GESDA for the First time in Davos
GESDA, the foundation that anticipates emerging scientific discoveries and translate them into concrete actions for the benefit of society, is pleased to be present at the Davos international forum for the first time, participating to advance three core objectives:
- Engage global leaders at the Congress Center to explore the investment and growth opportunities enabled by science anticipation.
- Anchor anticipation at the Science House, demonstrating how looking ahead enables more equitable access to the benefits of science.
- Co-create executive training at InTent to prepare leaders—beyond the sustainability agenda—for a world accelerated by science and technology.
Between January 19 and 23, 2026, GESDA will be on stage at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, bringing science anticipation, and demonstrating how emerging science and technology can better inform long-term governance, global cooperation, and inclusive prosperity. Leaders from government, business, academia, philanthropy, and civil society will gather under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”. The programme – structured around key global challenges such as cooperation in a contested world, unlocking new sources of growth, and deploying innovation responsibly – offers a natural space for GESDA to demonstrate the value of anticipatory science and diplomacy.
Throughout the week, GESDA will participate in the official WEF programme and in partner-led events, Contributing expertise through panels, workshops, and targeted discussions. Working alongside leading institutions such as Wellcome, ETH Zurich, CERN, and Frontiers, GESDA will share insights from the GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar® and support conversations on how anticipatory science can strengthen global decision-making.
GESDA-led events
Tuesday, 20 January – 15:00–15:45, Spotlight, Congress Centre (WEF Zone B)
“Science as a Growth Engine”
GESDA’s Director General Marilyne Andersen will moderate a high-level panel with senior leaders from government, industry and science. The discussion will explore the role of science in economic and societal prosperity, and how anticipation can unlock opportunities for the benefit of all.
Possibility to participate in Live Stream
Wednesday, 21 January – 10:00–12:00, InTent, Hotel National
“Leading in a Science-Accelerated World”
GESDA will hold a hands-on workshop bringing together 50 senior executives, board members, and thought leaders to examine how leadership training must evolve in an era where science and technology are advancing faster than institutional systems.
Thursday, 22 January – 14:00–14:45, Frontiers – Science House
“Quantum for All: International Year of Quantum”
GESDA will convene a multistakeholder panel alongside UNESCO, CERN, Microsoft and others. Building on the success of the Open Quantum Institute, the session will explore how quantum technologies can be scaled responsibly and accessibly during the International Year of Quantum.
Partner events featuring GESDA
Monday, 19 January – 16:25–16:50, Frontiers – Science House
“Transformative Science for Global Challenges”
Marilyne Andersen, GESDA Director General, at the opening ceremony of the Science House
Wednesday, 21 January – 18:00–20:00, ETH – Observatorium Davos
“RETHINKING Science Diplomacy”
Marilyne Andersen, GESDA Director General, panellist
Friday, 23 January – 10:00–11:00, @ Frontiers – Science House
“Restoring Multilateralism with Science Diplomacy”
Moderated by Martin Müller, GESDA Executive Director Science Anticipator
