A meeting of minds at the 2016 World Economic Forum who ask “Can Switzerland sustain its economic and political models in the long run?”

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Bombarded with headlines such as Does neuroscience have a future in the courtroom? and What can we learn from rebuilding Fukushima? it was not hard to resist the pull to be part of this year’s World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. The Swiss ski resort has become instantly recognizable for hosting the annual meeting of great global … Read more

Exhibiting a lifetime’s work: one man’s search for a fitting space to bring his art together

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The artwork of Claude Le Roy is described as “like a graphic improvisation, unbridled and meticulously painted or coloured with details like an illuminator” (Art Historian Laurent Danchin). His giant canvases with their intricate imaginary calligraphy reveal his memories of growing up in Algeria. Painting the colourful symbols comes naturally to him he told me, just as … Read more

All the fun of the fair: the emotional roller coaster for one Syrian family adjusting to their new Swiss home

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Beneath the dazzling lights of Basel’s ancient Herbstmesse fair, I found myself wandering the cobblestones of Munsterplatz today, with a young Syrian family who arrived in Basel with their children three weeks ago. This was the first day the Kurdish family of five had felt brave enough to venture into the city. “What is it … Read more