

At a recent event organized by the Center for Space and Habitability of the University of Bern and held at the Swiss Pavilion, Rector Virginia Richter welcomed guests from academia, including long-standing Japanese partners of the University. Together with Tsubasa Fabbri of Swissnex in Japan, she opened an engaging panel discussion titled “Exploring Space, Advancing Human Health: How Space Research, Medicine and AI Shape Our Future.”
The panel brought together prominent experts from Switzerland and Japan:
- Dr. Masaki Fujimoto, Director General, ISAS of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
- Dr. Audrey Vorburger, Assistant Professor of Space Research and Planetary Sciences, University of Bern
- Prof. Dr. Matthias Wilhelm, Medical Director at the Centre for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Insel Gruppe & University of Bern
- Prof. Dr. Tadahiro Taniguchi, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University & Ritsumeikan University
- Dr. Marco Sieber, Swiss Astronaut, European Space Agency (ESA)
Together, the panel explored how research conducted in space environments is informing advances in human health, both in orbit and on Earth—particularly in the fields of rehabilitation, aging, and artificial intelligence.
Showcasing Swiss Space Innovation
The University of Bern also takes center stage in the Pavilion’s AUGMENTED HUMAN exhibition. On display are two high-precision mass spectrometers developed for flagship missions by ESA and JAXA. These instruments, used to analyze the chemical makeup of celestial bodies, exemplify Switzerland’s cutting-edge capabilities in instrumentation and planetary science.
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FDFA, Presence Switzerland -
FDFA, Presence Switzerland -
FDFA, Presence Switzerland
The Scent of Space
Adding an unexpected dimension to the experience, visitors can encounter “The Scent of Space”—an interactive exhibit based on data from the ROSINA instrument aboard ESA’s Rosetta mission. Thanks to this Swiss-developed technology, the aroma of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko has been scientifically reconstructed, offering a rare sensory insight into the cosmos.
A Swiss–Japanese Partnership for the Future
This event is a testament to the enduring collaboration between Swiss and Japanese academic institutions. With shared interests in space science, AI, and healthcare, both countries are paving the way for discoveries that not only push the boundaries of what is possible in space but also bring tangible benefits to life on Earth. We invite all visitors to experience these exhibits and conversations firsthand at the Swiss Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka, and celebrate Swiss ingenuity on a truly global stage.
Find more
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Augmented Human
April 13, 2025 — June 10, 2025The Swiss Pavilion program at Expo 2025 will showcase a variety of engaging activities, including Robo Food by EPFL, where edible robotic parts will be explored in an expert exchange; The Reality of Deep Fakes, also by EPFL, which bridges experts and the public in discussions about digital authenticity; SushiTech Startups by Swissnex, highlighting cutting-edge technologies in a start-up and industry exchange; Future of Cinema by HEAD (Geneva University of Art and Design), focusing on innovative trends in cinema; and Rethinking museum collections by ZHdK (Zurich University of the Arts), exploring the digitalization of cultural heritage and its accessibility through a targeted exchange.
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Augmented Farming: NexGen Innovations For Food Security
May 1, 2025On the occasion of the Swiss National Day at Expo 2025, Swissnex in Japan brought together pioneers of technology and agriculture from Switzerland and Japan for “Augmented Farming: NexGen Innovations For Food Security,” an event exploring how AI, robotics, and smart solutions are transforming food systems for a more sustainable and secure future. The evening highlighted the shared challenges and innovative responses emerging in both countries.
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Geneva Public Portal to Anticipation
April 13, 2025 — October 13, 2025The Geneva Public Portal to Anticipation will be a consistent feature in sphere 3 of the Swiss Pavilion, highlighting the importance of anticipation. This interactive installation at the intersection of art, science, and diplomacy invites visitors to craft fictional futures based on data from the GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar, which anticipate scientific trends over the next 5, 10, and 25 years.
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KENTO x Switzerland Health and Medical Symposium
February 19, 2024The KENTO × Switzerland Health and Medical Symposium, hosted by Swissnex in Japan in partnership with Suita City and the University of Bern, marked a significant milestone in international healthcare collaboration. Held on February 16, 2024, at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, this event brought together esteemed professionals and experts from Switzerland and Japan to discuss advancements in cardiovascular disease prevention and healthy lifespan extension.