led by experts from Swiss TPH, PNGIMR, and global partners, was made possible thanks to the Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS) 🔹 Learn more about this project here: https://lnkd.in/eP3dqQc8 🔹 Research Team Manuel Hetzel – Coordinator Emilie Pothin – Co-Coordinator 🔹 Principal Members Osama Mekki Seidahmed Clara Champagne Sophie D. Eugene Ezebilo Diana Timbi Thynn Thynn Hlaing 🔹 Associate Members William Pomat Moses Laman Stephan Karl Leo Makita Justin M. Cohen Tim Freeman Osborne Sanida 🔹 Institutions Involved Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute PNG Institute of Medical Research National Agricultural Research Institute of Papua New Guinea Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. James Cook University Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) Rotarians Against Malaria Papua New Guinea National Department of Health 🔹 SNIS Members Bernhard Fuhrer – Director Damien Marti – Program Manager #SNIS #GlobalResearch #PublicHealth #Malaria #ResearchCommunity

📢 Closing Conference on Syrian Refugee Return Policies: A Timely Policy Input in the Wake of Regime Change We are thrilled to highlight the successful conclusion of the Syrian Refugee Return Policies research project, funded by SNIS. This research has shed light on the urgent need for better refugee return policies and the role that international cooperation plays in addressing this global issue. We’re proud to have supported this important work and look forward to seeing how the findings will shape future research and policy discussions on refugee rights and migration. 🔹 Research Team Lisa Borrelli – Coordinator Stefanie Kurt – Co-Coordinator 🔹 Principal Members Nora Stel Annika Lindberg Nadine Kheshen 🔹 Institutions Involved HES-SO Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale Radboud University University of Gothenburg Refugee Rights and Protection (ALEF) 🔹 SNIS Members Bernhard Fuhrer – Director Damien Marti – Program Manager 🔍 Discover more about the research here: https://lnkd.in/e5wivtqk #SNIS #ResearchHighlights #RefugeeRights #MigrationPolicy #GlobalHealth #ConflictResolution