20th Anniversary of USI Informatics: An Auction to Support the Talents of the Future

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of USI's Faculty of Informatics and its Alumni Reunion on Friday, May 9, 2025 — attended by Switzerland’s first astronaut, Claude Nicollier — USI has launched a new initiative: an auction that blends art, science, and solidarity, with the goal of supporting the next generation of students.

Ten limited-edition prints from Lvgaxy Astro Flowers by Yuri Catania have been put up for auction to fund scholarships for informatics students. Printed on cotton paper in a 60 x 90 cm format, each artwork has been co-signed by the artist Yuri Catania and Claude Nicollier, who is also portrayed in the piece, making them unique collector's items with strong symbolic value. The auction has been made possible thanks in part to the City of Lugano, which originally commissioned the work displayed on the facade of the Palazzo dei Congressi in Lugano.

This initiative reinforces USI’s long-standing commitment — and in particular our Career & Alumni Service — to the space sector. As a member of the SXS Space Exchange Switzerland consortium, USI works to promote space-related careers for Swiss students and young professionals.

The auction is open to all art and space enthusiasts. You can place your bid here: USI Auction – Space, Art, and Scholarships, until Friday, May 30, 2025.

If you’re interested in learning more about space careers for young professionals, visit the Career Service website, section Space Exchange Switzerland