Farewell to Charles Kleiber, architect of the dialogue between science and society in Switzerland

Charles Kleiber, former State Secretary for Education and Research and a key figure in the development of the Swiss academic system, died on 14 January 2025 at the age of 82. An architect by training, he led the national scientific and educational landscape for over a decade. His connection with USI was strong thanks to Science et Cité and his relationship with L'ideatorio.

We interviewed Giovanni Pellegri, Head of L'ideatorio, to learn more about this connection.

Mr Pellegri, what implications has Charles Kleiber's thinking had on all the initiatives linked to the dialogue between science and society?

"Kleiber recognised the importance of knowledge and education and frequently highlighted two fundamental concepts. First, he believed in the need to integrate science within culture. This means understanding that scientific progress is not merely a collection of useful information; it also provides insights that challenge and redefine our perception of reality, encompassing everything from human existence to the vast universe. It is insufficient to simply catalogue discoveries; we must relate them to one another, encourage dialogue with our values, integrate them, and explore the new worldview that emerges. By doing so, we can consciously choose the direction we wish to proceed. Ultimately, making sense of scientific research involves transforming science into a pivotal aspect of culture. The second concept he emphasised was the necessity of adopting a critical perspective on scientific progress. While promoting science—an essential tool for society—is crucial, we must never forgo careful and critical analysis. A curious yet discerning approach ensures that scientific advancements genuinely benefit humanity."

Kleiber established the Science et Cité Foundation to foster dialogue between science and society. What spin-offs have arisen in Southern Switzerland since this initiative began?

"For over 20 years, Kleiber's vision has been realised in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland through the regional branch of science et Cité at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI). This initiative, known as L'ideatorio, provides numerous opportunities for engaging in dialogue about science. One especially significant memory dates back to the Festival of Science held in Lugano in 2001. During this event, Kleiber invited citizens to contemplate scientific progress, bringing the discussion to the heart of the city at the picturesque Patio of Lugano's City Hall. As Secretary of State for Education and Research, he was unafraid of confrontation, believing it to be essential. He was firmly convinced that science required democracy and dialogue and that citizens should have a voice in the discussion about progress. Sharing the stage with him were prominent figures, including Nobel Prize winner Renato Dulbecco, then-president of USI Marco Baggiolini, and philosopher Umberto Galimberti. However, what truly made the event special was the active participation of citizens, who played a critical role alongside the experts. The question Kleiber posed was as simple as it was crucial: where do we want to go? How can we manage uncertainty? Can and should we trust science? This event was not only a moment of collective reflection, but a concrete example of Kleiber's vision: an open and democratic dialogue that put the relationship between science and society at the centre".

How important was Charles Kleiber for the birth of L'ideatorio?

"L'ideatorio has always operated based on Kleiber's initial insights. For him, acquiring knowledge was less important than understanding its meaning. From the beginning, our work has not focused solely on explaining science; rather, it aims to demonstrate its impact on everyday life and our perspective on existence. Our goal has been to encourage reflection on how science profoundly affects our worldview. A central aspect of our mission has been to avoid treating scientific knowledge as unique and self-sufficient in addressing the complexities of reality. We have promoted the integration of knowledge, encouraged dialogue with other forms of understanding, and recognised the cultural role of science. I have always held a deep respect for Kleiber's ideas. His thoughts remain relevant today and continue to inspire our work. However, an ongoing challenge remains: to find effective tools that can transform science into a genuinely cultural and democratic endeavour, capable of engaging society in a constructive dialogue."

What steps forward have been taken, thanks to his foresight?

"The Science et Cité Foundation, which he established, is now active in all three main language regions of Switzerland. Over time, it has grown into a centre of excellence for the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. This initiative has led to numerous projects, including science festivals, exhibitions, science cafés, participatory meetings, and more. To understand the impact of this original idea, one need only look at the experience in Ticino: the regional branch of Science et Cité, represented by L'ideatorio at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), has become a significant point of reference. Since its inception, 230,000 people have discovered a place where science and society can engage in dialogue. This project illustrates how a single idea can evolve into a movement that continues to inspire and involve thousands of individuals."

Kleiber was active until a few weeks ago, also thanks to a project he cared a lot about, "Ateliers du futur". Can you tell us what it is about?

"Kleiber never ceased to innovate. Even in his 80s, he continued to engage with others, present new ideas, and seek out collaborations. A curious and intelligent individual, he developed an innovative format called the Ateliers du Futur, which aimed to encourage dialogue across various fields of knowledge. These were participatory meetings that brought together citizens, experts, associations, and anyone interested in reflecting on and discussing contemporary issues such as health, sustainable development, and education. The goal was to confront the complexities of the world with awareness rather than remaining unprepared or silent in the face of real challenges. Kleiber firmly believed in the power of dialogue and the importance of shared ideas. His work was a true passion for him, and when you love what you do, life always feels too short."

Biography

Charles Kleiber was born on 9 December 1942. He trained as an architect before beginning a long career in administration and academia. After serving as the director of the University Hospitals of Lausanne for seven years, he was appointed State Secretary for Education and Research of the Swiss Confederation in 1997. His term lasted until 2007, during which he played a crucial role in consolidating the Swiss education and science system, helping it to become an international standard. Kleiber was a key promoter of collaborations between universities, industry, and government institutions, which strengthened the role of research in society. After his retirement, he continued to serve the academic and cultural community by chairing the BSI Architectural Foundation and collaborating with various institutions in Switzerland and abroad.