The serene town of Davos transforms into a hub of scientific and economic dialogue as the Frontiers Science House opens its doors. Coinciding with the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026, this initiative aims to re-center open science within global discussions tackling today’s multifaceted challenges.
Dr Kamila Markram, CEO and co-founder of Frontiers, emphasized the vision behind the Science House:
“Our first objective in creating the Frontiers Science House is to give scientists a seat at the table with policy makers and business leaders to address our current societal challenges. Our second objective is to showcase that science can be easily and cost-effectively accelerated by simply making it openly accessible […] This is why we started Frontiers: we are on a mission to make all science open so we can accelerate the scientific solutions to deliver healthy lives on a healthy planet.”
The inaugural session highlighted the growing importance of open science in tackling systemic issues such as climate change, health, and artificial intelligence. Speakers from various sectors underscored the necessity for transparency and trust in scientific endeavors while cautioning against misinformation.
Dr Henry Markram, co-founder of Frontiers and other research initiatives, remarked on the potential of open science:
“Open science solves societal challenges and creates real returns – if we share open, useable data as we are doing with the Open Brain Institute, we not only accelerate the technology that brings solutions to medical and social problems, we stimulate the R&D investment that transforms businesses and economies.”
Notable figures such as John Arne Rottingen of the Wellcome Trust and Michiel Scheffer from the European Innovation Council contributed to the dialogue, emphasizing international collaboration and innovation as keys to overcoming global challenges.
What to Watch This Week
Throughout the week, Frontiers Science House will host over 50 sessions, integrating scientific evidence into discussions shaping worldwide agendas.
Program Highlights Include:
-
Open science and knowledge equity: Delving into how open research can enhance transparency and equity across fields.
-
Precision healthcare and data-driven medicine: Exploring cutting-edge advancements that could redefine global health policies.
-
Announcement: SPARK Microgravity unveils new cancer research methods in space (Session: “Curing cancer in space,” Tuesday, 20 January, 10:15 CET).
-
Climate and planetary restoration: Addressing biodiversity, net-zero goals, and scalable environmental solutions.
-
Digital intelligence and governance: Panels focused on the governance of AI and emerging digital frameworks.
-
Financing scientific solutions: Discussing strategies for funding and scaling scientific innovations for global impact.
-
Emerging technologies: Showcasing innovations poised to transform industries and societies.
-
Live demonstration: Demonstrating AI and VR applications in manufacturing and training (Chalmers University of Technology demo area).
-
Live demonstration: Unveiling structural battery technology with potential applications in construction, transport, and energy (Session: “Discover Structural Batteries,” Tuesday, 20 January, 11:30 CET).
-
Live demonstration: Practical applications of structural battery devices, including a hollow torch and aircraft door design (Thursday, 22 January, 15:00 CET).
The event features distinguished speakers, including Nobel laureates, CEOs, policy leaders, and heads of international organizations, ensuring that scientific insights are integrated into broader discussions on economics and policy at Davos.
Media representatives are encouraged to attend sessions, engage with speakers, and explore stories at the convergence of science, policy, and global leadership.
Full details on the Frontiers Science House program can be found here.
Location:
Frontiers Science House
Hotel Europe, ground floor
Promenade 63
7270 Davos
Switzerland
For interview requests, speaker access, or additional background, please contact:
Frontiers Public Relations Team
publicrelations@frontiersin.org
On-the-ground at Davos:
Stephan Kuster
Director of External Affairs, Frontiers
Original Story at www.frontiersin.org