The Society

The Swiss Zoological Society (SZS), founded in 1893 alongside its scientific journal, the “Revue Suisse de Zoologie” promotes and supports original research in zoology. Dedicated to advancing the study of animals, the SZS fosters scientific exchange, strengthens collaborations across career stages, and ensures the dissemination of new discoveries. As a member of the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT), members of the SZS consist of professional zoologists, researchers, students, as well people with a keen interest in the study of animals.

Each year, the SZS organizes Biology, Switzerland’s largest annual conference in organismal biology, in collaboration with the Swiss Botanical Society and the Swiss Systematics Society. Drawing several hundred attendees, this two-day event rotates among Swiss academic institutions and serves as the country’s premier platform for scientific exchange in organismal biology, bringing together researchers at all career stages. Beyond the conference, the SZS actively supports students and early-career researchers through annual travel grants and an Early Achievement Award, which recognize exceptional contributions to the field of zoology. The SZS also supports the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques (CSRS) in Ivory Coast.