Il Swiss Prize, promoted by Swiss Initiative, will award its sixth edition on November 7, 2026 to Kursaal BernThe award will go to Prof. Dr. Thomas H. Zurbuchen, an astrophysicist originally from the Bernese Oberland, former scientific director of NASA and now at the helm of ETH Zurich Space, the structure dedicated to space science and technology at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

The jury justified their choice by highlighting a professional career that has contributed to consolidating Switzerland's role in the international space research landscape. Zurbuchen was the first Swiss to hold the position of Associate Administrator for Science at the NASA, a position he held from 2016 to 2022. During those years, he coordinated a budget of up to $8 billion and oversaw approximately 130 scientific missions.

Among the projects followed are initiatives that have marked the last decade of space exploration: the space telescope James Webb Space Telescope, the Martian mission Perseverance and the planetary defense test DART mission, considered a significant step in the strategy to protect the Earth from asteroids.

During his tenure, Zurbuchen also promoted a model of closer collaboration between public and private research, encouraging the participation of businesses in scientific missions. This approach, according to several observers, has contributed to changing the traditional balance between public institutions and industrial innovation.

After more than twenty years in the United States, the scientist returned to Switzerland in 2023. As head of ETH Zurich Space, he is committed to strengthening national expertise in the aerospace sector and building synergies between universities, companies, and institutions. He has repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of space for advanced economies, including in terms of digital infrastructure, satellite communications, and Earth observation.

The central theme of the 2026 edition of the Prix Suisse will be «Future of Space»The meeting will bring together experts to discuss the evolution of the sector: from lunar missions to Mars programs, to satellite networks ensuring global connectivity. The debate will also address the implications for Switzerland, a country with a strong scientific tradition and an industrial sector specializing in high-precision technologies.

The Prize, awarded annually to individuals who have distinguished themselves through innovation and impact on the country, has so far recognized figures from business, sports, culture, and science. With the 2026 edition, attention returns to the world of research, at a time when space is being viewed by governments and companies as an area of ​​global strategic competition.

According to the organizers, the award to Zurbuchen is intended to recognize not only the scientific achievements achieved during his career, but also his role as a role model for new generations of Swiss researchers.

Further information is available on the official channels:

The foundation Swiss Initiative, led by Stefan Linder, supports innovative projects in all regions of the country and awards the Prix Suisse on a rotating basis in the fields of business, science, sport and culture.

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