Register now for the Latsis Symposium 2025: Science for Global Development and Humanitarian Action

How can science and technology help solve the world’s most pressing challenges? The Latsis Symposium 2025, hosted by ETH for Development (ETH4D), brings together global experts to discuss how science can drive sustainable development and enhance humanitarian response.
Join the Latsis Symposium 2025!
Are you a researcher working on global sustainable development or humanitarian action?
Or a practitioner from the public or private sector eager to connect with researchers and explore science-based solutions to today’s most pressing global challenges?
Register now to be part of the Latsis Symposium 2025!
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: 10-12 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
Young researchers will 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.
Call for Contributions
Are you a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher conducting research that supports sustainable development in low- or middle-income countries or humanitarian action?
Join the ETH Latsis Symposium on Science for Global Development and Humanitarian Action, 10-12th of September 2025, and present your research in a short presentation and discuss it with other researchers and decision-makers in a poster session.
Your Poster
Any research that offers innovative scientific solutions that contribute to sustainable development or humanitarian action are considered, but we particularly encourage applications by researchers who work on the following topics: global health, inclusive climate adaptation/energy, sustainable housing/infrastructure, and innovative solutions for humanitarian work and peacebuilding.
Application Process
Download and complete the application form found on our website. Upload the completed application form and the scientific paper your poster will be based on.
Application Deadline: 20 May 2025