Switzerland’s top universities and research institutes have called on the government to intensify efforts to regain access to European Union research collaborations.
Last week, the government announced plans to free up CHF290 million ($313 million) to make up for lost grants from the Horizon Europe program.
But a collection of top Swiss learning establishments, known as the ETH Domain, said on ThursdayExternal link that the money is not enough on its own. Researchers and students are also losing priceless connections with EU counterparts by being frozen out of the most prestigious projects, including space and quantum research.
“Switzerland is losing an opportunity to help shape the development of European research and innovation and to set priorities,” ETH Domain stated. “There is a risk that top researchers will emigrate abroad or no longer come to Switzerland at all, and our country will lose touch internationally.”
The EU is the most important region for finding educational and corporate partners, far outweighing Asia and the United States. For example, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) finds 90% of its partners in the EU.
In addition, Swiss students, apprentices and educational establishments are losing out from exclusion of the Erasmus student exchange program.
The ETH Domain comprises the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) and Lausanne (EPFL), the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and Empa.
Popular Stories
More
Workplace Switzerland
Meet the foreigners who make up a quarter of the Swiss population
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament has approved a culture budget of almost CHF1 billion for 2025-2028. However, the budget of the Swiss Arts Council (Pro Helvetia) has been cut.
This content was published on
The head of UBS Switzerland, Sabine Keller-Busse, says around 190 bank branches will remain across the country when Credit Suisse is fully integrated in 2026.
Storm-damaged road reopens in Saas Valley in southern Switzerland
This content was published on
The Saas Valley in canton Valais is once again fully accessible. The main cantonal road had been closed for six days due to a landslide caused by storms and heavy rain.
This content was published on
Swiss agricultural chemicals company Syngenta plans to cut around 150 jobs at its Basel headquarters by the end of the year.
This content was published on
There are fewer apartments and homes available to rent in Switzerland, according to the latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
This content was published on
Owing to the difficult economic situation, Swiss companies are expecting a gloomier employment situation, a new survey shows.
This content was published on
Almost 60 countries, including Switzerland, have issued a joint statement condemning a new morality law introduced in Afghanistan by the Taliban.
Nestlé Waters to pay €2 million fine to resolve French mineral water case
This content was published on
Nestle’s water unit has agreed to pay €2 million (CHF1.9 million) to resolve criminal allegations in France regarding natural mineral water.
EU confirms Swiss ‘third country’ status for research projects
This content was published on
Switzerland has been locked out of the EU's flagship Horizon Europe research and innovation programme until further notice.
Swiss president: ‘Door not closed’ on Horizon Europe research
This content was published on
Swiss president Guy Parmelin has said it would be “very unfortunate” if Switzerland were classified as a third country in Horizon Europe.
Expanded Swiss research campus to concentrate on sustainable energy
This content was published on
Two of Switzerland’s leading science and technology research institutes have started construction work on the expansion of their campus near Zurich.
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.