The government has extended measures to support Swiss scientists unable to receive funding for the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programmes.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
Português
pt
Governo suíço preenche novas lacunas para o financiamento da pesquisa europeia
A total of just over CHF1.2 billion ($1.2 billion) for 2021 and 2022 were earmarked to bridge the funding gap for Swiss researchers wishing to take part in Horizon EuropeExternal link, the economics ministry said on Wednesday.
The package includes financial help for participation in digital technology projects and participation in a major fusion energy research infrastructure.
The funds pledged were part of Switzerland’s mandatory contribution to the EU for participation in the 2021-2027 programmes.
But Switzerland was effectively locked out of it until further notice and relegated to non-associated member status last July.
The move by the EU came shortly after the Swiss government walked away from seven years of negotiations concerning an overarching institutional framework agreement to simplify bilateral relations with Brussels.
The Swiss government reiterated its goal for a “rapid association” to Horizon Europe. Martina Hirayama, State Secretary in the for Education, Research and Innovation, announced the situation would be reviewed next year.
Cooperation
In addition to the transitional measures, the government approved the launch of bilateral and multilateral research cooperation initiatives with partners outside the EU.
“Together with existing investments by universities and the government, this will be crucial in strengthening the foundation of international partnerships,” a ministry statementExternal link said.
Switzerland also plans to boost international cooperation in space. It is due to sign an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA)External link and its member states later this month.
Horizon Europe has an overall budget of €95 billion and is the largest research and innovation programme in the world.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Why cars still reign supreme in ‘rail-nation’ Switzerland
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
What’s on the horizon for Swiss research in Europe?
This content was published on
After Switzerland’s exclusion from EU research schemes, the government stepped in with transitional grants and is seeking new research partnerships.
Horizon Europe: Swiss researchers under pressure to relocate or forgo EU grants
This content was published on
Swiss-based researchers who were awarded Horizon Europe's first research grants will need to do their work outside Switzerland in the absence of an agreement with the EU.
This content was published on
Swiss scientists are being compelled to reject millions of euros on offer from the European Union to fund their research projects.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.