Compassionate Science - Integrating Empathy and Compassion in Research

"Science is indispensable to modern society. It shines a light on governmental decisions, nourishes innovation and helps to face major health, environmental, technological and societal challenges. But in a complex, uncertain world and with rising societal expectations, the role of science is no longer restricted to producing reliable knowledge. How research is conducted, shared and discussed with society is just as decisive.

This report focussing on compassionate science considers this aspect. Developed in several European countries, this compassionate science approach in no way questions the need for scientific rigor. On the contrary, it proposes supplementing it with increased focus on the human aspects of research, by inviting scientists to recognise the needs of those affected and to act responsibly. Scientific excellence and the quality of human relations are not contradictory; rather, they accentuate each other. The report by the Swiss Young Academy makes a valuable contribution to this discussion. It shows that compassionate science is firmly embedded in the values on which the Swiss scientific system is already based. In particular, it continues the approaches developed by the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences supporting citizen science, scientific integrity, research ethics, communication with various audiences, as well as equity, diversity and inclusion. This approach is a reminder that faith in science is based just as much on the quality of methods as it is on transparency, dialogue and respect for individuals. Research that is attentive, responsible and empathetic reinforces its social relevance, supports improved mutual understanding and contributes to closer, long-term relations between science and society. By embarking on this discussion, the Swiss Young Academy is encouraging appreciation of research that blends innovation, excellence and responsibility. This vision is fully in keeping with the mission of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, which is to promote open, honest, inclusive science worthy of society’s trust. Let us hope that this report will contribute to discussion and inspire a scientific culture in which excellence and care for people progress together."

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the Compassionate Science project and helped bring it to life.

We are especially grateful to the Swiss Young Academy Sounding Board, Susan Thieme, Hugues Abriel, Marc Zbinden, and Mirko Bischofberger, for their guidance, thoughtful feedback, and support throughout the development of the project.

We are also very grateful to the Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences (FORS) for generously welcoming us into their offices for the filming and for supporting us throughout the two days of production. Our special thanks go to Corine Bolle, Caroline Dubois Jribi, Cécile Nguyen Trang, and Georg Lutz for making this possible.

We warmly thank Marc Studer and Jonas Humbel from MAVEN Film for their creativity, professionalism, and care in producing the video series and translating the spirit of Compassionate Science into film.

We are deeply grateful to all the researchers who shared their experiences and perspectives with us and whose contributions form an essential part of this project.

Finally, our sincere thanks go to all Swiss Young Academy members, colleagues, friends, and family members who took part in conversations about Compassionate Science throughout the development of the project. Their questions, ideas, encouragement, and different perspectives helped us reflect on what compassionate research can and should mean.

Compassionate Science was itself shaped by dialogue, collaboration, and care, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to that process.